Baba Goldleaf
(Landed, Joo Chiat)
I first heard about the Baba Goldleaf project through an older Peranakan family who wanted to restore their 1930s shophouse. They shared stories of how the old flooring creaked underfoot and how sunlight rarely reached the hallway. I appreciated their excitement and understood their concerns about preserving family history. This is a story about how they turned a worn property into a modern Peranakan sanctuary.
Baba Goldleaf
These remarks made me realize how important every decision was. The final product blends tradition and modernity in a way that suits the family. It stands as a valuable case study for anyone restoring a conserved building in Singapore. The project demonstrates how art, technology, and history can unite in one home.
In the end, Baba Goldleaf remains a testament to respectful design that preserves heritage without sacrificing comfort. The homeowners are satisfied, and they now enjoy a brighter, safer environment that will serve future generations. This story will inspire other families who wish to honor the past while embracing today’s options. The experience reinforced my view that a careful balance of cultural detail and modern amenities can bring life to older Singapore homes for many decades to come.
The property is a 2-storey shophouse located along Joo Chiat Terrace in a URA Conservation Zone. It measures about 1,550 square feet and reflects a 1930s architectural style. The renovation took around 22 months, including the time needed for URA approvals. The final design fuses Peranakan flair with industrial accents.
Location
- Joo Chiat Terrace, URA Conservation Zone
Property Type
- 1930s 2-storey shophouse, approximately 1,550 sqft
Design Style
- Peranakan-industrial fusion
Timeline
- 22 months (including URA approvals)
Key Partners
- Heritage Tile Revival Co.
- URA-certified architects
I visited the site several times with the homeowners. Each time, I noticed the fine detailing of the original tiles and the patina of the old wood beams. The building showed signs of fatigue, but it also had charming design elements that highlighted Peranakan culture. It was clear that each portion of the restoration required precision. The result? A unique balance of tradition and updated comfort.
Client Background & Pain Points
The homeowners are a third-generation Peranakan family. They value their cultural traditions but also want to enjoy modern amenities. The biggest hurdles included:
Structural decay
Termites had caused extensive damage to the original Chengal wood beams. Cracked plasterwork also compromised the building’s structure.Outdated utilities
Plumbing lines from the 1930s and ancient electrical wiring led to frequent water leaks and short circuits.Light limitations
The interior felt dim because the layout was narrow. Most windows faced the street, so the hallway and back rooms remained dark during the day.
These issues caused stress for the family. They worried about safety and comfort while also trying to honor their Peranakan heritage.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
The family engaged URA-certified architects and a dedicated heritage tile specialist to keep the home’s character intact. The approach involved respectful restoration combined with modern solutions.
Heritage Restoration
Original Phoenix-Motif Tiles
Over 300 original Peranakan tiles had hairline cracks and faded patterns. A specialist used zinc-infusion methods to restore them. This process preserved the bold phoenix designs that reflect good fortune in Peranakan culture.Termite-Damaged Timber
All compromised Chengal beams were replaced with fresh Malaysian-sourced Chengal. This choice kept the heritage feel while providing stronger support.Five-Footway Mosaic Tiles
The team used alkaline cleaning and careful polishing to restore the mosaic floors along the five-footway. These tiles often show signature geometric motifs.
Modern Interventions
Glass-Roofed Courtyard
A steel-framed canopy brought in extra sunlight to the center of the home. This area now feels open, while the glass roof deflects rain.Smart Climate Control
Dehumidifiers were hidden behind restored timber screens. Remote controls let the family manage humidity levels for wood and tile preservation.Modular Zones
Retractable glass partitions divide the ancestral altar and living areas. This design provides privacy but can open up for family gatherings.
Material Strategy
Terrazzo Floors
Polished terrazzo, reminiscent of old kopitiams, offers a durable and slip-resistant surface.Blackened Steel Accents
Dark metal fixtures contrast with pastel Peranakan tiles and create a balanced industrial feel.Acoustic Felt Panels
These panels were wrapped in Peranakan-style fabric. They help with sound absorption and double as wall art.
I liked how these modern additions respected the original layout. The rooftop glass canopy especially impressed me because it allowed natural light to flow into typically dark corners. The homeowners mentioned how this change helped them appreciate their home’s character more.
Execution & Challenges Faced
No renovation project runs perfectly. The Baba Goldleaf transformation had its share of obstacles.
Tile Reproduction Delay
Heritage Tile Revival Co. needed about 11 months to recreate and match the phoenix tiles. The custom process added time but maintained authenticity.URA Compliance
The designers submitted four revised plans before receiving approval for the courtyard glass roof. They had to ensure minimal visual change to the conserved façade.Material Bleeding
Newly installed Chengal beams leaked sap for eight months. The team performed weekly cleaning to keep surfaces clean and prevent stains.Budget Overruns
A 25% budget increase occurred after they discovered unsafe electrical lines. Upgrades to the entire wiring system became necessary.
Despite these hurdles, the renovation advanced steadily. I remember standing in the half-finished courtyard area, watching the workers meticulously install new beams. I felt both tension and excitement from the family as they balanced heritage requirements with modern functions.
Key Highlights & Features
Below is a simple comparison of heritage elements and modern additions that define Baba Goldleaf:
| Heritage Elements | Modern Innovations |
|---|---|
| Restored phoenix tiles | Motorized UV-filtering window films |
| Hand-carved teak screens | Hidden charging stations in floor joists |
| Original airwell with rain chain | Smart lighting that replicates vintage oil lamp glow |
| Vintage brass fixtures | Glass-roofed courtyard with hydroponic garden |
Signature Spaces
Golden Chronogram
An entryway mosaic with gold leaf that symbolizes the family’s lineage. Each tile has a date or small motif connecting to key family events.Floating Altar
A cantilevered prayer platform sits above the restored airwell. It gives the home a spiritual focal point without blocking natural light.Heritage Pantry
A protected area for storing Nyonya porcelain. Concealed climate controls keep the porcelain safe from humidity.
Chart: Natural Illumination Improvement
Below is an approximate chart reflecting how natural illumination rose over time once the glass-roofed courtyard was installed:
| Month | Estimated Daylight Penetration |
|---|---|
| 0 (Before Renovation) | 10% |
| 6 (Mid-Renovation) | 20% |
| 12 (Roof Installation) | 35% |
| 18 (Final Adjustments) | 50% |
| 22 (Completion) | 60% |
This chart shows that the family gained much brighter living spaces, especially around the central corridor.
Cost Breakdown
The entire renovation cost reached about SGD $515,000. Below is a table showing major categories:
| Category | Cost (SGD) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Repairs | $220,000 | 42% |
| Tile Restoration | $95,000 | 18% |
| URA-Compliant Modifications | $85,000 | 16% |
| Smart Systems | $65,000 | 12% |
| Landscape Integration | $50,000 | 10% |
| Total | $515,000 | 100% |
Heirloom furniture preservation costs were excluded from this budget because the owners managed that part separately.