Relook HDB renovation guidelines

DUE to the unbearably hot weather over the past month, I decided to explore the possibility of replacing the sliding windows in my HDB flat with casement windows, so more breeze can enter the flat.

Consulting the HDB renovation guidelines online, I was disappointed to learn that replacement of windows - including full-height, three-quarter height and bay windows - is not allowed, to support HDB efforts in 'introducing new and distinctive features in HDB flats to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the block and the overall town'.

Given the same window area, casement windows that can be opened fully allow more breeze into the flat than do sliding windows, as the former can be opened on both sides, while sliding windows can be opened only on one side.

I find it difficult to accept that a simple and environmentally friendly solution is not allowed due to a regulation based on aesthetic rather than safety or structural integrity considerations.

With 86 per cent of Singapore's population living in public housing, seemingly simple decisions, such as where windows are located and what type of windows to have, have a huge bearing on the energy usage of the nation.

The Government has put much effort into planning and building a cleaner and greener Singapore. While we are looking to the future, I urge the Government to examine, retrospectively, what can be done to improve existing public housing.

In the meantime, HDB should relook its renovation guidelines.

Goh Kai Song