Concrete Canvas
(4-Room HDB, Toa Payoh)
Welcome to a renovation story featuring a 1990s 4-room resale HDB in Toa Payoh. The project aimed to showcase raw concrete surfaces while ensuring everyday comfort. This effort took about 3.5 months to complete and combined brutalist-industrial design with practical touches.
Steel & Timber Warehouse
The couple feels the final result captures an industrial aesthetic with modern conveniences. By using practical solutions for sound and humidity, they achieved a balanced home environment. The project proves that an older HDB flat can transform into a sleek concrete showcase when proper support systems and creative design choices come together.
- Location: Blk 238 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh
- Property Type: 93 sqm 4-room resale HDB
- Design Style: Brutalist-industrial hybrid
- Renovation Timeline: 3.5 months
- Key Partners: BCA-certified contractors, sustainable material suppliers
The property belonged to a young architect couple who planned to use industrial textures in a functional way. They prioritized open sightlines and materials that highlight the building’s original structure.
Client Background & Pain Points
The homeowners wanted an urban loft feel in an HDB setting. They work in design fields and enjoy exploring construction materials, such as concrete and metal.
Their goals included:
- Eliminating a Claustrophobic Layout: Multiple small rooms made the space feel tight.
- Revealing Raw Surfaces: Vinyl flooring and decorative trims conflicted with their concrete theme.
- Reducing Noise: The flat sits near an MRT ventilation shaft, causing noticeable sound.
They aimed to remove non-essential walls and incorporate concrete finishes for a bold interior.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
Spatial Reconfiguration
- Removed Non-Load-Bearing Walls: Combining two bedrooms and extending the living area produced a more open layout.
- Steel I-Beam Support: We introduced a 4m cantilevered kitchen island, anchored by an I-beam for stability. This island doubles as a dining spot.
Material Strategy
- Micro-Cement Overhaul: Floors, ceilings, and select walls received a micro-cement coating. This approach achieved a continuous textured look that the owners wanted.
- Salvaged Elements: Construction site formwork served as shelving for a rustic touch.
- Contrast Accents: Brushed brass fixtures popped against matte concrete, preventing a monotone feel.
Climate Adaptations
- Aerated Concrete Partitions: These light partitions help regulate indoor temperatures.
- Hidden Dehumidification System: We placed it behind a feature wall to curb moisture, which can be an issue in spaces with extensive concrete finishes.
| Category | Cost (SGD) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Structural modifications | 28,000 | 47% |
| Micro-cement application | 15,000 | 25% |
| Custom metalwork | 8,500 | 14% |
| Smart systems | 5,000 | 8% |
| Lighting | 3,500 | 6% |
| Total | 60,000 | – |
Note: Costs for furniture and art pieces are not included.
Spending Chart
- Structural Modifications: 47%
- Micro-cement Application: 25%
- Custom Metalwork: 14%
- Smart Systems: 8%
- Lighting: 6%
The largest slice of the budget focused on structural changes and micro-cement finishes. This shows the importance of reinforcing walls and floors when dealing with a radical layout transformation.
| Category | Cost (SGD) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Structural upgrades | 145,000 | 42% |
| Timber cladding & features | 78,000 | 23% |
| Mechanical systems | 52,000 | 15% |
| Compliance certifications | 35,000 | 10% |
| Landscape & access | 30,000 | 9% |
| Total | 340,000 | – |
Note: This table excludes the cost of additional storage racks purchased after the main renovation.
Cost Distribution Chart
Here is a general chart for percentage of spending:
- Structural Upgrades: 42%
- Timber Features: 23%
- Mechanical Systems: 15%
- Compliance: 10%
- Landscape/Access: 9%
From these figures, it is clear that structural and timber-related work form the majority of the budget.