White Oak Haven
4-Room BTO Transformation in Sengkang
White Oak Haven shows how a well-managed renovation can create a balanced home. The open layout, hidden storage, and natural finishes transformed a standard BTO into a practical living space. Thanks to careful planning and daily communication, the couple’s concerns about cost overruns and building guidelines were managed. The end result is a warm and welcoming flat that suits both humans and pets, proving that good design and clear communication can go a long way in creating a lasting home.
4-room HDB BTO
White Oak Haven is a 4-room BTO project in Sengkang. The homeowners are a young couple who wanted a practical design, a pet-friendly layout, and a calm environment. This case study will show how a renovation team delivered these goals while balancing budget constraints and compliance rules. The following sections break down each phase of the transformation, from initial plans to final touches.
This renovation took 14 weeks to complete. The couple wanted to merge timeless aesthetics with low-maintenance finishes. They chose white oak elements for a natural look. They also requested built-in storage, an open-concept layout, and smart home features.
The project used homogeneous tiles, under-bed compartments, and hidden pet feeding spots. The final outcome combined style, function, and convenience. The homeowners’ pets have space to roam, and there is ample storage to keep daily items tucked away.
Key Objectives
- Open Layout: Removed some non-structural walls to connect the living, dining, and kitchen areas.
- Pet-Friendly Finishes: Selected scratch-resistant tiles and surfaces that handle humidity.
- Smart Integrations: Installed voice-controlled lighting and pre-wired points for robot vacuums.
- Natural Ambiance: Focused on white oak finishes for a warm, minimalist feel.
Client Background & Pain Points
Clients: A couple in their early 30s. They recently moved from a rental unit to their new HDB BTO in Sengkang. They had several concerns, including potential delays and surprise costs. They also had limited knowledge of HDB rules for hacking walls.
Key Needs
- A layout that suits their pets, including scratch-resistant surfaces and simple maintenance.
- Extra storage to keep their 90m² flat free of clutter.
- Easy control of lighting and power for daily tasks.
Pain Points
- Fear of Costs: They heard stories about last-minute charges from friends who renovated.
- Lack of Regulation Knowledge: Unsure about HDB guidelines for hacking and structural changes.
- Balancing Looks & Function: They wanted a seamless design without losing practical features.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
Design Philosophy
The team followed a “Timeless over trendy” concept. They used neutral tones, durable materials, and clear spaces to create a design that would remain appealing over time. This approach focused on:
- Neutral Palettes: Whites, light grays, and subtle wood grains.
- Long-Lasting Materials: Homogeneous tiles for moisture-prone areas, white oak veneers for key carpentry elements.
- Strategic Lighting: Layered lighting to set different moods in the living area, dining space, and bedrooms.
Key Design Choices
- Open-Concept Living
Non-structural walls were removed. This single move connected the living, dining, and kitchen zones. It also improved daylight flow and gave the home a spacious feel.
- Open-Concept Living
- Pet-Friendly Flooring
The couple chose scratch-resistant homogeneous tiles with an anti-slip coating. This selection helps protect both pets and owners from slips.
- Pet-Friendly Flooring
- Built-In Storage
Full-height cabinets in the bedrooms hold clothing and other personal items. Under-bed storage compartments help reduce dust buildup. A custom TV console hides cables and media devices.
- Built-In Storage
- Smart Home Integration
The team installed voice-controlled lights and placed USB-C power points in all rooms. Pre-wired conduits allow for easy upgrades, such as adding a robot vacuum or smart door lock later.
- Smart Home Integration
Challenges & Solutions
- Material Delays
There was a shortage of imported white oak timber, which threatened to slow the project. The team switched to locally available white oak veneer, cutting the wait time by about 3 weeks.
- Material Delays
- HDB Compliance
Hacking required approval from HDB-licensed contractors. The team carried out checks to ensure safety standards were met. They also prepared submission documents to follow official guidelines.
- HDB Compliance
Execution & Challenges Faced
Timeline Chart
| Week Range | Key Activities |
|---|---|
| 1–3 | Demolition, rewiring of electrical lines, plumbing work |
| 4–8 | Tile installation, carpentry assembly, wall painting |
| 9–14 | Smart fixture setup, final checks, and touch-ups |
- Demolition & Preparation (Weeks 1–3)
The project started with hacking non-structural walls. Electricians installed new wiring for lighting, air-conditioners, and other smart devices. Plumbers replaced older pipes to reduce leaks later.
- Demolition & Preparation (Weeks 1–3)
- Mid-Phase Work (Weeks 4–8)
Workers laid homogeneous tiles in high-traffic areas. Carpenters created full-height cabinets, a custom TV console, and a new kitchen island. Painters applied low-VOC paint in neutral shades.
- Mid-Phase Work (Weeks 4–8)
- Finishing & Smart Integrations (Weeks 9–14)
The team added voice-enabled lights, fans, and sensors. They tested each device before handing the unit over. The couple stayed in close contact with the project manager through daily WhatsApp updates.
- Finishing & Smart Integrations (Weeks 9–14)
Key Hurdles
- Budget Adjustments
Timber prices rose by about 15%. The design team offset this by using modular carpentry in some zones. This decision balanced cost and quality without heavily delaying the schedule.
- Budget Adjustments
- Communication Gaps
The couple felt anxious about possible changes during the process. The project manager sent daily photos and progress notes. These updates removed doubts and kept everyone aligned on decisions.
- Communication Gaps
Key Highlights & Features
- Multi-Functional Island
The island in the kitchen doubles as a food prep station and a breakfast counter. Hidden drawers store pet bowls and treats. There is also built-in shelving for cookbooks and utensils.
- Multi-Functional Island
- Ventilation Focus
Ceiling fans were installed in the living room, bedrooms, and study area. Certain cabinet doors have perforated sections to improve air circulation. This reduces odor and humidity buildup.
- Ventilation Focus
- Lighting Layers
Recessed LED strips provide soft ambient lighting around the living room walls. Adjustable pendant lights hang over the dining table for tasks that need direct lighting. This combination suits different times of day and activities.
- Lighting Layers
- Eco-Friendly Touches
The couple chose low-VOC paint and energy-efficient windows. The new windows help with heat insulation, which lowers air-conditioner usage. They also installed LED bulbs to reduce electricity bills.
- Eco-Friendly Touches
Execution & Challenges Faced
Timeline Chart
| Week Range | Key Activities |
|---|---|
| 1–3 | Demolition, rewiring of electrical lines, plumbing work |
| 4–8 | Tile installation, carpentry assembly, wall painting |
| 9–14 | Smart fixture setup, final checks, and touch-ups |
- Demolition & Preparation (Weeks 1–3)
The project started with hacking non-structural walls. Electricians installed new wiring for lighting, air-conditioners, and other smart devices. Plumbers replaced older pipes to reduce leaks later.
- Demolition & Preparation (Weeks 1–3)
- Mid-Phase Work (Weeks 4–8)
Workers laid homogeneous tiles in high-traffic areas. Carpenters created full-height cabinets, a custom TV console, and a new kitchen island. Painters applied low-VOC paint in neutral shades.
- Mid-Phase Work (Weeks 4–8)
- Finishing & Smart Integrations (Weeks 9–14)
The team added voice-enabled lights, fans, and sensors. They tested each device before handing the unit over. The couple stayed in close contact with the project manager through daily WhatsApp updates.
- Finishing & Smart Integrations (Weeks 9–14)
Key Hurdles
- Budget Adjustments
Timber prices rose by about 15%. The design team offset this by using modular carpentry in some zones. This decision balanced cost and quality without heavily delaying the schedule.
- Budget Adjustments
- Communication Gaps
The couple felt anxious about possible changes during the process. The project manager sent daily photos and progress notes. These updates removed doubts and kept everyone aligned on decisions.
- Communication Gaps
Key Highlights & Features
- Multi-Functional Island
The island in the kitchen doubles as a food prep station and a breakfast counter. Hidden drawers store pet bowls and treats. There is also built-in shelving for cookbooks and utensils.
- Multi-Functional Island
- Ventilation Focus
Ceiling fans were installed in the living room, bedrooms, and study area. Certain cabinet doors have perforated sections to improve air circulation. This reduces odor and humidity buildup.
- Ventilation Focus
- Lighting Layers
Recessed LED strips provide soft ambient lighting around the living room walls. Adjustable pendant lights hang over the dining table for tasks that need direct lighting. This combination suits different times of day and activities.
- Lighting Layers
- Eco-Friendly Touches
The couple chose low-VOC paint and energy-efficient windows. The new windows help with heat insulation, which lowers air-conditioner usage. They also installed LED bulbs to reduce electricity bills.
- Eco-Friendly Touches
Cost Breakdown
Below is a table outlining the main cost categories:
| Category | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Carpentry | 28,000 |
| Flooring | 9,500 |
| Electrical & Smart Features | 6,200 |
| Plumbing | 4,800 |
| Painting | 3,500 |
| Contingency (10%) | 6,800 |
| Total | 68,000 |
Note: This aligns with 2024 averages for a 4-room BTO. The final amount is about 15% higher than initial projections due to fluctuations in timber prices and special requests for smart home components.
Personal Experience Insight
I visited the unit during the carpentry stage and saw the floor-to-ceiling cabinets being mounted. The white oak veneer had a smooth finish that matched the couple’s vision for a natural look. Workers checked each cabinet door alignment carefully before finalizing the fittings. The couple mentioned that real-time updates through messaging helped them worry less. It gave them a sense of control over the process.