Consultations with BTO Flat Buyers on Creative Design of New Flats

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB will consider holding consultations with Build-To-Order (BTO) flat purchasers at an appropriate juncture during the construction of their flats to balance residents' preferences and creativity in respect of design.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) works closely with architectural consultants and reviews design proposals of Build-To-Order (BTO) flats to ensure that they are in line with prevailing regulatory requirements, design objectives and guidelines.

The precinct design is committed before project launch. Prospective buyers can refer to the launch brochures to have a general sense of each development’s design.

I understand that the Member may be concerned about the design process for HDB BTO flats, following public feedback on the red lift lobbies at Tampines GreenVines. For this project, HDB had given the architects flexibility to incorporate new approaches to make the estate more distinctive. The architects proposed to use bright accent colours inspired by local fruits, such as red and yellow. The colours were used to differentiate the different clusters of blocks and facilitate wayfinding for residents. The sales models showed the cluster colours during launch.

HDB has received mixed views on the cluster colours as taste is subjective. However, given feedback from residents that the red colour was too strong, steps were taken to repaint the walls and ceiling of the blocks to white to tone it down.

This was an exercise of judgement, balancing the need to innovate with new designs and public receptivity. HDB continues to build up a store of experience over the years from residents’ feedback in various BTO developments.

HDB proactively seeks feedback from Singaporeans, through surveys and engagements, to understand their aspirations and preferences, to review and refine the overall design for HDB flats. For example, Post-Occupancy Surveys are conducted for all newly completed BTO developments one to two years after new home owners have settled into their new living environment and have a sense of what they like in their neighbourhoods.

HDB also conducts regular dialogues with Town Councils to gather feedback. Such feedback from residents and Town Councils informs the design of new developments as well as upgrading initiatives in all estates.