Town council engaging with Serangoon resident behind 'onsen': Here's what's inside
You don't often associate onsen spas with Housing Board (HDB) estates – until now.
A photo of an unconventional setup resembling a Japanese bathhouse outside a HDB flat has sparked much discussion on Reddit.
Situated on the 12th floor of Block 427 Serangoon Central, the fixture belongs to the flat opposite it.
The picture shows the wooden structure, which comes with a door and window, perched on a metal platform. The structure was also fitted with wooden steps and adorned with plants.
Stomper Futile Optimism, who alerted Stomp to the Reddit post, said: "Netizens have shared that it is a fire hazard and obstructs the passageway as it may not meet fire safety requirements."
According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), a minimum clear escape passage of 1.2m clearance is to be maintained along common corridors.
A top comment on the Reddit post said such fixtures are "meant to be installed in your bathroom, by removing your entire shower cubicle and putting this in its place."
The same comment also said that the setup in question was flat-out brazenly illegal".
Some users felt that there was nothing wrong, but some voiced safety concerns.
Several also said that the structure would inevitably be removed now that the Reddit post has gone viral online, having garnered over 100 comments so far.
"I appreciate the execution but unfortunately looks like this is the end of it for sure," commented one Redditor.
Another added: "Lol poor guy gonna have to remove it now that the photo appeared here."
It looks like they might be right.
According to Lianhe Zaobao, the resident behind the setup is a Chinese woman in her 50s to 60s.
A reporter who visited the scene saw a shoe cabinet, a bench, sofa and at least 30 potted plants of different sizes along the corridor.
There were seats covered with towels in the 'onsen', as well as paintings, photos and decorations hung inside.
The structure is not connected to any power supply and is believed to be used as a storage space.
In response to media queries, Marine Parade Town Council said it has been engaging with the homeowner to reduce clutter outside the unit over the years and she has "made some effort in doing so".
"We will continue in our engagement and work with the owner to remove the fixture and further reduce the clutter," added the town council, who will also monitor the situation closely.
Residents are urged not to install unauthorised structures in common areas, reduce clutter, and avoid obstructing the corridors or stairwells for a safer and more comfortable living environment.
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