Huge in size and big on style.
Although they come under the category of HDB flats too, executive apartments (EAs) and jumbo flats are properties that are way bigger – and rarer – than their modern-day BTO counterparts due to their discontinuation by HDB.
With estimated max sizes of up to 179 sqm (for EAs) and 192 sqm (jumbo flats), most of these mega-sized houses boast plenty of living space, and now, major style as well. Here are 7 examples that are big on both!
1. A sophisticated 149 sqm executive apartment for a DINK couple
While homes in Singapore tend to have bright and airy spaces to appear bigger, this executive apartment went the opposite way, embracing a deep, moody palette that feels equally sophisticated and cosy. Seemingly designed for a DINK couple, the layout was reworked entirely around their lifestyles.
Peek into the original master bedroom, which was merged with the adjacent junior room to create a massive bedroom suite that consists of a huge walk-in wardrobe that looks straight out of a boutique.
2. A 178sqm jumbo flat in Woodlands inspired by Japanese architecture
Standing at a whopping 178sqm, this massive executive apartment in Woodlands strikes the perfect balance between thematic and cosy. Fitted with features like a genkan-style entryway and a display cabinet inspired by shoji doors, the home is kept airy while wood tones add depth to the look.
Fun fact: this home has five (!) bedrooms, one of which was turned into a study/gym area while another was converted into a huge walk-in wardrobe adjacent to the master bedroom. It’s certainly a luxury that people living in BTO flats can only dream of!
3. A 165 sqm Pasir Ris HDB executive apartment designed around family bonding
For families with 3 kids or more, a typical BTO flat may not be ideal for those who want their kids to have their personal space. That’s why this family opted for this executive apartment in Pasir Ris, which allowed them to carve out 3 sizeable bedrooms for each of their teenage kids without eating into the rest of the space.
Aside from that, the communal area was designed to encourage family bonding. Consisting of a kitchen, dining room, and living room that flow seamlessly into one another while remaining distinct, it creates a space where the family can effortlessly interact with one another without being hindered by walls or structural features.
4. A delightfully eclectic, resort-like Marsiling executive apartment
With an HDB flat this large, the owners of this characterful Marsiling executive apartment were able to pull off a busy aesthetic and unique layout choices without worrying too much about issues like visual clutter or tight walkways.
Aside from a variety of decor elements ranging from faux plants to generously-sized furniture, a platformed bedroom boasting unblocked views was also created adjacent to the communal area, with curtains that allow the homeowners to open or close it up depending on the situation.
It’s a layout choice that may not be possible within a BTO flat, but looks right at home here thanks to the abundance of space!
5. A multi-generational HDB flat in Yishun with a well-connected, open concept layout
At 156 sqm, which is about two-and-a-half 3-room BTO flats in size, this Yishun multigenerational HDB flat is the perfect example of what a well-planned, extra-large home looks like.
By merging an existing balcony with bought corridor space and hacking away a number of partition walls, the design team behind the flat’s makeover were able to create a near-seamless flow from the communal areas to an open-concept kitchen, and even the living-room-turned-master bedroom.
6. An interior designer’s executive apartment in Hougang that pays homage to Kyoto Aman
By now you’d have realised that it’s not just about the square footage of each of these homes, but also the space planning involved that makes each one stand out. This next executive apartment in Hougang is no different.
Following a layout overhaul (including converting the original store room into a walk-in wardrobe!), the living, dining and dry kitchen areas are now seamlessly connected in one large, open-concept space. The effect? A sense of “amazement when you see how big it is,” says designer and homeowner Jimmy.
Doorway between wet and dry kitchen (left) and original dining room turned master bedroom (right) | View this project by MAD About Design
Size aside, its design draws inspiration from the world-famous Aman Kyoto hotel, which explains why much of the home is covered in wood veneers, paired with bold black contrasts for a modern look.
7. A humongous 192 sqm Woodlands jumbo flat that still manages to be cosy
Due to its abundance of space, anyone would reasonably expect this humongous 192 sqm Woodlands jumbo flat (that’s three times the size of a regular 3-room BTO flat!) to look and feel bare, but each of its five bedrooms, two dining areas, and three bathrooms seem pretty cosy post-makeover.
Although there weren’t any major structural changes made, the home’s sheer size allowed its designers to craft restful environments throughout. Case-in-point: the nifty corner bar, a casual but well-put-together dining area, and of course, the dark and cosy personal quarters, which certainly look like the perfect spot for a good night’s sleep.
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