Jungalow Studio
(4-Room HDB, Kallang)
Renovating a 4-room HDB flat in Singapore involves balancing open layouts, functional design, and a soothing atmosphere. I once helped transform a 4-room HDB at Kallang Horizon into a breezy space. I applied simple changes, grounded in nature-focused ideas, while staying within budget. This project combined tropical themes with modern elements, creating a home that feels cool, welcoming, and connected to green features.
4-Room HDB, Kallang
These insights might guide others looking for a nature-focused home. An HDB flat can feel like a tropical getaway by introducing plants, lighting, and multi-purpose layouts. I believe this project stands out as an example of how small design choices have lasting impacts on daily life.
I hope this account offers ideas for new condo owners or anyone keen on refreshing their space. The blend of natural accents, modern comforts, and efficient climate adaptations transformed a standard flat into a breezy retreat. This project also shows how a clear vision and a realistic budget can create a calm home environment that reflects personal style.
- Location: Kallang Horizon BTO Estate, Singapore
- Property Type: 4-Room HDB (93 sqm / 1,000 sqft)
- Design Style: Tropical Contemporary
- Renovation Timeline: 5 months
- Key Partners: BCA-certified contractors, sustainable material specialists
- Budget: SGD 85,000
This flat had a west-facing layout that trapped heat, so we prioritized air flow and light. We also looked for ways to introduce natural textures and plant life.
Client Background & Pain Points
A couple, one urban planner and one yoga instructor, wanted a nature-inspired home. They dreamed of an indoor oasis with plants, yet faced several problems:
- Compartmentalized Layout: Original walls blocked daylight and cross-ventilation.
- Storage Limitations: They needed places for yoga equipment, plants, and daily items.
- Thermal Discomfort: West-facing windows caused afternoon heat buildup.
- Budget Constraints: They had to keep total spending at SGD 85,000.
These concerns guided every step of planning. The couple wanted to feel calm, but their flat had many small rooms. We sought to use open design, subtle shading, and multi-purpose storage to solve these issues.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
Biophilic Integration
- Vertical “Living Walls”: We installed panels of air-purifying plants, such as Snake Plant and Golden Pothos. These walls introduced greenery without taking up floor space.
- Rattan-Screened Dividers: We replaced solid walls with screens that allowed light to pass through. This boosted brightness and let air flow better.
- Sustainable Wood: We used Chengal wood for shelves and cabinets. This wood is FSC-certified, signaling responsible sourcing.
Space Optimization
- Hybrid Yoga Studio/Guest Room: We converted the second bedroom into a flexible area. A sofa bed doubles as seating, while yoga mats and blocks store neatly.
- Floating Platform Bed: We placed a platform bed in the master bedroom, with underfloor storage for clothes, bedding, and holiday items.
- Breakfast Bar with Herb Garden: A curved bar near the kitchen serves as a casual dining spot and holds small herb planters.
Climate Adaptations
- Heat-Reflective Window Films: We applied window films that cut indoor temperatures by about 3°C. This reduced reliance on air conditioning.
- Micro-Cement Flooring: This flooring feels cooler underfoot and suits the home’s contemporary theme.
- Dehumidifiers Behind Plant Walls: We concealed compact dehumidifiers to regulate humidity. This approach kept mold in check and helped the plants thrive.
I found these measures straightforward to plan, yet they brought big improvements in comfort. They also met HDB guidelines and budget requirements.
Execution & Challenges Faced
Material Sourcing
Rattan screens from Indonesia arrived eight weeks late. Shipping schedules often shift, and we had to extend our timeline. The couple stayed flexible, though it meant some design features were finalized later than expected.
Structural Limits
HDB rules restricted major wall removal. The “living walls” needed steel support to avoid weight issues, which increased our costs by about 12%. We also had to present layout revisions for approval.
Light Calibration
Plants need sufficient light. We included custom LED grow lights that provided extra brightness without raising power bills too much. Positioning these lights took trial and error, as certain plants needed direct rays while others thrived on indirect light.
Root Management
Vertical gardens can trap moisture, so we laid waterproof membranes to protect floors. We also fitted drainage channels. This prevented leakage and reduced plant maintenance chores for the couple.
Key Highlights & Features
Below is a side-by-side look at how we merged tropical touches with modern technology:
| Tropical Elements | Contemporary Innovations |
|---|---|
| Vertical living walls | Smart glass partitions with UV control |
| Rattan room dividers | Magnetic yoga equipment storage |
| Terrazzo breakfast bar | Underfloor cooling channels |
| Chengal wood shelving | Retractable mosquito screens |
Functional Touches:
- Convertible Tatami Bed: Doubles as guest seating with hidden storage.
- Rotating Plant Display: Lets you adjust plants for varying sun angles.
- Bathroom Pebble Flooring: Facilitates good drainage and adds a spa-like feel.
These features united nature and modern design. The couple enjoyed the open flow, and their yoga sessions felt calm. They also reported that guests found the space interesting and pleasant.
Cost Breakdown
We aimed to keep costs transparent and easy to understand. The table below details the main categories:
| Category | Cost (SGD) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Structural changes | 34,000 | 40% |
| Biophilic features | 20,000 | 24% |
| Material finishes | 15,000 | 18% |
| Smart systems | 10,000 | 12% |
| Lighting | 6,000 | 7% |
| Total | 85,000 | – |
Excludes movable furniture and plants
Cost Breakdown Chart (Bar Chart Representation)
