Eco-friendly clubhouse for NSmen in Punggol
SINGAPORE — SAFRA’s newest clubhouse in Punggol will have eco-friendly features, making it the first of its six clubhouses to earn a Green Mark Platinum certification from the Building and Construction Authority, the highest rating for buildings that have extensive greenery, healthier indoor environments, and that promote energy and water savings.
The investment in eco-features, including an energy-efficient air-conditioner system and double-glazed windows, were the main reasons behind the S$7.1 million increase to the initial S$57.3 million construction cost.
In the long run, however, this will save the club — a social and recreational facility for National Servicemen (NSmen) and their families — some S$30,000 in utilities costs each month.
Major (NS) Terence Quek Chun Hou, chairman of the SAFRA Punggol development committee, in addressing the cost issue after a hard-hat tour of the club yesterday, said: “Quite a certain amount of building cost went into ensuring that this clubhouse is eco-friendly ... facilities that will allow us to have energy and water conservation.”
Green technologies such as energy-efficient LED lighting, solar power, water-saving taps, and natural ventilation and lighting designs have been used.
This is in tandem with policies such as a green lease agreement with tenants, which encourages them to adopt environment-friendly technologies in their operations, and to promote waste reduction through recycling.
The five-storey clubhouse, opening on April 24, will feature Singapore’s largest indoor water playground, which can accommodate up to 300 users at a time.
There will also be sculptures of sea creatures, including a giant octopus with multiple water-jets installed.
There is no swimming pool, but the upcoming Regional Sports Centre in Punggol will be co-located with SAFRA Punggol to fill the need.
In the clubhouse are also a gym, a 24-lane bowling alley, a pre-school and a host of other food and drink options.
Commuters may take feeder bus service 382 from the temporary Punggol bus interchange to get to the club.
The nearest LRT station, Sam Kee LRT Station on the Punggol West Loop, is still not in operation.
But it will be opened “in tandem with developments in the area, with more updates provided in due course”, a Land Transport Authority spokesperson said.
Mr Ong Ye Kung, Senior Minister of State for Defence, said this latest investment serves as “a continuous recognition of our National Servicemen for their contribution towards national defence”.
Plans for a seventh SAFRA clubhouse in the western part of Singapore is now in the pipeline.
About 800,000 NSmen will be served by the six SAFRA clubhouses, and Mr Ong said the Defence Ministry hopes to increase the ratio, to accommodate about 100,000 NSmen per club.
