Singapore, 31 July 2026 – What makes a building sustainable, beyond green features? Findings from a Building and Construction Authority (BCA) study conducted by Surbana Jurong showed the benefits of investing in maintainability features that can potentially lead to substantial maintenance cost and manpower savings over a building’s life cycle.
Copen Grand, a 639-unit Executive Condominium (EC), was one of the four local developments included in the Design for Maintainability (DfM) study. Developed by City Developments Limited (CDL) and Sunway MCL, sustainability and maintainability design principles are embedded into the development’s design from the outset.
Using the Green Mark Maintainability (Mt) framework and life-cycle cost analysis approach, findings from the study showed that adopting DfM can yield annual operational savings as well as meaningful productivity gains. All DfM features studied helped reduce annual maintenance man-days, with many achieving reductions of more than 60%. The largest gains came from architectural decisions such as choices about design specifications of floor materials, ceiling types, and facade access, underscoring the importance of making maintainability an upfront design consideration.
Designed for Safe and Easy Maintenance
Conceptualised with greenery and sustainability in mind, Copen Grand adopts numerous green features, including photovoltaic systems that leverage solar energy to partially power common spaces and facilities, a carpark with six electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient appliances, and expansive landscaping incorporating greenery and water bodies. Apart from being the first EC to be conferred the BCA Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification, Copen Grand is also the first completed residential development to achieve the Mt Badge.
Demonstrating how thoughtful design can enhance long-term building maintainability while reducing lifecycle costs, Copen Grand incorporates a multitude of DfM features in its architecture, mechanical and electrical design, landscaping and smart facilities management.
Designed by ADDP Architects, Copen Grand’s facade incorporates structural features that allow full access to all parts of the development for safe and easy maintenance. All residential blocks are maintainable via gondolas, supported by a davit arm system installed at the roof level. In addition, direct staircase access to both the roof and facade maintenance areas has been provided, enabling safe and convenient access for maintenance personnel. Together, these features ensure safe and efficient upkeep of the building exterior while supporting the development's long-term operational sustainability.
Within the estate, the development’s landscape has also been designed with maintainability in mind, providing maintenance staff with safe and efficient access to landscaped areas. Water points are strategically located within a 15-metre radius to facilitate convenient irrigation and reduce hose handling effort, while gravel maintenance paths provide clear access routes to deeper planter beds without damaging vegetation. In addition, bollard lights are installed on raised concrete plinths to minimise water ingress and reduce the risk of corrosion, enhancing the durability and ease of upkeep of landscape features.
Other DfM features at the development’s common areas include washroom details that improve cleaning and replacement, such as a vanity upturn that helps to prevent water spillage onto the floor, soap dispenser above the basin that reduces soap dripping onto the counter, and modular mirrors to allow for damaged panels to be replaced individually.
Ms Tay Seok Cheng, CDL’s Senior Vice President and Deputy Head of Property Development Division, said, "Guided by three core principles – Safety, Passive Design and Easy Maintenance – DfM features have been an integral part of CDL’s development approach even before the framework was formally introduced by BCA. The integration of DfM features at the design and construction stage is significantly more cost-effective than retrofitting them later.
Our commitment to maintainability is shaped by decades of experience, with valuable lessons drawn from working with architects and facilities management partners. These insights are continuously incorporated into the way we plan, design and build our projects. Every project is a learning opportunity, enabling us to refine our approach and deliver developments that are more sustainable and easier to maintain over the long term."
Apart from Copen Grand, CDL’s completed developments that have earned the Mt Badge include Tembusu Grand (TOP: December 2025) and Lumina Grand (TOP: April 2026). Four other Mt Badge developments currently under construction include Norwood Grand, The Orie, Union Square Residences and Zyon Grand.
