SINGAPORE \u2013 An iconic eight-block public housing project in Tampines with a distinctive brick-faced facade \u2013 left largely unpainted for more than 30 years \u2013 is scheduled for a repair-and-paint job that has drawn some criticism over concerns that the buildings\u2019 unique identity would be lost.<\/p>\n
Residents of the eight blocks \u2013 497A to D, 497F to H and 497J Tampines Street 45 \u2013 have been asked to cast their votes for one of three proposed colour schemes in the planned Repairs and Redecoration (R&R) exercise to fix water seepage issues.<\/p>\n
The poll started on Aug 31 and will end on Sept 13.<\/p>\n
Of the three colour-scheme options, one closely matches the blocks\u2019 original colour palette, while another largely retains the palette but introduces some variations. The third is a complete overhaul of the blocks\u2019 look.<\/p>\n
While some residents who spoke with The Straits Times said they do not want a radical change in the blocks\u2019 colours, other residents and industry observers opposed the very act of painting over the exposed brick facade.<\/p>\n
Yeo Kang Shua, Hokkien Foundation professor in architectural conservation at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, said: \u201cThey may not be formally conserved buildings, but that does not mean that their architectural character is without value.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese blocks have become very recognisable precisely because of their fair-faced brickwork.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a statement to ST on Sept 8, Tampines Town Council said residents have various views on how the works should be carried out for the blocks.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome would like a more colourful paint scheme and a move away from the brick facade, while others feel that the exposed brick facades should be preserved because of their distinctive character and heritage value,\u201d said the town council.<\/p>\n The colour options on display at one of the blocks in Tampines Street 45.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n It also said it considered residents\u2019 feedback during the last R&R cycle from 2017 to 2019, and painted areas of the walls affected by water seepage, using a colour that closely matched the original brickwork.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, as the brickwork has aged since, further seepage has affected residents\u2019 homes,\u201d the town council said.<\/p>\n Architectural photographer Darren Soh in an Instagram post on Sept 4 called on Tampines Town Council to carry out localised repair works to areas of brick deterioration instead of painting over the brick facade entirely.<\/p>\n Fully painting over the bricks \u201cunfortunately would completely wipe out the spirit and essence of the estate\u201d, he said.<\/p>\n<\/picture><\/div>