You might know Queenstown as Singapore’s first satellite town and the site of Singapore’s earliest HDB blocks, but it’s also home to Singapore’s first curved HDB block. Known as the Butterfly Block, Block 168A Queensway is the only one of its kind, with a distinctive design that resembles the insect.
Stirling View’s “Butterfly” block design
Image adapted from: Roots.sg
Completed in 1973, Block 168A broke away from the conventional rectangular slab and point block designs that defined public housing at the time. Located within Stirling View Estate at Queenstown, just down the road from Singapore’s first HDB flats at Stirling Road, the block immediately stands out for its bold architecture.
It houses 228 units across 19 floors, with all units built as 4-room flats. Each floor has 12 units averaging around 904sqft.
Image adapted from: Jovelyn Mirambel on YouTube
The block earned its nickname from its wing-like symmetrical curves, joined at a central lift shaft to form a silhouette of a butterfly. The butterfly shape is most distinct when viewed from the back, while the front features 7 lift shafts to serve residents throughout the block.
The now-iconic design was a part of HDB’s efforts to diversify public housing, breaking the mould from the typical slab block and accommodating a wider range of homeowner preferences. The result was a distinctive structure that brought more life and character to the estate, making it an icon of Queenstown.
With the success of this pilot project, HDB went on to build more curved shape blocks and blocks with unique layouts. The block’s historical significance is now recognised as part of the My Queenstown Heritage trail, which highlights iconic landmarks from Singapore’s early public housing days.
Living at the Butterfly Block
Image credit: Docomomo
At around 904sqft, each unit is close in size to today’s 4-room flats, which average about 969sqft. Beyond its unique design, the block stands out with its convenient location. Queensway Shopping Centre, Anchorpoint, and IKEA Alexandra are easily accessible with a 5-minute walk, perfect for grabbing groceries or a quick bite anytime. It’s also well-connected, with direct buses to the CBD and Queenstown MRT Station just a 10-minute walk away.
There’s still time to experience living in one of Singapore’s historically significant HDBs—the 99-year lease started in 1974, with 51 years left. Units are currently priced around $590,000, while rentals go for approximately $1,000/month for a room and $4,200/month for a whole flat.
Stirling View: Singapore’s first curved butterfly block
The next time you’re in the area for a meal or a quick IKEA run, keep an eye out for the block’s sprawling butterfly-shaped structure. As Singapore’s first curved block, it helped to set the trend for other experimental HDB block designs like the Clover Block in Ang Mo Kio, completed in 1981.
Block 168A Queensway remains an important part of Singapore’s housing history, not only for its unique silhouette but also for shaping the evolution of HDB design.
For more iconic HDB blocks:
- 12 HDBs with unique designs that look nothing like your cookie-cutter blocks
- What are HDB point block flats, and why are they among the most popular layouts among buyers in Singapore
- Singapore’s longest HDB corridor in Whampoa West Block 34
Cover image adapted from: Docomomo
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
