Installation of Glazed or Cladded Windows for Jurong West Crystal BTO Flats near MRT Tracks

31 Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for National Development whether there are plans to install special extra glazed or cladded windows for the new HDB BTO Jurong West Crystal flats that are located next to the MRT tracks.

Mr Desmond Lee: In the context of our high-density environment and with Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats designed for natural ventilation, it is not possible to completely sound-proof a unit. The effectiveness of special glazed windows is also limited, as residents would need to close their windows to cut down noise, which would restrict natural ventilation. As such, HDB takes a holistic approach in designing HDB flats to mitigate noise.

During the design consultancy stage for Jurong West Crystal, a Noise Impact Assessment was carried out to understand the noise impact of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) tracks nearby, to guide deployment of the appropriate noise mitigation measures to deflect and abate the transmission of noise into the flats.

HDB has located the multi-storey car park to front the MRT track as a noise buffer, will build vertical fins along the building façade to reduce direct exposure to noise and will provide window restrictors within the flats.

Collectively, these measures will minimise noise transmission and meet the National Environment Agency’s requirements for indoor noise, while keeping the flats naturally ventilated.