Design of Lift Lobbies at BTO Blocks Traps Rain
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Foo Mee Har’s inquiry on measures to prevent BTO lift lobbies and walkways from being drenched during rain. Minister Lawrence Wong explained that HDB adopts an open concept for natural ventilation and eco-friendliness, using overhangs and graded floors with scupper drains to mitigate splashing. He stated that rain screens are introduced where appropriate based on studies and feedback, provided they do not impede fire safety or residents' views. Minister Lawrence Wong noted that while these measures are generally adequate, heavy wind-driven rain can remain a challenge. He invited Members to refer specific block issues to the Housing and Development Board for detailed assessment.
Transcript
59 Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for National Development what can be done to rectify the situation where BTO blocks' lift lobbies and the walkways between lifts and flats are always drenched during rainy days.
Mr Lawrence Wong: The lift lobbies and common corridors at Housing and Development Board (HDB) Build-To-Order (BTO) projects are designed to be naturally lit and ventilated. This open concept design is eco-friendly and lowers maintenance costs.
In Singapore's tropical climate, especially during monsoon seasons, rainwater splashing along more open areas like lift lobbies and common corridors in a heavy downpour is inevitable. Hence, for weather protection, common corridors are provided with an extended overhang, that is, a canopy. While this measure is generally adequate, it may not be able to fully prevent the corridor from getting wet during heavy downpours accompanied by strong winds. To avoid water-ponding and overly wet floors during rain, the floors at lift lobbies and common corridors are graded to allow excess water to flow to the scupper drain.
HDB introduces rain screens where appropriate, based on feedback from residents as well as its own studies. Nonetheless, such screens are not installed in all locations as some locations need to be kept open and well-ventilated for fire safety reasons. Some residents may also view the rain screens as an obstruction to their view.
Members who have feedback on issues related to specific blocks can approach HDB so that we can look into the details.