QUOTE(tengster @ Sep 21 2013, 08:31 PM)
I studied their layouts like I studied Biology and Organic Chemistry during my Form 6 days. The designers gave a heck lot of thought towards the layout, location of lift and orientation.
They know this place is more for family. They did the right thing. All units are 2BR and 3BR though more carparks are welcomed.
Basalta have east and west orientation. They put the popular Type A and B facing east. There are six units there.
Facing west is less popular, they put the easy entry level type D there together with lift core areas.
Then, they are intelligent enough to put type C at both west facing corner with balcony orientation to north and south. Theoretically now, these units face north (Block A) and south(BLock C)...with just the room wall facing west. plus point...really smart move IMHO.
Distance between Block B and A is at least 50-60 meter rendering adequate space to make it less congested and airy enough and not really full blocked view. Distance between Block B and C is about 35-45 meter.
With GBI certification that hike up construction cost by 3-5%, I would think their current PSF is pretty fair. GBI basically reduce energy wastage making west facing units much easier to accept.

salute on the homework done.
The company that I work with actually has been accredited with LEED, similar to GBI to certain extents. True that the construction cost will be higher, but running cost should be lower. And will require re-certification. I am not sure GBI is above to obtain at design stage or not, for my company's case, during design/building stage we already aim for LEED. The real accreditation came about 1 year after into operation.
A lots of thoughts need to put into layout to minimize energy usage, all rooms are equip with motion sensors, lights/AC automatic off when nobody in the room. Refrigerant used for A/C has to be CFC free by majority..