Compliance with Industry Standard for Sound Proofing in HDB Flats
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether HDB flats must comply with soundproofing industry standards compared to private condominiums, as raised by Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee replied that while no specific local standard for intra-building soundproofing exists, HDB utilizes Noise Impact Assessments and sound-insulated drywalls. New Build-To-Order projects launched since February 2023 also incorporate thicker floor slabs and facade overhangs to reduce noise transmission, matching standards found in private residences. These specifications are comparable to high-rise private developments, where developers are responsible for ensuring proper structural sound attenuation for their residents. HDB’s holistic design approach aims to provide a pleasant living environment through these integrated noise mitigation and acoustic insulation measures.
Transcript
35 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB flats are required to comply with an industry standard for sound proofing; and (b) if so, how does this standard compare to high-rise private residences such as condominiums.
Mr Desmond Lee: There is currently no local standard for intra-building soundproofing for residential developments. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) takes a holistic approach when designing flats to mitigate noise and to provide a pleasant living environment for residents. This includes factoring in acoustic insulation and soundproofing.
For new flats located close to land traffic noise sources, such as major arterial roads and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) tracks, HDB carries out a Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) during the design consultancy stage to assess the potential noise impact on the new residential development. Based on the NIA, HDB puts in place the appropriate noise mitigation measures. For such flats, HDB has also introduced facade designs with overhangs or canopies to deflect and abate land transport noise transmission into the dwelling units.
Within the flat, the internal partition walls are built of Severe Duty grade drywall system and are filled with sound insulation materials. These high-quality drywalls provide the acoustic insulation and performance suitable for residential use, comparable to concrete walls of similar thickness. New Build-To-Order projects launched since February 2023 are also built with thicker floor slabs, which help to further reduce noise and impact transmission. This is generally similar to the specifications for high-rise private residential developments.
For high-rise private residential developments, the onus is on the developers to design their projects with proper structural sound attenuation to provide a pleasant living environment for residents.