Under the guidance of faculty members from the Department of Architecture, Dr.-Ing. Ir. Ova Candra Dewi, S.T., M.Sc., GP. IPU., Intan Chairunnisa, S.Ars., M.Ars., and Nisrina Dewi Salsabila, S.Ars., M.Sc., through the Energy-Efficient Buildings (BHE) course, they designed an environmentally friendly office building named E(co)mbrace, located at Simpang Lima. The design emphasizes sustainability and high energy efficiency.
The design presented by the E(co)mbrace team features a building concept that reduces CO2 emissions and meets net-zero emissions standards. The building is oriented southeast to maximize natural light in the morning, reduce energy use for lighting, and maintain thermal comfort throughout the day.
The E(co)mbrace building showcases a sustainable design tailored to Indonesia’s tropical climate. With solar panels installed on the roof, the building can generate significant renewable energy. The rainwater harvesting area covers 83% of the roof’s surface, providing water for the building’s needs and reducing dependence on clean water. Horizontal overhangs and vertical blinds further reduce heat absorption, minimizing the need for air conditioning.
FTUI Dean, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, expressed his appreciation for this achievement. “The success of the E(co)mbrace team is not only a pride for FTUI but also a testament to our commitment to developing sustainable architecture. I hope designs like this can serve as an inspiration for future environmentally friendly construction.”
One of the team members, Adinda Nayra Devi Putri, added, “We want E(co)mbrace to be an example that architecture can harmonize with nature and bring long-term benefits to society. With this technology, we hope buildings in Indonesia can become more efficient and environmentally friendly.”
Team mentor, Dr.-Ing. Ir. Ova Candra Dewi, stated that this project has been an invaluable learning experience for the students. “They have learned to apply theory in real practice and see how green building concepts can have a direct impact on society and the environment.”
The Indonesia Design for Greater Efficiency (DfGE) Design Challenge is an annual architecture competition initiated by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to encourage the development of sustainable building designs. First held in 2023, this event aims to strengthen students’ and young professionals’ understanding of green building concepts, focusing on resource-efficient designs and carbon emission reduction. In the 2024 competition, participants were challenged to design a “Zero Carbon Building” office building in Simpang Lima, Semarang. The proposed building had to achieve net-zero carbon emissions using energy efficiency strategies and renewable energy while showcasing environmentally friendly concepts that address climate challenges in Indonesia.
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