Use space well and small flats can be comfy too
By Sarah Chang
my paper
Friday, Nov 11, 2011
The construction of smaller flats does not necessarily compromise the quality of living, Housing Board (HDB) chief executive Cheong Koon Hean said yesterday.
Through the clever use of interior space, HDB flat dwellers can create a comfortable living environment, she said in response to media queries on feedback that the size of newer flats has affected their quality of life.
"(In) most of the global cities in the world...people do pay attention to how they do up the inside of the flat," she said.
"Optimise the use of furniture and storage, and it can be a very comfortable living environment."
Dr Cheong was speaking on the sidelines of the HDB Professional Forum, where experts discussed quality and design in construction.
The event was held at the HDB Hub in Toa Payoh. Winners of the HDB Awards 2011 - given out last week - shared their strategies for public housing projects with about 200 industry practitioners, including construction firms and contractors.
Dr Cheong told reporters that even though flats have become smaller, the amount of floor area per person has increased over the years.
"Our families are (becoming) smaller. In the old days, we had very large families living in flats. Today, the family (size) is two, three or four," she said. "If people take a bit of effort to do up the interior, it can be an excellent flat."
Dr Cheong added that Singaporeans can look forward to more sustainable living spaces not only in new towns like Punggol, but also in older estates. This can be achieved through the use of solar panels and tapping on renewable energy such as wind power, for example.
Dr Cheong announced yesterday a new business portal to be launched next month.
It will provide HDB's construction and design partners with access to technical specifications, conditions of contracts and schedules of rates online.
For more my paper stories click here.
By Sarah Chang
my paper
Friday, Nov 11, 2011
The construction of smaller flats does not necessarily compromise the quality of living, Housing Board (HDB) chief executive Cheong Koon Hean said yesterday.
Through the clever use of interior space, HDB flat dwellers can create a comfortable living environment, she said in response to media queries on feedback that the size of newer flats has affected their quality of life.
"(In) most of the global cities in the world...people do pay attention to how they do up the inside of the flat," she said.
"Optimise the use of furniture and storage, and it can be a very comfortable living environment."
Dr Cheong was speaking on the sidelines of the HDB Professional Forum, where experts discussed quality and design in construction.
The event was held at the HDB Hub in Toa Payoh. Winners of the HDB Awards 2011 - given out last week - shared their strategies for public housing projects with about 200 industry practitioners, including construction firms and contractors.
Dr Cheong told reporters that even though flats have become smaller, the amount of floor area per person has increased over the years.
"Our families are (becoming) smaller. In the old days, we had very large families living in flats. Today, the family (size) is two, three or four," she said. "If people take a bit of effort to do up the interior, it can be an excellent flat."
Dr Cheong added that Singaporeans can look forward to more sustainable living spaces not only in new towns like Punggol, but also in older estates. This can be achieved through the use of solar panels and tapping on renewable energy such as wind power, for example.
Dr Cheong announced yesterday a new business portal to be launched next month.
It will provide HDB's construction and design partners with access to technical specifications, conditions of contracts and schedules of rates online.
For more my paper stories click here.
