Written Answer

Integration of Trunking Design of Centralised Cooling System in Tengah's BTO Flats

4 July 2023 · Ministry of National Development

Speakers

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim Desmond Lee (Minister for National Development, Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration)

Summary

This question concerns the trunking design and aesthetic integration of the Centralised Cooling System (CCS) in Tengah’s BTO flats, as raised by Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee stated that SP Group engages home buyers through mock-ups and perspectives to address feedback regarding the positioning of fan coil units and trunking. To assist with aesthetics, SP Group explains the technical differences between CCS and conventional systems and offers subsidized options to conceal trunking through partner interior design firms. Many residents have found these sharing sessions helpful for renovation planning, and SP Group follows up directly with individuals to arrange installation milestones. HDB will continue working with SP Group to monitor feedback and ensure the cooling system is effectively integrated into the BTO flats.

Transcript

31 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for National Development in view of recent reports on the trunking design of the centralised cooling system to be pioneered in HDB's Tengah BTO flats, what steps will HDB take with SP Group and relevant contractors to engage affected flat owners prior to the completion and handover of their flats to ensure not only the energy efficiency of the system but also its integration with the aesthetic design of the flats.

Mr Desmond Lee: Home buyers of Tengah Build-To-Order (BTO) flats who opt to subscribe to the Centralised Cooling System (CCS) will enter into a contract directly with SP Group, which undertakes the sign-ups, installation, management and maintenance of CCS. SP Group engages home buyers at various milestones before and after they have signed up for CCS. This includes showing home buyers mock-ups and perspectives of the CCS Fan Coil Unit (FCU) and trunking within the flats. SP Group will also follow up directly with home buyers to make arrangements for the installation of CCS within their flats.

HDB is aware that SP Group has received feedback from several home buyers of the Tengah BTO projects in relation to the positioning of the FCUs and how the trunking would run within the flat. SP Group has reached out to these residents to address their concerns and explained to these home buyers the differences between the size of CCS trunking and that of a conventional split unit air-conditioning system, as well as the options they have to box up and conceal the CCS trunking under subsidised rates offered by SP Group's partner interior design firms. SP Group has received feedback that many of the residents who signed up for CCS found the sharing useful for the planning of their home renovation works.

HDB will continue to work with SP Group to monitor the feedback on CCS.