Open kitchen concept popular with BTO buyers

SINGAPORE — More than half of Build-to-Order (BTO) flat buyers have opted for an open kitchen concept since the Housing and Development Board (HDB) started offering such a choice in September last year.

As of Oct 31, six of 10 BTO buyers who have selected a unit chose the feature, the HDB said. So far, this option has been offered in 30 BTO projects.

The choice of whether to have a kitchen partition wall was first offered to buyers under the expanded Optional Component Scheme last year. 

Teck Ghee Parkview, at Block 455A to Block 455C on Ang Mo Kio Street 44, was the first to offer the option in the September 2012 BTO exercise. It received a positive response, with about 70 per cent of home buyers opting for an open kitchen. The first batches of such flats are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017.

The HDB said it offered the open kitchen option to provide home buyers greater flexibility in terms of layout and design to suit their lifestyle needs. 

Mr Steven Chua, who selected his flat at Toa Payoh Apex in July, chose to have an open kitchen. “Visually, it makes my flat look more spacious,” said the unemployed 37-year-old. 

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

“Without (this option), they have to knock down walls and remove tiles, and a lot of submissions are required in order for them to achieve this new design,” he said. “With the savings, they’re able to use their funds in some other areas for renovation.”

- ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY CHANNEL NEWSASIA