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Completed in 1973, Block 168A Mei Ling Street is one of Singapore’s few curved HDBs. Its distinctive V-shaped layout and sculptural form reflect a time when public housing quietly experimented with character and community.
When you think of HDB, it’s a common assumption that HDB blocks are all about replicability and efficiency: boxy, symmetrical, Lego-like forms. But that stereotype doesn’t quite hold up, even during Singapore’s early nation-building years when budgets were tight.
Block 168A Mei Ling Street is proof that at one point, experimentation was very much on the table. Completed in 1973, it stands out as one of the rare curved HDB blocks in Queenstown, a product of an architectural phase where diversity in form briefly outweighed pure efficiency. Its “butterfly” layout — unusual even by today’s standards — shows how public housing once flirted with sculptural massing, spatial character, and semi-private social space.
An old image of the butterfly block at 168A Mei Ling Street.
Era & Typology
A 1970s HDB Experiment
Block 168A Mei Ling Street was completed in 1973, during a bold era when HDB explored non-standard forms before settling into the conventional slab and point-block designs. As one of the earliest curved-shape HDB blocks in Queenstown, it was part of HDB’s push to introduce diversity and individuality into public housing
The centre lift shaft where the two curving sides meet at the Queenstown Butterfly Block, 168A Mei Ling Street.
Curved Wings
The distinctive “butterfly” plan — a central core flanked by two sweeping curved wings — was revolutionary for its time. The convex façades and arc-following corridors created unique spatial dynamics, letting residents enjoy varied views, natural ventilation patterns, and a strong visual identity within the estate .
Height & Landmark Status
At around 20 storeys tall, this block stood out during an era when tall public housing was still rare. Its sculptural volume, grand scale, and curvature ensured it became an enduring landmark long before condo towers defined the skyline
Sculptural Massing & Social Impact
The butterfly layout wasn’t just for the vibes. The V-shaped plan carved out a semi-enclosed communal void between the two wings, offering privacy and social intimacy not found in standard slab blocks. These elevated, open “courtyards” gave residents space to gather, linger, or simply enjoy being outside their flats without being out in the open.
The old lift shafts were located at the communal 'stem' of the block before renovation.
Lift Shafts
I lived there long before each vertical column of units had their own lift shaft. Previously, the stem of the butterfly had three lifts that served the whole block, and only a select few levels had long corridors that stretched across the wing, much like other older HDBs of that era. I had to walk all the way along the curve to the end of the “wing” before climbing up the stairs to my own unit, which often provided a nice, unobstructed sunset view (especially before the construction of Queen’s Arc).
The core lift shaft has since been cordoned off, but I’ll forever fondly remember it. Since there was only one core, all the residents used it. That meant daily catch-ups with neighbors from the other end of the block —something that was sadly missing once our individual lift shafts were completed. It was greatly convenient, but at a cost to that unique daily interaction.
The external lift shafts were a later addition to the buiding.
Queenstown’s History (1960s-1970s)
The construction of blocks like 168A Mei Ling Street in the late 1960s and early 1970s marked a transformative period for Queenstown and Singapore’s public housing. As Singapore’s first satellite town, Queenstown was central to the nation’s rapid development and social restructuring following self-governance in 1959 and independence in 1965.
Facing a severe housing crisis, the Housing & Development Board (HDB), established in 1960, rapidly developed Queenstown. This involved converting former kampongs and farmlands into high-rise residential estates. Beyond just providing shelter, HDB’s vision aimed to foster a cohesive multi-racial society and national identity. Residents from diverse backgrounds were resettled, with designs incorporating communal spaces, like those in the “butterfly” blocks, to encourage interaction and community building.
The curved corridor runs along the whole stretch of the block only on certain levels.
By the late 1960s and early 1970s, HDB began experimenting with architectural forms beyond utilitarian designs. Blocks like 168A Mei Ling Street exemplify this era of exploration, balancing aesthetic appeal and varied spatial experiences with affordability.
Queenstown was also designed as a self-sufficient town, with integrated amenities like markets, schools, and clinics, ensuring residents had easy access to daily necessities. This construction boom also significantly boosted Singapore’s economy, creating numerous jobs and driving industrialisation. Queenstown thus served as a vital testing ground for HDB’s evolving designs, community planning, and social integration strategies during a pivotal nation-building period.
Floor plan of Blk 168A Queensway.
HDB Unit Layout
Block 168A Mei Ling Street features a variety of flat types, predominantly 3-room and 4-room units typical of the 1970s HDB era. The curved wings mean that the internal layouts aren’t the usual rectangular boxes but slightly angled rooms, which maximize corner windows and airflow.
- 3-room flats (~65-75 sqm): Compact but functional, often with an open kitchen, separate living and dining areas, and bedrooms arranged along the curved corridor.
- 4-room flats (~90-100 sqm): Larger units with an extra bedroom and more flexible living spaces. The curvature creates subtle differences in room shapes and window placements, enhancing natural light and ventilation.
Floor plans are distinctive because the corridor arcs affect how rooms orient towards airflow and sunlight. The design prioritizes cross-ventilation, a key feature for comfort before widespread air-conditioning.
The motif of curvature extends to even the corners of the corridor.
Resale HDB Prices
Given its age (completed 1973) and the remaining lease, units at Block 168A Mei Ling Street will typically be priced lower than newer HDBs in Queenstown, especially those at Dawson. However, its unique architectural design and historical significance could still hold some premium for specific buyers.
Recent Transactions (Late 2024 - Early/Mid 2025):
4-room units at 168A Queensway (Mei Ling Street): Sales records from PropertyGuru and SRX show transactions for 4-room units at Block 168A Queensway (Mei Ling Street) ranging from S$450,000 to S$510,000 in late 2024 and early 2025. A specific transaction in May 2025 was recorded at S$455,000 for a 4-room (84 sqm) unit on a lower floor.
These prices are notably lower than the million-dollar flats in newer Queenstown developments, reflecting the older lease and likely smaller unit sizes.
A worm's eye view of the curvature of half the block.
Rent Prices
Specific rental data for Block 168A Mei Ling Street shows the following:
Recent Transactions (Late 2024 - Early/Mid 2025):
4-room units at 168A Queensway (Mei Ling Street): Rental transactions for 4-room units at Block 168A Queensway (Mei Ling Street) have been observed between S$3,200 and S$3,600 in recent months (May 2025, April 2025, March 2025). One listing from 99.co shows a 3-bedroom (4I) HDB unit for rent at S$3,200/month.
Other listings for 168A Queensway show lower monthly rents such as S$1,000 to S$1,300/month, but these are likely for partial units (e.g., common room rentals) rather than entire units.