Background

Integrated Waste Management for a Luxury Mixed-Use Tower.

One Bernam is a private condominium project that embodies urban luxury and innovation in Singapore’s District 2, featuring a single tower housing 351 residential units alongside 13 serviced apartments, atop a multi-level commercial podium.

The condominium blends residential, commercial, and hospitality uses within one high-rise. This mixed-use format and luxury positioning require a comprehensive waste management system that caters to the varied users’ demands.

  • Residential, serviced apartments, and commercial spaces generate varied waste streams.

  • Luxury environment demands: Waste conveyance must operate reliably and discreetly to match the premium positioning of the development.

Implementation Approach

To address One Bernam’s waste management needs, an advanced Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System (PWCS) was implemented. The residential component is served by a 2-fraction AIRWASTE® stationary vacuum system, and an integrated PWCS compactor is used for the commercial areas.

Key features of the system include variable flow control to modulate airspeed and a space-saving bin centre layout where the main exhauster and control equipment are located on lower service levels.

The entire PWCS is managed via wireless monitoring and control, allowing real-time oversight of system performance and remote fault diagnostics, ensuring hygienic, efficient waste removal seamlessly fitted into One Bernam’s luxury mixed-use environment.

Designing the PWCS for One Bernam required accommodating the building’s vertical span and mixed-use layout. The solution was a decentralized, wireless control architecture linking waste drop-off points on upper floors to the basement bin centre.

Each refuse chute’s discharge valve (DV) room is equipped with a PLC-based controller. A dedicated air compressor is installed at the main DV room control panel on the upper levels. This design avoids long physical wiring and airline dependencies between far-flung DV rooms and the bin centre.

By leveraging wireless PLC communication and localized air supply, the PWCS integration ensures reliable operation across all floors without intrusive infrastructure retrofits.

“Integrating a multi-stream pneumatic waste system into a 35-storey mixed-use tower like One Bernam demanded innovative thinking. By utilizing wireless controls, localised air supply, and smart flow management, the system became an invisible yet vital part of the building’s infrastructure.”

In summary

Highlights

Technical Innovation.

  • Dual-stream (waste/recyclables) with variable-flow vacuum control

  • Enclosed, automated conveyance with real-time monitoring

Operational Reliability.

  • Wireless PLC DV-rooms → bin centre; reduced cabling complexity

  • Dedicated DV-room compressor avoids long airline dependency

Spatial Efficiency.

  • Exhauster/control at lower levels; compact bin-centre layout

  • Commercial compactor reduces storage volume and truck trips

In summary

Highlights

Technical Innovation.

  • Dual-stream (waste/recyclables) with variable-flow vacuum control

  • Enclosed, automated conveyance with real-time monitoring

Operational Reliability.

  • Wireless PLC DV-rooms → bin centre; reduced cabling complexity

  • Dedicated DV-room compressor avoids long airline dependency

Spatial Efficiency.

  • Exhauster/control at lower levels; compact bin-centre layout

  • Commercial compactor reduces storage volume and truck trips

Expertise in complex PWCS Projects

One Bernam’s successful PWCS implementation highlights how cutting-edge waste management can complement modern urban developments. The pneumatic system maintains a clean and efficient environment that aligns with the building’s upscale functionality.

This future-proof solution not only meets the immediate needs of high-density city living, but also positions One Bernam at the forefront of sustainable, integrated waste infrastructure in luxury real estate