It’s no secret that the layout of most HDB flats tends to be quite conventional, which is understandable. As the famous saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. However, if you’re looking for a home that will stand out from the rest, you might want to consider an executive maisonette with a curved airwell.
Why do some executive maisonettes have curved airwells?
Image credit: Propertyguru
Curved airwells are an architectural feature first incorporated in a select few executive maisonettes in the 80s. In fact, HDB was quite adventurous with the flats they built in this era, like the clover-shaped building at Kebun Baru, which was completed in the 80s as well.
While the express purpose of these airwells is not documented, the extra living space is always welcome.
What do these curved airwells look like?
Image credit: @maisonette.atlas
You’ll typically find these airwells beside the balcony on the first floor. They’re basically small alcoves that have rounded walls, giving them that curved look. They also have a double-volume ceiling that spans both floors, making the space feel larger than it actually is. Additionally, the top-down view is visible from the second-floor bedroom.
Maisonettes with curved airwells mainly found in Lorong Ah Soo
Image adapted from: Google Maps
Units with these unique curved airwells can only be found in a select few blocks along Lorong Ah Soo, specifically in blocks 144 and 145. Taking a glance at the exterior, you can see the rounded edges of the flats where the curved airwells reside, beside the balcony window.
Due to the exclusive nature of this feature, units with a curved airwell are considerably rare, with only one unit on sale at the time of writing this.
Best curved airwell reno ideas
Since the curved airwell isn’t a feature commonly seen in many homes, it might be difficult to envision what one might do with the space. While some homeowners might convert the space into a storage room and call it a day, there are a handful of homeowners who do utilise the space creatively.
Bright & airy reading lounge
Image credit: ChengYi Interior Design
These homeowners converted the niche into a cosy reading lounge with an abundance of natural light. The balcony is enclosed by a pair of French doors, so noise from the street is dampened—which means the space is also suitable for a study.
The space also doubles up as a mini display alcove or library, so this is a suitable option for those who need space for their collection of books and keepsakes.
Arc-shaped home library
Image credit: The Local INN.terior 新家室
Or maybe your literature collection is a bit too expansive to fit on a small bookshelf—in which case, this curved home library idea might be more appealing. This bookshelf is the very definition of floor-to-ceiling carpentry, making ample use of the vertical space afforded by the double-volume ceiling.
The space is undoubtedly one that feels more vintage, with the dark wood calling to mind images of the ornate Hogwarts library from Harry Potter. Bonus points for the old-school helmets lining the top.
Display case for collectibles
Image credit: The Interior Lab
For those with a more curated collection of items to display, this curved airwell-turned-living-room display is sure to impress any guests who visit. The luxurious outfitting of the area, complete with dramatic LED display lighting, will ensure that your collection is always a conversation starter.
Image credit: The Interior Lab
Executive maisonettes with curved airwells
On that note, these units with a curved airwell are definitely a luxury themselves, due to their exceeding rarity. With HDB ceasing the production of executive maisonettes in 1995, HDB maisonettes with curved airwells will inevitably go extinct should these blocks in Lorong Ah Soo be demolished.
For more HDB explainers:
- How much you need to earn to buy a million-dollar maisonette
- Are HDB maisonettes a worthy investment?
- Why i consider moving from a condo to a maisonette an upgrade
Cover image adapted from: The Interior Lab, The Local INN.terior 新家室
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