A vibrant display of Chinese New Year decorations has transformed the void deck of Block 8 Cantonment Close, the work of a local resident determined to bring festive cheer to her community using recycled materials. The installation, featuring a majestic white horse, the God of Wealth Cai Shen Ye and a traditional Chinese pavilion, is the creation of Anitha Tamilmaran, 50, who spent two months conceptualizing and building the display.
Tamilmaran, a former interior design graduate, explained that the unique architecture of the void deck – with its high ceilings and open spaces – presented a design challenge. “Since the void deck has very high ceilings and many openings, You’ll see no continuous walls or lines,” she said. “So I used beams and frames to visually enclose the space and make it experience like one cohesive festive area.”
The most ambitious element of the display, the Grand Auspicious Horse, or Hong Rui Ma, proved particularly demanding. Tamilmaran meticulously reworked the horse’s facial features twice to achieve the desired aesthetic. She considers the horse her “third child,” dedicating significant time and effort to its creation. Residents have reportedly commented on the horse’s impressive physique, playfully suggesting it has been well-fed by the Cantonment community.
The project wasn’t a solo effort. Tamilmaran received assistance from her husband, as well as contributions of recycled materials from residents and nearby shops. Even senior citizens in the community participated, helping with tasks like cutting materials. Recycled spray cans and used packaging were repurposed to form parts of the Moon Gate, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
Tamilmaran’s artistic endeavors extend beyond Chinese New Year. She has previously created Deepavali decorations for Cantonment Primary School and, in 2025, constructed a 1.8m x 2.7m mosaic Singapore flag comprised of 260 tiles for the void deck to commemorate SG60. The Christmas decorations she created remain on display at Block 16 Cantonment Close.
Her work is supported by the HDB Lively Places Fund and Challenge, a program designed to encourage community-driven place-making projects. Tamilmaran, who returned to Singapore with her family in 2020 after several years abroad, has been creating festive displays since receiving a positive response to her SG60 flag project. She is currently working on decorations for the upcoming Hari Raya Puasa celebrations in March, a process that typically involves two months of research, material sourcing, and assembly, often extending into the evenings and weekends.
Despite the challenges of working in a public space – contending with wind, rain, and ensuring the decorations remain secure – Tamilmaran’s work has been warmly received by residents, who often show their appreciation with snacks and drinks. “I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to make (the residents) happy and bring a smile to their faces,” she said. “I hope people realise that festive decorations can be created even with the simplest materials at home. It is also a reminder to reuse, recycle and care for the earth for future generations.”
