Binus Edupark Semarang by DCM: A flagship facility by the sea

On the northern shore of Semarang—one of the oldest cities in Java Island, sometimes called the Venice of Java for its coastal and riverine geography—is a new township development spanning up to 500 hectares called Pearl of Java. It is located approximately 5 kilometres from the international airport and is currently in the early development stages.

The first public facility to be completed in the township is Binus Edupark, an education complex spanning early childhood to high school with a university campus that is currently under construction. It is designed as a cluster of low-rise forms, appropriate for its location near an airfield and to suit the marshland soil. Classrooms and other functional spaces are arranged to surround open-air courtyards and sports fields.

The building masses have been constructed in an organic shape that is inspired by seashells. Red terracotta breeze blocks make up the secondary skin, shielding the mass against solar heat gain and inviting natural breeze into the corridors between classrooms. Some areas like the sport facilities are designed to be open air, positioned to capture the breeze from north to south. Operable windows throughout the complex further enable natural ventilation to be utilised instead of air conditioning during cooler days.

According to the architect, rainwater is planned to be collected at a nearby artificial lake, which will then be treated through a natural sedimentation process to purify the water for reuse. It will be pumped towards a stormwater tank, where the non-potable water can be utilised for landscaping, sanitation and toilet flushing purposes. When completed, the complex is designed to be surrounded by coastal gardens that can invite biodiversity and provide additional shade in the hot and humid seaside weather.

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PROJECT DATA

Project Name   
Binus Edupark Semarang

Location            
Pos Avenue, Tawangsari, Semarang Barat, Jawa Tengah

Status  
Completed

Site Area           
72,357 square metres

Gross Floor Area            
15,026 square metres

Building Height
15,7 metres

Client/Owner   
PT Wiyasa Prima Ananta

Architecture Firm          
Denton Corker Marshall (DCM) Jakarta

Principal Architect         
Budiman Hendropurnomo IAI, FRAIA

Main Contractor            
PT Total Bangun Persada

Mechanical & Electrical Engineer           
PT Policipta Multi Desain

Civil & Structural Engineer         
PT Perkasa Carista Estetika

Photos
DCM Jakarta; Atmodjo

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