Latest news with #HUDC
Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Straits Times
The Chic Home: Ex-architectural associate designs dog-friendly dream apartment
Built in the 1970s, this revamped HUDC unit is home to a former architectural associate and his dog. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA SINGAPORE – Nestled beside the forests around MacRitchie Reservoir is a three-block development by the Housing and Urban Development Company (HUDC) dating back to 1977. Despite its age, Mr Augustine Heng, who runs a tuition centre, was able to spot the untapped potential in his 1,615 sq ft, three-bedroom unit in Upper Thomson Road. 'The existing layout felt constrained, but I knew that by reconfiguring the walls and rethinking the flow, I could create a more open and seamless living environment,' says the 41-year-old bachelo r. As a former architectural associate, he decided to undertake the design himself. 'For years, I had been imagining my ideal home, and this was the perfect opportunity to bring those ideas to life. 'The chance to shape every detail according to my vision was something I could not pass up , especially in a setting as unique as this, with views that played a major role in the design decisions .' Mr Heng wanted the flat's look to combine Scandinavian chic and the aesthetic of Japanese brand Muji, guided by the principles of simplicity, comfort and openness. It was important to him that the space be warm and welcoming, and every decision was made with the natural beauty right outside his windows in mind. The main door originally opened to a full view of the apartment. Mr Heng introduced a partition that creates privacy and a sense of separation without blocking the view, along with a bench seat for putting on and removing shoes. The former balcony next to the living area is now a dining space. A partition and bench seat screen off the rest of the unit from view. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The spacious living area is minimalist and uncluttered, with an L-shaped sofa and a small wooden coffee table. The television console almost blends into the floor. By keeping the colour and material palettes neutral, the space has a sense of ease and lightness. The former balcony next to the living area is now a dining space that comfortably accommodates a table for eight. It is up against windows that span the width of the room, with an unblocked view of the reservoir and the surrounding forest. The large kitchen island is perfect for Mr Heng to entertain. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA With the existing kitchen walls removed, the kitchen and the former dining room are one large open space. Instead of separate wet and dry kitchens, Mr Heng created a single dry kitchen centred on an island. The large windows and absence of cabinets above the counter reinforce the feeling of openness . By removing two perpendicular walls, what used to be a dead space outside the common bathroom has been transformed into an open courtyard of sorts, featuring more greenery. A canine wall design demarcates the dedicated area in the backyard where Mr Heng's dog goes for a drink of water. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA For the master bedroom, Mr Heng opted for a platform bed that would allow his pet dog to sleep beside him. The light wood and white walls and ceiling are consistent with the rest of the home. Mr Heng opted for a platform bed that would allow his pet dog to sleep beside him. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The attached master bathroom features a built-in bathtub with views of the reservoir, elevating the space into a sanctuary of relaxation. The master bathroom's beige and white hues match the rest of the home. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA One of the two remaining bedrooms is now a hobby-cum-movie room where Mr Heng displays his Bearbrick collection. The third bedroom is a study with a Murphy bed system that allows it to double as a guest room. The home owner's Bearbrick collection is on display in the hobby-cum-movie room. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The unit was overhauled to the tune of about $120,000, excluding furnishings. Given its age, it was in a state of significant disrepair, which led to numerous complications during the renovation. Mr Heng says: 'Compounding these issues, I unfortunately hired an inept project manager whose lack of oversight and coordination resulted in multiple mistakes. For instance, the bathroom tiling had to be redone three times.' These setbacks prolonged the renovation to around four months. Mr Heng moved into the home in mid-June 2024. But he is pleased with the result. 'The light wood accents complemented by crisp white walls evoke a sense of calm and serenity, harmonising with the lush greenery visible from almost every room.' This article first appeared in Home & Decor Singapore. Go to for more beautiful homes, space-saving ideas and interior inspiration. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Jordan Times
11-03-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Cabinet approves affordable housing project to address population pressure
New tax law to boost fairness, efficiency in property valuation Gov't greenlights nationwide EV charging network to drive green transition AMMAN — The Cabinet, during a session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Tuesday approved a project to develop residential land in high-density areas facing service challenges to provide state-owned land with fully developed infrastructure, improve public services and offer affordable housing solutions. The Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDC) will oversee the project after registering the land in its name. The first phase will cover selected areas in Zarqa, Karak, and Maan, with plans for future expansion, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. Under the plan, one-dunum plots will be sold at a 50 per cent discount to their administrative value, while larger plots will be priced at full administrative value. To ease the financial burden, the government will offer interest-free instalment plans with a repayment period of up to 10 years. The initiative is expected to stimulate economic growth and create jobs, particularly in construction, infrastructure, and services. It aligns with the Kingdom's Economic Modernisation Vision, aiming to enhance living standards and boost key sectors. The Cabinet also approved the 2025 buildings and tax draft law, which seeks to modernise and automate property tax procedures, enhancing efficiency in valuation, collection, and dispute resolution. The draft law aims to ensure fairness in tax assessments by factoring in property type (residential, industrial, commercial, or agricultural), market value, and actual land use. Taxpayers will benefit from deductions for depreciation, disuse, and land utilisation levels rather than full market value taxation. Additionally, an incentive programme will grant increased exemptions to those who pay their taxes within the first three months of the year. The reforms also promote green building construction, heritage site preservation and industrial and renewable energy development on vacant land. In the judicial sector, the Council of Ministers approved amendments to the Law on the Establishment of Regular Courts, expanding the jurisdiction of the Economic Chamber to cover all first-instance courts beyond Amman, aligning with the Justice Sector Strategic Plan 2022-2026 to improve judicial efficiency. The Cabinet also approved a regulatory framework for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, a key step in Jordan's transition to clean energy. The framework supports the expansion of EV charging stations across the Kingdom, with companies assessing demand and ensuring system readiness. The Jordan Standards and Metrology Organisation (JSMO) will set quality standards, while the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission will oversee electricity connections to charging stations. To enhance agro-industrial capacity, the Cabinet approved the Ministry of Agriculture's lease of the International Diamonds Industrial Zone in the Jordan Valley for food processing factories. This is part of a broader strategy to establish an agro-industrial zone promoting food security and sustainability. Additionally, the Cabinet allocated land in Aqaba for two new agricultural projects: a 6,337-dunum date palm farm and a 1,000-dunum high-value crops project. Both projects, expected to be completed within three years, aim to create jobs and support local agriculture. In water infrastructure, the Cabinet approved a $7.5 million grant from Korea to rehabilitate water networks in Jerash, improving supply sustainability and promoting water conservation. The Council of Minister also approved electricity provision for the Partners for Investment Hotel in Wadi Musa, Maan, supporting the tourism sector, sustainability, and local employment. Additionally, Jordan's Digital Inclusion Policy for 2025 was approved to bridge the digital divide, enhance access to technology and support SMEs in the digital economy. On the international front, the Cabinet endorsed revisions to the Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement with Saudi Arabia, aligning investment standards with international practices and encouraging cross-border investment. During the session, the Minister of Finance briefed the Council of Ministers on Jordan's credit rating, recently reaffirmed by Standard & Poor's with a stable outlook. The minister highlighted that the rating will attract foreign investment, boost investor confidence and improve Jordan's access to financing at favourable rates. The Cabinet also approved the retirement of Director General of the Social Security Corporation Mohammad Tarawneh upon reaching the statutory retirement age.
