This project has achieved the BCA Greenmark GoldPlus Award and PUB ABC Waters Certification. With a high green plot ratio, the central open space is a tree-lined boulevard with elements of water. There are also pools surrounded with dense greenery. Pedestrian networks are also interspersed with gardens and plazas.
Read: Homebuyers’ willingness-to-pay for Green attributes: Evidence from Asian cities
In terms of site planning, the buildings are positioned and oriented in such a way that most of the apartment units are able to take advantage of the prevailing wind directions, ensuring natural ventilation. Extensive planters and sun-shading ledges, coupled with the use of double-glazed glass, help to reduce heat penetration into the units.
The 25 lifts are fitted with a gearless system that results in reduced energy consumption compared to conventional lifts, and saves space as it does not require a motor room to function. Also, 100 per cent of the development uses inverter multi-split air-conditioning systems, rated with four ticks under the NEA (National Environment Agency) scheme. Each apartment unit is also provided with a refrigerator with a three-tick rating. As air-conditioners and refrigerators are energy guzzlers, using energy-efficient appliances translates into significant cost savings for the residents.
Read: How Green Accreditation Can Benefit the Construction Business
The clubhouse makes use of a fully automatic heat pump system to provide hot water to the showers in the changing rooms and cool air to the common areas. This system has low operational cost and electrical consumption, and requires minimal servicing. In the basement car park, mini jet fans are used for ventilation, in place of the conventional ducted system. This reduces ductwork, saves space, provides a constant and even air flow, and is easy to maintain and replace. Carbon monoxide sensors monitor levels in each of the 18 exhaust zones.
Other Green features include dual flush low-capacity flushing cisterns, taps and shower nozzles with flow regulators, as well as rainwater harvesting systems. Waste material is also contained during the entire refuse disposal and removal process to ensure a clean and odour-free environment.
Wherever possible, environmentally friendly materials are used in the construction. For example, Eco concrete is used in the building foundations and basement slab; recycled rubber is used for road humps and column guards; recycled plastic is used in the fire engine access; composite wood is used for pontoons; and a composite of recycled materials is used to make dry wall partitions, hollow core flush doors and plywood cabinets in the apartment units, as well as the playground equipment.
PROJECT DATA
Project Name: Coco Palms
Location: 11-33 Pasir Ris Grove, Singapore
Completion Date: April 2018
Site Area: 41,514 square metres
Gross Floor Area: 87,176 square metres
Building Height: 12 blocks of 12-storey and 16-storey
Number of rooms: 944 residential units and 6 shops
Client: Hong Realty (Private) Limited
Architecture Firm: AXIS Architects Planners Pte Ltd
Interior Design Firm: AXIS ID Pte Ltd
Civil & Structural Engineer: Parsons Brinckerhoff Pte Ltd
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Meinhardt (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Quantity Surveyor: Arcadis Singapore Pte Ltd
Landscape Architect: Tinderbox Landscape Studio Pte Ltd
Main Contractor: Who Hup (Private) Limited
Images: AXIS Architects Planners Pte Ltd
