A recent study by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) revealed that incorporating long-term maintenance considerations into building design can result in substantial operational savings and reduced manpower requirements. The findings, presented by National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat on July 22 at the Singapore Architecture Festival, highlight the financial and practical benefits of the “Design for Maintainability” (DfM) approach.
The BCA, in collaboration with Surbana Jurong, examined four buildings across Singapore: two existing commercial buildings (the Surbana Jurong campus and Shaw Tower), one new commercial project (the Ascent building at Science Park Drive), and a new residential development (Copen Grand executive condominium). The study found that annual maintenance cost savings for commercial buildings integrating DfM measures ranged from approximately S$310,000 to S$950,000. For the residential project, savings were estimated at up to S$100,000 per year.
A key example provided was Shaw Tower, which incorporated a simple cat-ladder for access to its cooling tower. This design feature eliminated the need for temporary scaffolding during maintenance, allowing safer and more efficient servicing of the fan and basin. As a result, Shaw Tower is projected to save over S$750,000 in life-cycle maintenance costs, with an investment payback period of three years. Given the typical 15-year service life of cooling towers, the building stands to benefit from positive returns for the remaining lifespan.
The extra upfront costs of incorporating DfM features were relatively modest, ranging from 0.6% to 1.5% of the overall construction costs for the commercial buildings, and just 0.2% for the residential project. In addition to cost savings, the study noted significant improvements in manpower productivity, with some buildings achieving over a 60% reduction in annual maintenance manpower needs. Minister Chee emphasized that design decisions related to architectural elements—such as floor materials, ceiling types, and facade access—offered the greatest potential for maintainability enhancements.
To further promote DfM adoption, the BCA has awarded the Green Mark maintainability badge to 67 projects that have incorporated such features. The authority is also seeking input from the Singapore Institute of Architects and other stakeholders before releasing the final study report later this year.
In other updates, Minister Chee outlined changes to Corenet X, a digital platform aimed at streamlining construction project approvals. Beginning October 1, 2026, all new projects with a gross floor area (GFA) of 5,000 square meters or more will be required to submit plans through Corenet X. This expands the current mandate, which applies only to projects exceeding 30,000 square meters. Smaller projects under 5,000 square meters can continue using the existing Corenet 2.0 system but are encouraged to adopt Corenet X voluntarily to benefit from faster regulatory processes and improved coordination.
Lastly, plans for a new pavilion and public space at Jubilee Park in Fort Canning were announced. Supported by the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the National Parks Board, a public engagement exercise and design competition will be held to involve community and stakeholder input. Minister Chee noted that recent projects in Raffles Place Park and the Queensway node of the Rail Corridor demonstrated the value of early public participation, aiming to create spaces that reflect how people use and experience them. He underscored Fort Canning’s historical significance and the opportunity this initiative presents to add a new chapter to its story.