HDB replies to YouTuber's complaints of 'tiny' Tengah BTO flat kitchen, says it's meant to be 'open-concept' & flexible

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) addressed concerns raised by a YouTuber regarding the size of the kitchen in a four-room BTO flat in Tengah, Garden Waterfront. The video, posted on Oct. 8 by YouTube channel Reno Scout, depicted the kitchen as being "tiny" and problematic. In a Facebook post on Oct. 14, HDB defended the design, explaining that the kitchens in these units are intentionally designed to be open-concept and flexible.

This design has been standard for BTO flats since 2018 and is popular among many homeowners. The small kitchen, referred to as the wet kitchen, is compact, measuring about 10 sqm, and is meant to function together with the adjoining dry kitchen. This configuration occupies roughly the same space as a standard kitchen in newer HDB flats with a service yard.

HDB acknowledged that space adjacent to the kitchen could potentially be converted into kitchen area, but noted that this would incur additional costs for residents. They also praised the beamless design, which minimizes internal beams and allows for easier installation of cabinetry. Despite HDB's explanation, some comments on the Facebook post expressed dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the lack of space for a second person to assist with cooking.