HDB Marks Completion of One Million Flats at Treelodge@Punggol

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean officiated at the completion ceremony of HDB’s first eco-precinct – Treelodge@Punggol. Treelodge@Punggol is also home to HDB’s one millionth flat. This is a significant milestone for HDB since its formation on 1 Feb 1960.

DPM Teo, who is also the Adviser for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, congratulated HDB, “In just 50 years, the HDB has built one million flats to house a nation. This is no mean feat, and few other countries can lay claim to such an outstanding achievement in so short a time.”

Five Decades, One Million Flats

Minister for National Development, Mr Mah Bow Tan, was also present at this momentous event. He said, “50 years ago, nobody would have thought that we could have come this far. In five decades, HDB has helped to transform Singapore to a nation of home owners. Beyond mere shelters, the HDB has built flats that Singaporeans are proud to own and call home. ”

HDB’s first eco-precinct, Treelodge@Punggol, is home to HDB’s one millionth flat. The flat owner of HDB’s one millionth completed flat was picked using a computer ballot amongst residents at Treelodge@Punggol.

Mr Wang Weiji and his wife Ms Christina Ng from Block 305D are the lucky owners of the one-millionth flat. They first booked their 4-room flat at Treelodge@Punggol when it was launched in 2007. They are currently living with Mr Wang’s parents in Hougang, and are looking forward to being first-time homeowners.


HDB’s First Eco-Precinct – Treelodge@Punggol

Having the one-millionth flat in Treelodge@Punggol is also significant as this is Singapore’s first Green Mark Platinum Award public housing project. Launched on 28 Mar 2007, the development consists of seven apartment blocks with 709 units of 3, 4 and 5-room flats.

Given that over 80% of Singaporeans live in public housing, HDB has a major role to play in promoting sustainable development in the industry. Over the years, HDB has been proactively promoting environmental sustainability by testing green technologies and innovations in its building developments.

The eco-precinct is a pilot project to demonstrate that innovation and sustainable development can be both practical and cost-effective. The eco-precinct seeks to attain lower maintenance cost while achieving various environmental objectives. In addition, the precinct will also enable the community to experience a distinctive eco-lifestyle.

Some of Treelodge@Punggol’s distinctive eco-features include the following:

a) Solar panels to tap on clean energy which will power the lighting for the common areas;
b) A dedicated recyclable refuse chute at each block to encourage recycling;
c) A first for an HDB precinct in Singapore, there is a 650-metre long tree-lined pathway that circles the development. Residents can look forward to jogging or taking leisurely walks in a lush environment;
d) A ‘Car Sharing Scheme’ will be introduced to provide residents with access to a fleet of cars, which also include hybrid cars; and
e) There are cool walls and greening on roof decks, which help to lower ambient temperature. The buildings are also designed to face the prevailing wind direction. This reduces the need for air-conditioning, which will help residents save on electricity bills.

Treelodge@Punggol was also recently awarded the Chicago Athenaeum’s Green GOOD Design Award 2010. Jointly organized by The European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, this award recognizes the importance of sustainable design.

Thousands of entries were received from over 46 nations. The winning entries were judged by members of The European Center’s International Advisory Committee, who are worldwide leaders in the design industry. Besides Treelodge@Punggol, Gardens by the Bay and The Solaris were the other winning recipients from Singapore.