Singapore’s housing authorities have stepped in after several residents complained about a new red-themed Tampines block that they thought was too “spooky.”
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) told The Straits Times last night that they are revamping the block in Tampines North that was covered in red tiled walls and floors and assures residents that they will “tone it down” by repainting some areas to white.
The block is part of an 11-block Build-to-Order project in Tampines GreenVines that was planned to be built in three different colors: yellow, red and purplish-blue. It is inspired by fruits such as dragon fruit, mango and mangosteen.
A HDB spokesperson said the bright colors are meant to differentiate the blocks from one another so some areas will be kept red.
“The tiled areas will remain to help with way-finding and maintain the precinct identity,” HDB wrote.
A TikTok showing the fierce redness of the block, particularly at night when the lights are on, went viral yesterday and prompted discourse on how the majority thinks that the red was too much.
Even Tampines MP Baey Yam Keng agreed that the choice of red was “not appropriate” and appeared “eerie.” He suggested they use brighter lighting or even hack down the tiles as a last resort.
Residents staying at the completed yellow-themed blocks nearby embraced the color change from the usually dull-painted HDB blocks. Baey said a poll conducted yesterday showed that most accepted the bright yellow theme even though some despised it.
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