HDB Clarifies Tengah BTO Kitchen Layout After Viral Video
The Housing & Development Board has responded to online criticism regarding the kitchen size in a Tengah BTO flat, clarifying the open-concept design.
Quick facts
- The combined wet and dry kitchen area measures approximately 10 square metres.
- Open-concept kitchen designs have been standard for new BTO flats since 2018.
- The viral video featured a 4-room unit at Garden Waterfront I @ Tengah.
Why it matters
The trend reflects a broader shift in Singapore's public housing design toward open-concept layouts, which prioritize flexibility over traditional compartmentalized spaces. The tension between developer-led design objectives and buyer expectations regarding utility and storage remains a recurring theme in local property discussions.
The Housing & Development Board (HDB) has issued a clarification regarding the design of new Build-To-Order (BTO) flats following online discussions about a "small" kitchen in a 4-room unit at Tengah. As of October 17, 2026, the board confirmed that the open-concept kitchen layout is intended to provide homeowners with flexibility in configuring their living space.
What happened?
The response follows a viral walkthrough video posted on October 8, 2026, by renovation firm Reno Scout. In the video, the host described the kitchen of a 4-room flat at Garden Waterfront I @ Tengah as "very tiny" and noted the absence of a service yard. The video sparked widespread online debate regarding the functionality of the unit's floor plan.
HDB's explanation of the layout
HDB clarified that the kitchen area shown in the video refers specifically to the wet kitchen. According to the board, the wet and dry kitchens are designed to function together as an open-concept space. HDB stated that these combined areas occupy approximately 10 square metres, which is comparable to the size of a standard kitchen in newer HDB flats that include a service yard.
Why this is trending in Singapore
The topic is trending in Singapore due to high public interest in BTO flat designs and the practical implications of floor plan changes on daily living. Many prospective homeowners are actively searching for clarity on how newer, open-concept layouts compare to traditional kitchen configurations.
What is confirmed and what is not
It is confirmed that HDB considers the 10 sqm combined area to be standard for newer flats. However, public sentiment remains divided, with many social media commenters expressing skepticism about the functionality of the space compared to units with dedicated service yards. The board did not name the specific firm in its response, referring only to "a YouTube video."
Frequently asked questions
What is the total size of the Tengah BTO kitchen?
According to HDB, the combined wet and dry kitchen areas in the 4-room unit at Garden Waterfront I @ Tengah occupy approximately 10 square metres in total.
Why did HDB issue a statement?
HDB issued the statement to address public concerns and online criticism following a viral video by a renovation firm that described the kitchen as "very tiny" and lacking a service yard.
Are open-concept kitchens standard in new BTO flats?
Yes, HDB confirmed that the open-concept kitchen has been the standard design for new BTO flats since 2018, where the specific flat layout permits this configuration.
Did the kitchen in the video include a service yard?
The video host noted that the specific 4-room unit at Garden Waterfront I @ Tengah did not have a service yard, a point which HDB addressed by comparing the total kitchen area to units that do.
Who is involved in the Tengah kitchen discussion?
The discussion involves the Housing & Development Board (HDB) and a renovation firm called Reno Scout, which published a walkthrough video of a unit at Block 213B Tengah Garden Avenue.
Is the Tengah kitchen layout considered small?
While the video host described the wet kitchen as cramped, HDB maintains that the combined wet and dry kitchen area is approximately 10 square metres, which is consistent with the size of standard kitchens in newer HDB developments.
In this story
Sources
- AsiaOne.com: HDB sheds light on 'small' kitchen of Tengah BTO flat in viral video, Singapore News
- The Online Citizen: HDB says Tengah kitchen totals 10 sqm after Reno Scout video draws criticism
- Mothership: HDB replies to YouTuber's complaints of 'tiny' Tengah BTO flat kitchen, says it's meant to be 'open-concept' & flexible
Trend snapshot
- Topic
- Lifestyle
- Trending in
- Singapore
- Search interest
- 2000+ recent searches
- Status
- Verified: 3 independent outlets
- Last updated
- Oct 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Last checked Oct 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work · How we verify
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