Singapore’s Housing and Development Board has unveiled designs for what will be the first eco-friendly residential project on the island. While this is not the greenest residential project we’ve seen to date, it is a step in the right direction, as over 80% of Singaporean households live in HDB apartments and they will soon have a more environmentally friendly living option. Treetops@Punggol embraces nature and utilizes green technologies including solar panels, roof gardens and grey water recycling systems for effective energy, water and waste management.
The residential development (set to be complete by 2011) is comprised of seven 16-story towers arranged around an “eco-deck” community garden area. The eco-deck (which covers the roof of the car park) will act as a green lung to absorb heat and provide shade for the jogging track, exercise station and children’s playground made from recycled materials. All outdoor and common corridor lights will be powered by solar panels installed on the roofs of the towers, saving up to 80% in energy consumption. Water-recycling systems have also been integrated into the design. A rainwater collection system will provide an estimated 130,000 gallons to be used for cleaning outdoors while all sinks in apartments will channel used water to flush toilets. Each apartment tower will also have centralized chutes for recyclable materials.
Green efforts for housing in Singapore generally tend to be half-hearted attempts at trying to satisfy a government quota. As long as you have just one solar panel or a bit of waste water recycling then it has achieved a “green” status. it would be encouraging to see more integrative, environmentally responsive housing, rather than regular housing with a few gimmicks slapped on. Nonetheless, I still think it is very encouraging that they have actually CONSIDERED the idea that HDB housing should go green, and it should pave the way for more to come.