Photos of a block of BTO flats in Tampines went viral on social media a few days ago, with netizens calling out the choice of red paint on the walls, ceiling and floors making the entire building look “spooky”, “creepy” and “eerie”.
The Housing Development Board (HDB) has since responded to the issue and said that they are looking into improving the eerie facade of the bock, with MP Baey Yam Keng adding that the choice of red paint was not appropriate.
Baey said that he received feedback from residents and is working with HDB on the issue, adding that he agrees with the comments that the block looks eerie after seeing the photos of the red-coloured block taken at night.
He said that he has told HDB about the inappropriate colour and they will be looking into it.
HDB will “tone it down”
A spokesperson for HDB said that they will be painting some of the red walls of the building white, in order to “tone it down”.
They said that the brightly coloured life lobbies were meant to differentiate the cluster of blocks and that the red-tiled areas will stay because it helps with wayfinding and painting the identity of the precinct.
They added that the three colours of the cluster of flats were inspired by dragon fruits, mangoes and mangosteens.
New residents found it eerie
A number of residents shared their thoughts on the creepy-looking red paint job of the building.
29-year-old Nur, who collected her keys to her new BTO flat at the affected block, told Straits Times that the lift lobby was eerie and scary and that it created a stressful environment instead of giving residents a sense of calm when they come home.
Another resident living there, 35-year-old Ms Lee, told ST that when she visited the block in the afternoon with her family, they thought it looked acceptable; but when they returned at night, it looked “scary”.