Singapore’s HDB flats have evolved alongside the nation, shifting from simple, functional designs to modern blocks that rival private condominiums in style and amenities. Yet, in the early days, Singapore’s public housing often featured unique and sometimes quirky architectural elements.
Among these is a fascinating relic in Whampoa West, Block 34, rumoured to have Singapore’s longest HDB corridor. But is it truly the record holder, and what makes it so special?
Image credit: @stanley_chee
An “endless” corridor with 46 units
Completed on 1st January 1972, Whampoa West’s Block 34 was built on the former grounds of the historic Bendemeer House. Measuring an impressive 312 to 320 metres in length, this unique slab block houses nearly 500 HDB units across 12 storeys, with 46 units per floor, a remarkable figure for its time.
Its unusual length and distinctive design quickly made it a local landmark. In fact, Singpost recognised its significance by featuring it on a commemorative stamp in 2020.
Image credit: Singpost
Block 34 is famed for having what is believed to be the longest continuous HDB corridor in Singapore. For children growing up here, it must have been the ultimate playground for games like block catching. To put its scale into perspective, the corridor’s length is roughly equivalent to six laps of an Olympic-sized swimming pool, with a little extra to spare.
Curious about the experience, we decided to walk from one end to the other. It took us nearly 4 minutes at a steady pace. For a delivery driver who ends up in the wrong lift lobby, it could feel less like a corridor and more like an endless portal stretching into the distance.
If we compare it to other contenders, Block 121 Paya Lebar Way is another HDB with an impressively long corridor, about 400 metres in total length. However, its corridor isn’t continuous across all storeys, as it’s divided into 15 segments.
Built in the late 1970s, it technically beats Whampoa West Block 34 in overall length, but Whampoa still holds the crown for the longest uninterrupted HDB corridor in Singapore.
Next we have Block 195 Kim Keat Avenue: This block has a corridor length of approximately 370 meters. It dates to the early 1970s (even older than Whampoa West!) and is one of the longest surviving long corridor blocks.
Whampoa West Block 34: Singapore’s longest continuous HDB corridor
Today, Whampoa West’s Block 34 stands as a reminder of Singapore’s early HDB architecture, a piece of our housing history that continues to intrigue both residents and visitors. Whether you are here to admire its design, reminisce about old-school neighbourhood life, or simply test your stamina along its legendary corridor, this is one HDB block that truly stands the test of time.
If you like reading about unique housing in Singapore, check out these articles:
- 8 Most Unique Condos In Singapore To Drool Over While Waiting For Your BTO
- 7 Amazing Sentosa Cove Homes That’ll Give You Major House Envy
- 10 HDBs With Unique Designs That Look Nothing Like Your Cookie-Cutter Blocks
Cover image adapted from: roots.gov.sg
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