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Open Kitchen Concept for New Upcoming HDB BTO Projects

HDB's Optional Component Scheme (OCS)

An open-kitchen scheme offered by the Housing Development Board has proven popular, with about six in 10 flat buyers in 30 Build-To-Order (BTO) projects opting for it.

This concept, first piloted in the Teck Ghee Parkview project in September 2012, is part of HDB's Optional Component Scheme.

The scheme, which is offered on an opt-in basis and has expanded since it was introduced by HDB in 1989, allows flat buyers to customise their homes to suit their needs.

Source: The Straits Time 

Open kitchen concept gaining popularity among HDB BTO buyers

"Open kitchens" have appeared to be the preferred option among buyers of new Housing and Development Board (HDB) apartments.

HDB figures showed 60 per cent of build-to-order (BTO) flat buyers opted not to have a kitchen partition wall when given a choice. One reason cited was that people do not cook as much as before, and households with less use for a kitchen can put the space to better use.

The option to have an open kitchen was piloted during a BTO exercise at Teck Ghee Parkview in September 2012. Around 70 per cent of home buyers chose the open kitchen concept at that time.

The choice of whether or not to have a wall separating the kitchen from the rest of the flat comes under HDB's Optional Component Scheme (OCS) - introduced in 1989 to give flat buyers more options when customising their homes.

Kelvin Tan, co-founder and interior designer at Celsius Ink, said such options help new home owners save money.

"Without the open kitchen concept, they have to knock down walls, remove tiles, and a lot of submissions are required in order for them to achieve this new design,” he said. “With the savings, if this option is provided, they're able to use their funds in some other areas for renovation.” 

Alvin Chan, managing director of i.Haven Design Consultants, said: "I think you can save a good amount of money, because if you're talking about hacking, on a high price side, you're looking at anywhere between $400 and $500. Touching up might cost you about $300 to $400 if it is a big wall. Easily, you can save up to $700 or $800."

The first batch of flats offering the open concept kitchen are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017. 

Source: CNA

过去一年10预购组屋买家六人选开放式厨房

Source: 联合晚报 / Lianhe Wanbao

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Construction progress (update) photos of Bendemeer Light taken on 22 December 2014.

Bendemeer Light is working very hard! Watch the clips and photos below.

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Construction view of Bendemeer Light, Block 10C on 22 December 2014 from Block 5, Kempas Road

Construction view of Bendemeer Light, Block 10B on 22 December 2014 from Block 5, Kempas Road

Bendemeer Light, Block 10B on 22 December 2014 from Block 4, Kempas Road

 Bendemeer Light, Block 10B @ 20th storey on 22 December 2014 from Block 4, Kempas Road

Construction view of Bendemeer Light, Block 10A on 22 December 2014 from Block 4, Kempas Road

 Bendemeer Light, Block 10A @ 22nd storey on 22 December 2014 from Block 4, Kempas Road

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Kallang Trivista building progress (update) photos taken on 14 December 2014.

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Kallang Trivista construction progress view of Block 8B (besides Kallang River) on 14 December 2014 from Kallang Park Connector.

Kallang Trivista Block 8B on 14 December 2014 completed 23rd floor.

Kallang Trivista construction progress view of Block 8A (besides Kallang River) on 14 December 2014 from Upper Boon Keng Road.

Kallang Trivista construction progress view of Block 8C on 14 December 2014 from Upper Boon Keng Road.

Alternate View 1 of Kallang Trivista construction progress view of Block 8C on 14 December 2014 from Lor 1 Geylang.

Alternate View 2 of Kallang Trivista construction progress view of Block 8C on 14 December 2014 from Lor 1 Geylang.

Collective View of Kallang Trivista construction progress view of Block 8A, 8B and 8C on 14 December 2014 from Lor 1 Geylang.

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Construction progress (update) photos of Bendemeer Light taken on 13 December 2014.

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Construction view of Bendemeer Light, Block 10A on 13 December 2014 from Bendemeer Road

Construction view of Bendemeer Light, Block 10B on 13 December 2014, from Kempas Road.

Construction view of Bendemeer Light, Block 10C on 13 December 2014, from Block 8B, City View Car Park.

8 Riversuites | 06 December 2014 | Construction progress update for premium condominium (Eight Riversuites ) project along Bendemeer Road

Construction progress (update) photos of 8 Riversuites taken on 06 December 2014.

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McNair Towers | 06 December 2014 | Construction process for HDB BTO housing project (McNair Towers) near Boon Keng MRT Station & Towner Road

Construction progress (update) photos of McNair Towers taken on 06 December 2014.

Observations: Making healthy construction progress, leading Bendemeer Light Do you know why? Click here to find out.

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8 Riversuites | 15 November 2014 | Construction Progress Update For Premium Condominium (Eight Riversuites) Project Along Bendemeer Road

Construction progress (update) photos of 8 Riversuites taken on 15 November 2014.

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McNair Towers | 15 November 2014 | Construction process for HDB BTOhousing project (McNair Towers) near Boon Keng MRT Station & Towner Road

Construction progress (update) photos of McNair Towers taken on 15 November 2014.

Observations: Making healthy construction progress, leading Bendemeer Light Do you know why? Click here to find out.

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