Foresque Residences Balcony Lawsuit: MCST Sues Developer Over Concrete Defects

Foresque Residences’ management corporation has sued developer Wincheer Investment and four others over alleged construction defects after a concrete piece fell 20 metres from a third-floor balcony on February 15, 2025. Inspections revealed that 60% of balconies in Block 105 produced hollow sounds during testing, indicating structural problems. The 496-unit condominium in Bukit Panjang received its permit in June 2014. All defendants have denied liability and filed defences at the High Court.

What happened at Foresque Residences

On February 15, 2025, a cementitious patch detached from the underside of a balcony on the third floor at Block 105 and fell into a first-floor unit below. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) inspected the site that day and issued a Notice to Maintain requiring immediate safety measures and permanent rectification works. Professional engineer Chan Chee Choon, engaged by the management corporation, identified 88 affected balconies in Block 105 alone.

The structural defect discovered

Chan found that a 70-millimetre section of concrete was missing from the balcony slab and had been filled with cement mortar, creating a vulnerable area prone to separation. Hammer-tapping tests on 60% of Block 105’s balcony edges produced hollow sounds, indicating poor bonding between materials. Inspections of the other four blocks at Foresque Residences did not reveal the same condition, suggesting the defect was isolated to Block 105.

Who is being sued and their defences

The MCST is seeking damages from developer Wincheer Investment, architect Arc Studio Architecture and Urbanism, structural engineer KTP Consultants, professional engineer GLT Engineers, and subcontractor Credence Engineering. Wincheer denied liability, stating it did not carry out construction work and had appointed competent contractors. The developer also argued the claim is time-barred under the six-year limitation period and called the detached patch a maintenance issue rather than a structural defect. The architect said its drawings specified a full reinforced concrete balcony slab and it was not appointed to supervise structural works. The structural engineer challenged findings that the balconies are defective. The railing engineer claimed its design is structurally sound and code-compliant. The subcontractor said the architect and engineers had checked its work.

Safety implications and regulatory response

The MCST claims the defects pose a serious safety risk to residents. The BCA’s Notice to Maintain requires the management corporation to implement immediate safety measures and carry out permanent rectification works. The BCA declined further comment as the matter is before the courts. Foresque Residences is a 99-year leasehold development comprising five blocks and 496 units on Petir Road.

Final Thoughts

The lawsuit highlights construction quality risks in Singapore condominiums and raises questions about accountability across the development chain. For residents and property investors, the case underscores the importance of professional inspections and swift regulatory intervention when structural defects emerge.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.