PLP Architecture, based in London, has won a design competition to create South Korea’s first Net Zero National Meteorological Center in Daejeon in collaboration with PLP Labs, POSCO A&C, and A10.
London-based PLP Architecture said today that it has won a design competition for South Korea’s Net Zero National Meteorological Center.
Located in Daejeon, the project will be the first net-zero government building in South Korea, in line with global efforts to combat climate change.
The Net Zero National Meteorological Center is PLP’s first project in South Korea. Conceptualised in collaboration with PLP Labs, POSCO A&C and A10, the project is set to become a landmark in sustainable architecture.
Lee Polisano, President of PLP Architecture, said: “Our project aims to surpass net zero operations by significantly reducing embodied carbon in both construction and long-term maintenance.
“Climate change poses immense challenges for architects and designers, mirroring the crucial work of South Korea’s National Meteorological Center. We are honoured to have been selected to join them on this journey.”
The Center’s core design features the innovative ‘box in a box’ concept, enhancing thermal efficiency and accommodating various functions and spaces in a unified aesthetic. This approach creates a controlled microclimate, nurturing a thriving Four Season Garden year-round and embodying a biophilic design. This connection to nature enhances occupants’ well-being and educates the public about environmental stewardship.
The ‘third space’ between the structural volumes is a dynamic and flexible space for public engagement, accommodating exhibitions, collaborative workspaces, public talks and educational programmes. It plays a vital role in the Center’s mission to educate the public about climate issues and highlights its critical role in the country.
The project integrates well-established techniques that have been used in Korean architecture for over a millennium, into a single, cohesive design. Rather than resorting to unproven or experimental methods, this project integrates historical practices with modern design principles to effectively tackle today’s sustainability challenges.
The building’s carbon footprint is reduced through the use of cross laminated timber and recycled low-carbon steel in its structural design. These materials contribute to its overall net-zero target by lowering both operational and embodied carbon.
The workspace design prioritises flexibility and interaction, essential for the collaborative nature of weather forecasting. At the heart of the Center’s design is a large control centre housing advanced monitoring systems and personnel. This encourages the collaboration and coordination necessary for round-the-clock meteorological operations.
The Net Zero National Meteorological Center serves as both a weather forecasting hub and a beacon for sustainable and innovative design in South Korea. By achieving net-zero emissions and integrating features to educate the public, the building sets a new standard for future government buildings, leading the way in sustainable design.