Singapore’s HDB conducted some investigation into the best options before deciding to construct bomb shelters in their high-rise apartments. They intended to give the best shelter they could, one that would be secure and useful. They designed the shelters, tested them, and made adjustments for months in order to do this. They spent time thinking about the plan, materials, safety considerations, and design. The shelters were designed so thoughtfully that they are still in use today. In this article, we will discuss about the things that you should consider while building a bomb shelter in your house.

Modern Luxury

What is a HDB Bomb Shelter ?

A HDB bomb shelter in Singapore is a household shelter that is equipped in all Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats since 1996. It is commonly known as the ‘bomb shelter’ and is designed to provide a safe space for occupants to seek refuge during emergencies, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks. The bomb shelter has a maximum size of 4.8m2 and a minimum clear height of 2.5m, and is equipped with an air-tight door, door handle, and ventilation. The door handle is swung downwards to open during peacetime and lifted and swung upwards to ensure the shelter is air-tight during emergencies.

The Civil Defence Shelter Act was introduced in 1997, making it compulsory for all new flats and houses to have household shelters located inside. The law was motivated by the Gulf War in 1991, when the Singapore Civil Defence Force realized how quickly things could escalate during an attack and how crucial it was to provide a safe space for occupants to seek refuge when needed.

While the effectiveness of these shelters is debated, they are designed to withstand various forces and provide a safe space for occupants during emergencies. However, many Singaporeans are not properly educated on how to use them, and some question their effectiveness in real-life scenarios. Despite these concerns, the presence of bomb shelters in HDB flats is a testament to Singapore’s commitment to providing its citizens with a safe and secure living environment.

What Do You Do With a Bomb Shelter?

You are familiar with bomb shelters and their purposes. But what precisely are you intended to do with them in the present scenario? We might as well make good use of them in inventive ways because we aren’t currently using them as a safehouse against nuclear fallout. 

The following are some intriguing uses for your HDB bomb shelter:

• Create a focal point out of the entrance by adding elaborate paneling, metal inlays, or shelves. 
• Hold hidden storage spaces under the bomb shelter door with a facade over it. 
• To incorporate it into your interior design, add a vertical garden, stickers, decals, and wallpaper to the door or bomb shelter entry. 
• Convert your bomb shelter into a utility room to keep food supplies, exercise gear, and clothing.

What Renovation Work Isn’t Allowed in an HDB Bomb Shelter? 

• It is not permitted to drill, hack, or otherwise alter the internal or external walls of your HDB bomb shelter. 
• You shouldn’t alter or renovate your bomb shelter’s doors or ventilation sleeve. 
• The floors of your bomb shelter cannot be covered while you are remodeling. Tiling is permitted, but only if the flooring material is less than 50mm thick. 
• Fixtures cannot be put deeper than 50mm into your shelter’s interior. Additionally, when installing any such fittings, make sure to only utilize non-metallic inserts and detachable screws.

Can You Mount a TV on Your Bomb Shelter Wall?

The short answer is “yes”! This, however, partly relies on how the TV is mounted on the entrance to the bomb shelter. Direct drilling into your bomb shelter is prohibited and reduces the level of protection it can provide. Instead, you’ll need to build a false wall to hide the entrance to the bomb shelter, then mount your TV on it.

Can Your Helper Sleep in the Bomb Shelter?

While your assistant can spend brief periods of time in the bomb shelter, it might not be a good idea to sleep there. Your helper may be put in danger if they spend their entire day inside a bomb bunker because they lack ventilation. Instead of using the bomb shelter as your helper’s quarters, try to find an other area to utilize as one.

Can You Paint Your Bomb Shelter Door?

You can paint over typical bomb shelter doors to achieve the desired effect because they come in colors that might conflict with your interiors. In fact, you could go one step further and decorate the door with wallpaper or stickers. Just be careful when remodeling the exterior entry not to drill into it or alter its structural integrity.

Can You Remove Your Bomb Shelter?

Your bomb bunker is there to keep you safe from any upcoming calamity. It cannot be removed from your HDB for the same reason. Additionally, the structural barriers around your bomb bunker are not meant to be hacked or interfered with. Instead, you may use this area as a pantry, storage box, or temporary gym. However, avoid staying within the shelter for prolonged periods of time with the door closed because it is unventilated.

Can the Bomb Shelter be Used as a Room?

Because of ventilation concerns, your bomb bunker can be used as a storage area but not as a bedroom. Although you can utilize this area for leisure purposes, you cannot make significant alterations to it. Use only fixtures and accessories that can be installed without drilling or mounting inside the shelter.

Is an HDB Bomb Shelter Soundproof?

The reinforced flooring and walls in this area can act as soundproofing because they are thicker. Depending on how you use your bomb shelter, this further helps to keep sound out or in.

How Do You Hide Your HDB Bomb Shelter?

You can be inventive in countless ways to conceal your bomb bunker. The front can be embellished with a variety of bomb shelter designs, or the door can be adorned with minimal decor. To blend the entrance into the rest of your decor, think about employing a feature wall, a façade with hidden storage, or laminate sheets.

What are The Benefits of Hiring an Interior Designer or Renovation Contractor for HDB Bomb Shelter?

Hiring an interior designer or renovation contractor for your HDB bomb shelter project can offer several benefits. These professionals have the expertise and experience to help you transform your bomb shelter into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space that meets your needs and preferences. They can provide professional advice on color schemes, furniture placement, lighting, and other design elements to create a cohesive and inviting space. 

Additionally, interior designers and renovation contractors can help you avoid costly mistakes and stay within your budget by providing cost-effective design solutions and sourcing materials and furnishings at discounted prices. They can also save you time and effort by managing the project from start to finish, ensuring that the design is executed efficiently and within the set timeline. Furthermore, interior designers and renovation contractors have access to a wide range of products and fabrics that are not available to the general public, allowing them to create a space that looks collected and unique. By serving as a qualified liaison, they can effectively communicate with architects, contractors, and building owners, ensuring that the design is implemented as intended and that all tasks are completed on time and on budget.

Overall, hiring an interior designer or renovation contractor for your HDB bomb shelter project can help you unlock the full potential of your space, improve your mood, increase productivity, and create a sense of comfort and relaxation.

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With so many styles, trends and designs to choose from, it’s hard to decide which one to go for. With MRD in 7 Gambas Cres, #01-01 ARK@Gambas, Singapore 757087, you can definitely prevent this situation and get the best dream design you ever wanted but better. No more stress, contact us here to solve your interior problems.