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From 7 days to 12 hours: How home-grown builder’s smart solution shortens link bridge installation for new BTO
Kwan Yong Construction earned recognition from HDB for its first residential project, where innovative modular building methods helped speed up completion while boosting workplace safety
At Kempas Residences, prefabricated parts that had many components already integrated within were used, reducing the number of fixtures that needed to be hoisted by cranes.
PHOTO: KWAN YONG CONSTRUCTION
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Instead of going downstairs, residents living at this recently completed Housing Board (HDB) estate in Kallang head upwards to find greenery and fresh air.
Sky terraces on the 8th and 30th floors provide quiet pockets for relaxation, away from the busy road below, while link bridges connect the four blocks seamlessly.
This is Kempas Residences, a 583-unit Build-to-Order (BTO) flat located near Boon Keng MRT station. The development is one of the recent HDB projects to incorporate sky gardens where residents can relax and socialise amidst greenery and communal amenities.
However, creating these elevated community spaces was no small feat. Kwan Yong Construction, the home-grown firm behind Kempas Residences, had to build a series of sky-high bridges linking the residential blocks and the rooftop of the multi-storey carpark.
To lower workers’ safety risk and improve productivity, the Kwan Yong project team introduced an innovative modular approach.
Drawing inspiration from highway bridge construction, most of the bridge components were fabricated offsite in a controlled environment, then hoisted up by cranes.
Link bridges seamlessly join four residential blocks with the carpark rooftop, completed in record time using innovative modular construction methods.
PHOTO: KWAN YONG CONSTRUCTION
Beams, planks and external barricades were integrated to reduce the number of lifting components. This innovation reduced the installation time of structural safety bridges from seven days to just half a day – a breakthrough for public housing construction.
Kempas Residences is among the first BTO projects to adopt this method, underscoring HDB’s and its partners’ commitment to safer, more progressive building practices.
Says Mr Jacob Wong, a director from Kwan Yong: “Overall, the new approach resulted in a 173 per cent improvement in productivity, primarily due to faster installation and off-site architectural finishing.”
This safer, more efficient construction method is one of the reasons why Kwan Yong has been recognised with the Construction Award at the HDB Awards 2025. This award honours contractors who excel in project management, construction quality, innovation and community engagement in HDB projects.
Innovating around obstacles
The modular bridge is just one of the ways that Kwan Yong has innovated to overcome the project’s challenges. First launched in May 2019, Kempas Residences was delayed for about six months due to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions.
“Despite these disruptions, we adapted by carrying out some precast work in-house and on-site to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 restrictions,” says Mr Wong.
Furthermore, the work site was located next to a busy road, other residences and a hospital. This meant that Kwan Yong had to plan meticulously to adhere to traffic management measures, and minimise noise and disruption to its neighbours.
To reduce noise in the area, a higher acoustic hoarding of 12m – double the usual height – was erected. Precast materials also helped to reduce on-site noise and dust as fewer construction processes were required.
Kwan Yong Construction’s dedicated team was recognised for their commitment to safety, quality and innovation when delivering the company’s first HDB project, Kempas Residences.
PHOTO: KWAN YONG CONSTRUCTION
The development’s design also added an element of complexity. Inspired by the Kallang River, a wave form motif was integrated into the flats’ architectural design, landscaping and facade.
Mr Wong explains: “Painting this facade required meticulous attention to detail, as skipping even a single colour would disrupt the overall pattern.
“While we encountered some challenges along the way, the facade was ultimately completed successfully and we achieved the intended visual impact.”
A strong first foray into residential building
Kempas Residences is the company’s first BTO project. Established in 1984, the company has built a strong track record over four decades through public and private sector projects.
These include schools for the Ministry of Education – including Yusof Ishak Secondary School, St Margaret Primary School and Angsana Primary School – and healthcare facilities for the Ministry of Health, such as three nursing homes in Pasir Ris, Aljunied and Tampines South.
The 583-unit Kempas Residences includes family-friendly amenities such as a preschool, playground and fitness stations.
PHOTO: KWAN YONG CONSTRUCTION
“Our experience with MOE and MOH projects translates directly into residential developments like Kempas Residences because the core principles of delivery remain the same. We approach every development with the right mindset and integrity,” adds Mr Wong.
He adds that the company thoroughly reviews construction plans and proactively highlights possible design improvements, ensuring projects are built right the first time and avoiding costly rework.
“As our first BTO project, Kempas Residences has set a benchmark for what can be achieved, showing that even a first attempt in this sector can earn industry recognition,” says Mr Wong. “This award boosts our credibility, motivates our team to aim even higher, and reinforces our position as a trusted, forward-thinking construction partner.”
