Mount Pleasant BTO Project to Offer Innovative “White Flats”

The first Build-to-Order (BTO) project in the upcoming Mount Pleasant housing estate will introduce a new type of flat known as “white flats,” which feature an open-concept layout free from internal walls and beams. This project, titled Mount Pleasant Crest, is set to launch in October 2023 and will include approximately 1,350 two-room flexi, three-room, and four-room flats, along with 270 public rental units. In total, more than 1,600 flats will be available, surpassing the earlier announcement of 1,500 units made in March.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) indicated that the increase in available units comes as a response to strong housing demand and more detailed planning studies regarding the 33-hectare site, which is roughly the size of 46 football fields. In a statement, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat emphasized that the new estate aims to provide more housing options for Singaporeans, particularly to support young families wishing to live near their parents.

Significant Historical Integration

The Mount Pleasant estate, first announced in November 2021, will be constructed on the site of the old police academy, which operated from 1929 until 2005. Given its historical significance, the HDB conducted a multi-agency heritage study alongside an environmental impact assessment. Plans are underway to sensitively integrate heritage elements into the new development.

For instance, a portion of the former parade square will be preserved as a public space for community use, while six historical buildings will be conserved. Among these are four blocks constructed between 1926 and 1930, which will be repurposed to serve as a neighborhood police post and a heritage gallery for the Singapore Police Force. Additional historical structures include a block from 1931 serving as a senior police officers’ mess and a building originally designed as a clinic and hospital ward.

Future residents can also anticipate a sheltered pedestrian thoroughfare linking various precincts of the estate, drawing inspiration from colonial-style architecture. HDB noted that this “urban verandah” will feature a clay-colored roof, white-painted columns, and decorative ventilation details.

Focus on Sustainability

Sustainability is a core aspect of the Mount Pleasant housing project. The HDB stated that the orientation of the buildings will be designed to enhance natural ventilation and reduce solar heat gain. Environmental studies assessing wind flow and temperature will inform the design of the flats.

Additionally, homes will incorporate smart and sustainable features aimed at promoting eco-friendly living. Each car park will include dedicated bicycle racks and electric vehicle charging points, while provisions within the flats will support smart home technologies. Residents can look forward to green spaces, including a north-south pedestrian path lined with trees and plants, connecting Mount Pleasant Avenue to the new Mount Pleasant MRT station.

The Mount Pleasant housing estate is envisioned as a “car-lite” community, featuring transit priority corridors equipped with dedicated bus lanes, wider footpaths, and cycling paths to encourage sustainable transportation options.

As HDB continues to unveil plans for the Mount Pleasant development, more details regarding the project’s classification and additional housing options will be shared during the upcoming sales exercise in October.