31 projects win HDB awards, including 'rustic' themed Waterway View at Punggol

SINGAPORE — Its rustic "kelong" (Malay for fishing jetty) theme has blocks in the Waterview View estate fitted with a facade mimicking wooden planks, and the use of stilt-like columns along outdoor corridors — inspired by Punggol's early beginnings as a kelong.

For its unique architectural features and "distinctive flavour", Waterway View estate in Punggol, and its consultants ADDP Architects LLP, were one of the 12 recipients of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) Design Award this year.

Comprising 10 residential blocks ranging from six to 17 storeys, Waterway View's architectural features include shaded rest areas for residents which are designed to resemble rattan fishing traps commonly used by traditional Malay fishermen, who used to live in the area before it was redeveloped in the 1970s.

Thirty-one public housing projects won the HDB Design, Construction and Engineering awards this year — the highest number since the accolades were first handed out in 2008. They will be presented by Second Minister for National Development Desmond Lee at the ceremony on Monday (Sept 3).

The awards recognise HDB's industry partners, such as architectural consultants and building contractors, for their work in developing well-designed and quality homes.

Mr Jeremiah Lim, deputy director (design policy) of HDB, said Waterway View's features give the estate a "distinctive flavour" that residents of the precinct can enjoy and identify with.

"What (the consultants) have done is to use the theme of rustic and kelong to call upon the memories of kelong, they've used (materials that resemble the) texture (of wood), using stilt-like columns, and also you can see the structures like the trellises, where they make use of the fishing net as an inspiration," he added.

Of the 31 award recipients, 15 won Construction Awards, 12 received Design Awards, and four won Engineering awards.

This year also saw the highest number of winning projects for the Construction Awards, which are handed out to building contractors.

The SkyPeak @ Bukit Batok, which is located between Bukit Batok East Avenue 6 and Street 21, was one of the projects that won the Construction Award.

Sandwiched between two primary schools, the project presented "construction challenges right from the beginning", as the schools' operations had to be factored in, said the HDB.

However, the project team worked closely with schools, grassroots and the Town Council to mitigate construction noise and dust. It also used 3D modelling tools to map out and review design plans.

Mr Lim said that the HDB will continue to partner industry stakeholders to deliver more "well-designed and creative" homes for residents.