Azure Haven
A 3-Bedroom Nautical Minimalist Transformation on the East Coast
I recently visited Azure Haven, a 3-bedroom condominium along Singapore’s East Coast. I worked with the homeowners, who wanted to blend coastal charm with a modern aesthetic. This post details my process, covering the initial goals, the renovation challenges, and the final outcome. I hope it inspires others who wish to combine minimalism with a subtle maritime flair.
A 3-Bedroom Nautical Minimalist Transformation on the East Coast
Azure Haven proves that nautical minimalism can fuse beach-like serenity with city-life convenience. This approach draws inspiration from the coast in gentle ways, showing that small details—like textured tiles and rope pulls—can set the mood without overwhelming the space. For anyone who owns a coastal condo, I believe this project highlights the benefits of open layouts, durable finishes, and considered lighting. The right balance of style and function will yield a home that feels fresh, airy, and anchored by the natural beauty of the sea.
Location: East Coast, 3-bedroom condo, approximately 1,200 sq ft
Design Theme: Nautical minimalism with ocean-like hues and streamlined forms
Key Features: Open layouts, durable finishes for humid climates, and storage solutions that preserve sea views
The main goal was to convert an older condo with dated finishes into a space that projects a calm yet refined coastal vibe. The owners wanted uninterrupted views of the water, along with easy maintenance for a family of four.
Client Background & Pain Points
The owners are a busy couple with two children. They purchased this unit for its waterfront scenery and convenient access to beach walks. Over time, they faced these concerns:
- Dated Aesthetics: Original 1990s tiles and cabinetry clashed with their vision of a breezy coastal environment.
- Blocked Views: Large wardrobes and bulky sofas obstructed the panoramic sea vista from the living area.
- Climate Wear: Humidity caused visible damage on older wood surfaces, leading to frequent repairs and a tired look.
The family needed a cohesive plan that addressed these functional and style concerns. They reached out to an interior design team known for modern updates in older condos.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
The ID team and I discussed a plan that centered on simplifying the layout and spotlighting natural light. The approach included:
- Spatial Reconfiguration: We removed some non-structural walls to open the living and dining areas. This decision aimed to create a direct line of sight to the waterfront.
- Material Palette: We chose terrazzo for flooring due to its durability in humid climates. Bleached oak laminates complemented the terrazzo, while navy accents tied in the nautical theme.
- Subtle Maritime Touches: We integrated rope handles for the cabinetry and used porthole-style mirrors in the entryway. These small details hinted at a maritime influence without feeling heavy-handed.
During the design discussion, I offered suggestions for how to keep the space open and airy. The family wanted an environment that felt casual for daily living yet polished enough for hosting friends. After multiple mood-board reviews, we settled on a clean palette of whites, grays, and navy.
Execution & Challenges Faced
Humidity Management
Humidity caused swelling in older wood fixtures. We replaced these with moisture-resistant MDF. We also added antimicrobial tiles in the bathrooms. This helped prevent mold and kept surfaces looking fresh.
Preserving the View
The owners emphasized the seafront panorama. We selected low-profile furniture in the living room to keep sight lines open. Sofas with slimmer arms and shorter backs allowed the family to see the water from almost every angle. Built-in storage beneath seating areas stored everyday items like throw blankets and books, minimizing clutter.
Layered Lighting
The condo needed a balanced lighting plan. We used cove lights in the corridors to mimic soft illumination. LED strips under floating shelves provided subtle glows in the evening. This layering effect added dimension to the otherwise minimal space. We also inserted a few pendant fixtures above the dining table for a focal point that echoed the shape of a ship’s lantern.
Key Highlights & Features
Multifunctional Seating
A custom banquette in the dining area offered two key benefits:
- Flip-Up Storage under the seat for linens and spare cushions
- Additional Guest Bedding if friends needed a spot to crash
This solution allowed the family to host gatherings without sacrificing floor space.
Coastal-Inspired Kitchen
The upper cabinets featured glass fronts that displayed blue and turquoise dishware. Soft backlighting showcased these pieces, creating a glow reminiscent of ocean reflections at dusk. Open shelving in one corner held potted herbs, echoing a breezy beach house feel.
Bathroom Oasis
We created a spa-like atmosphere in the master bathroom. A freestanding tub with wave-textured tiles around it evoked a shoreline image. A teak mat in the shower area added a natural element while being resistant to humidity. The homeowners reported that their children loved bath time even more after the renovation.
Cost Breakdown
Below is a summary of the renovation costs in Singapore dollars:
| Category | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Custom Carpentry | $42,000 |
| Weatherproofing | $18,000 |
| Lighting & Tech | $15,000 |
| Labour & Fees | $20,000 |
| Total | $95,000 |
To visualize the approximate proportion of each category, see the simple chart below (each “*” represents about 5% of the total):
- Custom Carpentry:
**********(42%) - Weatherproofing:
****(18%) - Lighting & Tech:
***(15%) - Labour & Fees:
****(20%)
This breakdown aligns with the premium nature of condo renovations in Singapore. The largest expense is carpentry, as the project included built-in wardrobes, banquette seating, and kitchen cabinets. Weatherproofing focused on durable materials for a seaside location. Lighting was a smaller cost relative to carpentry but played a big part in the final ambiance.