HDB defends compact Tengah BTO kitchen design as intentionally open-concept

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has addressed concerns raised by a content creator regarding the size of kitchens in its Tengah Build-to-Order (BTO) housing project, clarifying that the compact layout is a deliberate design choice.

The YouTuber had highlighted what they characterised as unusually small kitchen spaces in the new flats, prompting HDB to provide an explanation of its design philosophy. According to the board, the kitchen dimensions were intentionally planned to support modern open-concept living arrangements rather than traditional separate cooking areas.

HDB indicated that the layout offers residents flexibility in how they utilise their living spaces, allowing for greater integration between kitchen and living areas. The board's response suggests that the design reflects contemporary preferences for interconnected residential spaces rather than compartmentalised home layouts.

The Tengah BTO project, located in Singapore's western region, represents one of the government's newer housing developments. The clarification from HDB comes as prospective buyers and current residents continue to evaluate the new housing offerings and their suitability for diverse household needs.

The exchange highlights ongoing discussions about space efficiency and design priorities in Singapore's public housing programme, particularly as the island grapples with density constraints and evolving residential preferences.

Photo: HDB blocks and landscaping at Plantation Farmway in Tengah, Singapore, December 2025. Sgwikicontributor via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).