Azure Horizon
IKEA Minimalism in a Tengah 5-Room BTO
I had the chance to observe a 5-room BTO renovation in Tengah Plantation Village called Azure Horizon. The homeowners wanted to mirror their neighborhood’s eco-friendly spirit while maintaining a minimalist design. Below is a detailed walk-through of the planning and results.
IKEA Minimalism in a Tengah 5-Room BTO
Azure Horizon shows that BTO flats in Tengah can showcase minimalism and sustainability at an affordable price. By prioritizing open sightlines, neutral color palettes, and modular design, this renovation proves that HDB living can evolve into a calm, eco-friendly sanctuary.
Location: 5-room BTO, Tengah Plantation Village
Design Theme: IKEA-driven minimalism with eco-conscious materials
Key Features: Open-concept layout, concealed storage, circadian lighting
The homeowners, a family of four, approached RevoSpaces for a solution that embodied functionality, sustainability, and Scandinavian simplicity. They hoped to transform a compartmentalized new flat into a serene and organized home.
Client Background & Pain Points
The family’s main wish was a fresh interior aligned with Tengah’s green focus. They listed three pain points:
- Spatial Fragmentation
Several non-structural walls disrupted the light flow in the living and study areas. This made the unit feel smaller and blocked breezes from windows. - Storage Limitations
They wanted enough space for bulk items. Tengah’s car-free ethos encouraged them to stock groceries in reusable containers, requiring more organized storage. - Climate Adaptation
Singapore’s humidity demanded materials that resist warping and mold, especially in kitchens and closets.
The family also planned to incorporate their love for indoor plants, choosing areas for them to thrive while purifying the air.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
RevoSpaces created a “modular minimalism” plan. They explained how IKEA’s standard components could adapt to unusual wall dimensions, while eco-friendly materials would protect surfaces from moisture.
Open-Concept Engineering
- Non-Load-Bearing Walls Removal: Demolishing a partition between the living and study zones. This created an open flow.
- BESTÅ Floating TV Unit: A custom variation that contained built-in planters for indoor greenery. The greenery helped purify the air, blending with Tengah’s eco-theme.
IKEA Smart Systems
- PAX Sliding Wardrobes: KOMPLEMENT pull-out trays for clothing, shoes, or accessories. The wardrobes sat at 38 cm depth, minimizing floor space usage.
- BRIMNES Storage Bed: The under-bed TJENA boxes stored seasonal items and bedding. This kept clutter off the floor.
Eco-Adaptations
- FÖRNUFTIG Air Purifiers: Linked with Tengah’s central cooling vents, they cycled fresh air.
- ODGER Dining Chairs: Made from recycled plastic, aligning with the estate’s sustainability mission.
Execution & Challenges Faced
Regulatory Compliance
HDB guidelines required fire-rated cabinetry. The design team used METOD kitchen cabinets fitted with hidden sprinklers. This ensured occupant safety without affecting minimalism.
Light Optimization
The flat benefited from lots of natural light, but the study area needed more brightness. OMLOPP LED strips under EKBY JÄRPEN shelves delivered about 300 lux at desk height, aiding tasks and reading.
Modular Customization
IKEA wardrobes and dressers often come in fixed widths. The designers trimmed MALM dressers from 48 cm to about 42 cm depth for an exact fit against irregular BTO walls. They sealed exposed edges to maintain a polished look.
Key Highlights & Features
Space-Saving Innovations
Convertible Study
- IDÅSEN Foldable Desk: This fold-out piece could hide away to turn the zone into a guest nook.
- SLATTUM Sofa Bed: Provided extra seating or sleeping space for visitors.
- KALLAX Shelving: Partitioned the living area without blocking light, and displayed small potted plants.
Climate-Responsive Kitchen
- KUNGSBACKA Recycled Plastic Fronts on SEKTION Cabinets: These fronts resisted humidity and kept the kitchen eco-friendly.
- SUNNERSTA Rail System: Held reusable containers for bulk shopping. Hooks and shelves stored cutlery, freeing up countertops.
Cost Breakdown
Here is the approximate cost distribution in Singapore dollars:
| Category | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| IKEA Core Systems | $48,000 |
| Custom Modifications | $18,000 |
| Lighting & Ventilation | $9,000 |
| Labour & Installation | $15,000 |
| Total | $90,000 |
A simple breakdown of the budget (each “*” represents about 5% of the total):
- IKEA Core Systems:
********************(about 53%) - Custom Modifications:
*******(about 20%) - Lighting & Ventilation:
***(about 10%) - Labour & Installation:
*****(about 17%)
Overall, the renovation cost about $90,000, which is 30% below the typical figure for a 5-room BTO makeover, thanks to RevoSpaces’ partnership with IKEA and SP Group. Pre-fabricated products reduced carpentry labor, but the design team still integrated crucial custom work.