5-room HDB flat in Woodlands: Our clients' needs and how we delivered

Designed for a family of 5 and their helper, a 5-room HDB flat in Woodlands has been reconditioned to exude a calm and hushed essence. As this is the family's second home, the clients came with a good understanding of their own aesthetic and practical requirements. Our designer, Joon Yin, shares how he worked to achieve a space tailored to their specific needs, along with deliberate material choices to shape its depth and mood.

A warm welcome

In the absence of the original foyer storeroom, a full-height cabinet was erected to house books, toys, and other miscellaneous items, all in neat TOYOGO boxes. On the outside, slim doors clad in Sven Knarvick Birch complement the vinyl flooring, adding warmth to the living area.

Glass blocks introduce a different texture, bringing with it soft filtered light that changes over the course of the day. On a cosy evening, a pendant lamp beaming through the glass from the dry pantry transforms the ambience at the entrance.

Minimalist floating shelves provide sleek storage for gadgets and little treasures, making room for personal expression.

Circle on the ceiling

As the family loved their 60-inch Fanco ceiling fan from the previous home, it naturally became a non-negotiable component in their new living room. However, noting the inevitable false ceiling (recessed lights preferred) and the male owner's towering height, modifications had to be made.

A big recessed "circle" was designed so the fan can be mounted at a safe and optimum height - Joon Yin recalls there was hardly any wind initially, when the fan was flushed with the false ceiling. It took another round of calculations before the final height was determined. Now, it is safe, and as windy as the family fondly remembers.

Livening up the space

To enhance the visual flow of the living area, two sides of the TV feature wall were curved, along with selected beams and columns.

Another subtle but effective way to liven up spaces is to opt for limewash paint. Cloud-like strokes on the walls and ceiling make the room feel textured and soft. While this raw look that evolves with the home may not be for everyone, the clients were eager to have it.

Note: High-traffic areas need to be refreshed from time to time as limewash layers may be vulnerable to bumps.

Heart of the home

In a U shaped kitchen, slim shaker doors create clean lines while the quietly beautiful sintered stone softens the appearance of an otherwise utilitarian-looking countertop and backsplash. The initial plans for terracotta floor tiles were revised after a few shopping trips to Hafary. Glazed porcelain tiles were eventually chosen, resulting in a more balanced colour palette for the kitchen.

Against this backdrop, the homeowners were then free to curate a space that feels like theirs - a Bertazzoni standalone cooker (that runs on gas) and a pink water dispenser offer a glimpse into their personalities.

Final thoughts

A resale flat can come with surprises after key collection. For instance, a thick pipe was found in the corner of the original balcony area, which is now part of the living room. Since it must not be removed, plans were made to conceal it aesthetically - however, options were limited due to its close proximity to the window.

In the end, the pipe remains hidden behind the curtains, along with other small imperfections, fading into the background of a home soon to be occupied... with that, a new chapter finally begins.

Yours begins here