Minimalist Woodcraft
3-Room HDB Transformation in Ang Mo Kio
By focusing on simple forms, subtle wood tones, and well-placed storage, this Ang Mo Kio flat achieves a balanced style. The design meets the couple’s need for an airy environment and safe features for a toddler. The final result proves that older HDBs can become modern and cozy spaces with thoughtful planning. This renovation highlights how simple lines, warm wood, and functional layouts can serve daily life. The owners’ journey shows that a practical budget can go far when the design strategy is clear. This case study confirms that an open-concept approach paired with localized finishes can transform a dated flat into a welcoming home.
3-Room HDB
I once stepped into an old HDB flat in Ang Mo Kio and sensed its strong potential. The layout felt cramped, but the walls held promise for a bright, open concept. This case study shares how we turned a dated 3-room resale flat into a calm retreat with minimalist lines and inviting wood features.
This project involved a 90m² 3-room resale HDB unit in Ang Mo Kio. The renovation took 10 weeks and concluded in 2021. The owners wanted a clean design that used warm wood to create a cozy atmosphere. The goal was to blend Scandinavian and Japanese styles while maintaining simplicity. We focused on hidden storage solutions, practical materials, and a layout that supports daily routines.
- Size: 90m²
- Timeline: 10 weeks
- Key Idea: Minimalist design with wood accents
- Completion Year: 2021
Client Background & Pain Points
Clients: A young couple with a toddler who previously stayed in a smaller rental. They needed a safe and functional space for their growing child.
- Child Safety: They wanted rounded corners and non-slip floors.
- Maximized Storage: Their toddler needed space for books, toys, and daily items.
- Unified Theme: They preferred a style inspired by Scandinavian minimalism and Japanese woodcraft.
Pain Points:
- Outdated Layout: The original 1990s layout had poor lighting and small, separated rooms.
- Budget Worries: The couple felt anxious about costs for hacking, carpentry, and child-proof features.
- Regulatory Rules: They had limited knowledge of HDB hacking permits and the paperwork needed before construction.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
Design Philosophy
We believed in the phrase: “Less clutter, more character.” This approach guided the color palette and choice of materials. We used neutral tones with strategic wood details to avoid visual overload.
Key Design Choices
- Open-Concept Living: We removed some non-load-bearing walls to unite the living, dining, and kitchen areas. This change improved ventilation and natural light flow.
- Limewash Paint: We used limewash on a few focal walls for soft texture. This paint creates subtle variations in color under different lighting.
- Space Reconfiguration: We merged a spare bedroom with the master bedroom to create a larger suite. We carved out room for a small walk-in wardrobe and a compact study area.
- Child-Friendly Materials: We chose rounded edges on oak furnishings and anti-slip vinyl floors in areas where the toddler might run or play.
Challenges & Solutions
- Budget Cap: We switched from full-scale custom furniture to modular carpentry. This lowered costs by about 18%.
- HDB Compliance: We partnered with licensed contractors for hacking and structural checks. Their expertise kept the project on track and safe.
Execution & Challenges Faced
Timeline
- Weeks 1–3: We handled demolition, rewiring, and plumbing changes. We also installed new windows and made sure the framework was sound.
- Weeks 4–7: We applied limewash paint, laid vinyl flooring, and assembled modular carpentry.
- Weeks 8–10: We installed final fixtures, painted trim, and added child-proof locks and guards.
Key Hurdles
- Delayed Materials: Imported wood veneers faced shipping issues. We sourced local laminates to keep the schedule intact.
- Sound Insulation: After removing walls, the owners worried about noise. We applied mass-loaded vinyl insulation to shared walls to reduce sound transmission.
Key Highlights & Features
- Hidden Storage
- Pull-out shoe cabinets beneath built-in benches
- Floor-to-ceiling wardrobes with hidden laundry baskets
- Clever drawers under beds for bed linens
- Modular Kitchen
- A 3.5m island with panels that can be switched for festive themes
- Engineered quartz countertop for easy cleaning
- Adjustable shelving inside kitchen cabinets for flexible storage
- Biophilic Accents
- Live-edge shelves for books and decor
- Low-maintenance pothos plants suspended in simple hangers
- Timber-like vinyl flooring that blends with neutral walls
- Adaptive Lighting
- Dimmable track lights with color temperatures ranging from 2700K to 4000K
- Warm-white cove lighting near the dining area for a relaxed mood
- Timers in the child’s room to ensure soft lighting during bedtime
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Carpentry & Storage | $28,000 |
| Flooring & Walls | $14,500 |
| Electrical & Lighting | $6,800 |
| Plumbing | $4,200 |
| Painting (Limewash) | $7,500 |
| Contingency (8%) | $5,000 |
| Total | $65,000 |
These numbers fit current benchmarks for a 3-room resale renovation in Singapore. They reflect costs for skilled labor, materials, hacking, and specialized finishes.
Renovation Cost Allocation (Percentage Chart)
Carpentry & Storage: 43% ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Flooring & Walls: 22% ||||||||||||
Electrical & Lighting: 10% ||||||
Plumbing: 6% ||||
Painting (Limewash): 12% |||||||
Contingency: 7% |||||
This approximate chart shows how each category contributes to the total budget. Carpentry is the highest due to custom wardrobes and kitchen cabinets. Flooring, walls, and painting make up a combined 34%. Electrical, lighting, plumbing, and a contingency fund cover the rest.