taken from the Singapore Public Utili- ties Board's system from a substation sited adjacent to the building.
The main switchboard is split into three sections, two essential and one non-essential, so arranged that on failure of the Public Utilities Board's supply, a 225 KVA automatic start standby diesel/alternators set takes up the essential load. Provision has been made for the installation of an addi- tional standby set when the telephone equipment load growth warrants it.
In accordance with Public Utilities Board Tariff requirements, lighting and power are separately metered, and this is achieved by separate rising mains, supplied from either essential or non-essential busbars as necessary.
Distribution boards located on the services duct riser distribute supplies to lighting, small power (by means of 13 amp. ring circuits) and items of telephone equipment.
Lighting levels in the building are generally to international standards using fluorescent fittings, and a special fitting was designed to suit the coffer ed ceilings. All fluorescent lighting fit- tings were specified as instant-start, complete with radio interference sup- pression.
Wiring generally is carried out in
concealed galvanised screwed steel conduit, using PVC insulated cables.
The connected load on the building is in the order of 800 KVA, and this, it is anticipated, will approach 1000 KVA as additional Telecoms equip- ment is installed. Provision for further load increases has accordingly been made in the design of the main intake arrangements.
Costing
The precast concrete floor units were competitive in price and brought no excess in the allowed budget since they obviated the necessity for form- work to the underside of the concrete slabs and were also self finished. Simi- larly, the wall panels were cast in steel moulds and the external finish was applied while they were still on the ground. The completed units were then hoisted into position without further treatment.
The average wall unit weighed 12tons but it was found that, as the workmen became used to handling them, the speed of placing the units was satisfactory and the labour con- tent of this operation was kept down to a reasonable level.
During the construction periods of the building, the client's requirements
of the building changed but each al- teration was the subject of a supple- mentary budget (not shown in the cost analysis which is based upon the ori- ginal brief). The major increase in cost occurred due to the purchase of the neighbouring site and the conversion of the ground floor of the building from a carpark to a sales/enquiry office.
Contractors
Piling and substructure work took six months to complete and the super- structure took a further 18 months.
The main contractor was Woh Hup (Pte.) Ltd. The substructure and piling contractor was Albert Construction Co.
Sub-contractors included: Air-conditioning - GEC-AEI Singa- pore Pte. Ltd.
A/C ground floor - I.A.C. Singa- pore Pte. Ltd.
Electrical Reliance Electric Ltd. Lifts Harrisons Lister Engineer- ing Ltd.
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Plumbing Yat Lye Ltd. Roofing Sunglow Co. Internal partitions Kang & Sons Pte. Ltd.
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Yang Ah
Aluminium windows/sunscreen Tong Brothers Aluminium Co. Ltd.
ORE THE
1. Demoulding precast concrete floor unit; 2. Precast wall panels being installed; 3. Aluminium sun screen at 4th/5th floor
Far East BUILDER, February 1970
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