Could landed properties in low-lying areas or even future HDB flats be made to float on flooded waters? We talk to experts to find out.
Monica Kotwani, Channel NewsAsia 17 May 15;
SINGAPORE: Could landed properties in low-lying areas or even future HDB flats be made to float on flooded waters?
These ideas may sound far-fetched, but countries like the Netherlands are already experimenting with such features to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as flooding and rising sea levels.
Experts said Singapore, too, should use the impact of climate change to its advantage to create a city where building design is in sync with its environment.
Singapore, 60 years from now, will be a lot warmer, if no action is taken against global carbon emissions. It could result in an even more pronounced urban heat island effect – when a built-up area is warmer than rural or natural surroundings as heat is trapped by dense building environment.
Urban greenery, such as vertical plants on buildings and rooftop gardens, have become familiar features in new developments around Singapore. They are known to bring down temperatures and reduce energy consumption of buildings.
But there needs to be a bigger picture to withstand future temperature rises.
Said Dr Kua Harn Wei, Associate Professor, School of Design and Environment at the National University of Singapore: "Building design has to be in sync with the design of a neighbourhood at the city level or even at the precinct level. Right now, with more understanding of how all these different pieces work, we are beginning to see more enlightened design where all these pieces are coming together. But remember that we are facing a somewhat uncertain future, in which the effect of climate change will be upon us. So we need to keep promoting such integration.”
FLOATING HOUSES: HOMES OF THE FUTURE?
In the last 35 years, the Straits of Singapore has risen by almost six centimetres. But this is nothing compared to an almost 80-centimetre rise in sea level by 2070, in a worst-case scenario.
Some countries are preparing for the rising waters with innovative ideas.
The Netherlands is experimenting with amphibious and floating houses. Floating houses are built on foam bases covered in concrete and they float with rising waters. After the floods, they sink back with the subsiding waters.
Amphibious houses are built on similar bases, but anchored to the ground with thick posts. They can also rise over flood waters.
One expert on coastal waters said local homes prone to floods as a result of sea-level rise could look to this model. These include homes in Loyang, Pasir Ris and even Sentosa Cove.
Dr Wong Poh Poh, Coordinating Lead Author, Coastal Systems Chapter of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, said: “A lot of people want to live on water chalets, so why can't you have water chalets for the entire year? It's possible. Look at our East Coast. What if you built another barrier outside, much higher, and that barrier protects an inner lagoon which can be flooded? So at anytime, any higher sea-level rise can be absorbed by this lagoon.”
Dr Wong said the lagoon will act as a safety measure, while being used for social and economic activities.
- CNA/dl
