Mould is growing on Gaia, a mass-timber business school in Singapore that was completed last year for the Nanyang Technological University by Japanese architect Toyo Ito and Singapore-based studio RSP Architects.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) claimed the 43,500-square-metre school was "the largest wooden building in Asia" in terms of the volume of timber used when it opened in 2023.
The university announced this week that mould was reported to have been growing on the exterior and interior structure.
Mould has been found growing on a mass-timber school at NTU
After gaining insight from two independent experts, NTU claimed that most of the mould was found on air-conditioning supply grilles and on furniture surfaces.
The two experts concluded that the mould growth occurred due to condensation and exposure to rain, rather than the timber. "Condensation occurs when the external humid air comes into contact with cooler indoor surfaces, such as when windows and doors of the offices are opened for prolonged periods," said NTU.
The university claimed it was Asia's largest wooden building when it was completed last year
One of the external experts, National University of Singapore built environment associate professor Tham Kwok Wai, said Gaia's mass timber construction did not contribute to the mould growth, as it was properly sealed and met the certified regulatory standards.
The building has glued-laminated timber beams and columns, while cross-lamin...