Written answer by Ministry of National Development on whether HDB flats are required to comply with an industry standard for sound proofing

Feb 6, 2024

Question No: 5467

Question by: Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB flats are required to comply with an industry standard for sound proofing; and (b) if so, how does this standard compare to high-rise private residences such as condominiums.

Answer:

There is currently no local standard for intra-building soundproofing for residential developments. HDB takes a holistic approach when designing flats to mitigate noise and to provide a pleasant living environment for residents. This includes factoring in acoustic insulation and soundproofing.

2.             For new flats located close to land traffic noise sources, such as major arterial roads and MRT tracks, HDB carries out a Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) during the design consultancy stage to assess the potential noise impact on the new residential development. Based on the NIA, HDB puts in place the appropriate noise mitigation measures. For such flats, HDB has also introduced facade designs with overhangs or canopies to deflect and abate land transport noise transmission into the dwelling units.

3.             Within the flat, the internal partition walls are built of Severe Duty grade drywall system and are filled with sound insulation materials. These high quality drywalls provide the acoustic insulation and performance suitable for residential use, comparable to concrete walls of similar thickness. New BTO projects launched since Feb 2023 are also built with thicker floor slabs, which help to further reduce noise and impact transmission. This is generally similar to the specifications for high-rise private residential developments. 

4.             For high-rise private residential developments, the onus is on the developers to design their projects with proper structural sound attenuation to provide a pleasant living environment for residents.