Coastal Fusion Haven: East Coast Condo
Reimagined with Japandi Serenity
I recently visited a three-bedroom resale condo in District 15, near Marine Parade’s heritage zone. This 1,300 sq ft home sat in a conservation area known for older layouts that sometimes limit open-concept ideas. The owners, Lena and Raj, wanted a design that combined Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality with coastal cues from the nearby sea. They also needed a modern home office space.
Their new interior blends clean lines, soft textures, and natural materials. The result is a fresh environment that suits their hybrid work schedule while honoring the condo’s heritage value.
Reimagined with Japandi Serenity
They value the project’s combination of heritage respect, cozy interior style, and modern upgrades. The overall experience improved their quality of life and gave them a functional workspace. This project shows that a Coastal Japandi theme can suit Singapore’s shoreline environment. With the right materials and open planning, older layouts can evolve into comfortable spaces for relaxation and productivity.
- Location: Marine Parade conservation area (District 15)
- Size: 1,300 sq ft resale condo
- Design Style: Coastal Japandi fusion
- Key Goals: Open up the 1990s layout, create a home office corner, respect the heritage terrazzo flooring, and manage corrosion concerns due to salt air.
This project aimed to maximize natural light and airflow. It also adapted older structural elements to support daily work needs. The transformation focused on both functionality and comfort.
Client Background & Pain Points
Lena and Raj are marketing executives in their late 30s who work partly from home. They wanted a space that felt calm during busy work hours and welcoming on weekends.
- Compartmentalized Layout: The original 1990s walls made the condo feel smaller. Several load-bearing walls restricted major demolition.
- Saltwater Corrosion: The balcony fittings had rust from salt air. They needed more resistant materials.
- Heritage Flooring: The terrazzo floors were old and needed care. They worried about damaging historical elements.
- Budget Constraints: They balanced modern finishes with potential resale value. Coastal materials can cost more, so they had to plan carefully.
They shared stories of stumbling over a maze-like interior each morning. They missed out on sea views because bulky partitions blocked light. They also had no quiet workspace, which was vital for online meetings.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
Spatial Strategy
- Open-Concept Layout: The team removed non-load-bearing walls to combine the kitchen, living, and dining zones. This increased the sense of space.
- Hybrid Study/Guest Room: The maid’s room became a study with a Murphy bed. This flexible arrangement let them host relatives without losing office functionality.
Material Palette
- Japandi Warmth: Bleached oak flooring and rattan ceiling panels offered natural tones.
- Coastal Elements: Wave-patterned bathroom tiles and rope-detailed cabinetry gave the condo a beach-inspired touch.
Coastal Integration
- Balcony Upgrade: Corrosion-resistant aluminum bi-fold doors replaced old metal fittings. This prevented rust and allowed full sea views.
- Window Seat Addition: A built-in bench by the living room window created a relaxing corner for sunrise views or evening breezes.
The renovation approach used modest design to avoid clashing with the heritage walls. It also merged airy Japandi touches with the condo’s existing arches.
Execution & Challenges Faced
Structural Adjustments
- Preserving Arched Doorways: The arches were part of the original design. Reinforcing them required precision. The team framed the arches with supportive beams to handle shifting weight from the partial wall removals.
- Balcony Reinforcement: The close proximity to the sea meant extra moisture. The contractor added waterproof coatings and rustproof supports to the balcony’s frame.
Material Sourcing
- Linen Curtains: Specially coated linen curtains were ordered to handle salt air. They came at a 20% higher cost than standard options.
- Recycled Teak: For a feature wall in the living room, the team used teak salvaged from decommissioned boats. This piece contributed a coastal theme.
Lighting Solutions
- Cove Lighting: They installed cove lights with IP65 waterproof ratings near the balcony. These lights resisted humidity.
- Track Lights: Adjustable track lights helped brighten the interior on cloudy days. They also added a modern look to the open-plan areas.
The biggest hurdle was balancing aesthetic goals with structural limits. The final layout avoided major changes to load-bearing walls while achieving an open feel.
Key Highlights & Features
| Feature | Japandi-Coastal Fusion Detail |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Terrazzo waterfall countertops with a subtle wave-edge |
| Bathroom | Seafoam green subway tiles, teak bath mat platform |
| Storage | Floating TV console with concealed surfboard storage |
| Balcony | Turned into a workstation with weatherproof electric points |
These details linked the design elements together. The floating TV console saved floor space and hid sports gear. The teak bath mat added warmth to the bathroom.
Cost Breakdown (SGD)
| Category | Cost | Coastal Adaptation Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Works | $42,000 | Salt-resistant materials (+18%) |
| Custom Carpentry | $37,000 | Marine-grade plywood (+$5k) |
| Flooring | $16,000 | Heritage terrazzo restoration |
| Lighting/Electrical | $14,000 | Weatherproof installations |
| Total | $109,000 | (+23% vs new condo average) |
Cost Breakdown Chart (Approximate Distribution)
Below is a simple view of the renovation budget percentage by category:
This chart shows Structural Works as the largest cost driver. Coastal reinforcement made that segment more expensive than in standard projects.