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. An elegant 149 sqm Tampines executive apartment with flowing spaces
Given their ability to brighten up spaces and make them look even bigger, it’s no surprise that reflective white walls are popular in Singapore homes. In this executive apartment in Tampines, pristine surroundings work hand-in-hand with natural accents to create a clean, soothing environment.
Long stretches of space in the entryway and living area are emphasised by continuous runs of monochrome tiles and wood-look vinyl flooring installed lengthwise. Meanwhile, a large rug pulls double duty in adding visual interest and defining the communal zone.
Standing at a whopping 170sqm, this young family’s jumbo flat in Marsiling strikes the perfect balance between spacious and homey. Fitted with multiple floor-to-ceiling glass panels, its open-concept communal area is kept bright and airy with natural light coming in from all directions, while wood tones and warm lights bring about a cosy atmosphere.
Its highlight? A massive, irregularly shaped kitchen island that was built around a structural wall. Doubling as a food prep and dining area, this centrepiece is so large that the owners once had over 20 guests congregating around it for a meal!
View PuroMuro Studio's Portfolio
3. A 149 sqm Jurong East HDB executive apartment that’s as chic as it's big
At 149 sqm, this executive apartment in Jurong East, by all accounts, already huge. But after opening up the kitchen and study, this home now boasts a much more spacious appearance, complete with overhead fluted wood panelling and ornately tiled herringbone floors that draw the eye to the furthest point of every space.
With an HDB flat this large, the owners of this characterful Woodlands executive apartment were able to pull off a busy aesthetic without worrying too much about issues like visual clutter or tight walkways with poor traffic flow.
Aside from a wide variety of decor elements ranging from fluted panels to generously-sized furniture, an XL-sized mirror that’s longer than a six-seater dining table was also incorporated as part of the home’s zany new look – a design choice only made possible by the abundance of space.
View Aart Boxx Interior's Portfolio
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.
Fans of Japanese lifestyle store MUJI and huge homes will surely appreciate the comfortable vibes of this family’s jumbo flat in Ang Mo Kio!
By making some big changes – such as breaking down the walls between the two separate units that this spacious flat was previously comprised of, and concealing one of the existing main entrances behind a bicycle storage area – the flat’s occupants were able to create a one-of-a-kind abode for themselves.
View D5 Studio Image's Portfolio
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.
Interior design firms for HDB executive apartments and jumbo flats
Looking to renovate your HDB executive apartment or jumbo flat? Here are other interior design firms experienced in doing so, apart from those featured above. Click on the links below to view their portfolios:
This article was originally published on 10 February 2022 and last updated on 20 November 2023.
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