Nonya Flora Suite
(5-Room HDB, Bedok)
I had the chance to see an interesting renovation at Bedok South Bloom Estate. The owners of this 5-room HDB requested a Peranakan-modern fusion. They wanted to blend their cultural legacy with current functional needs. They called the result Nonya Flora Suite, where heritage patterns meet modern layouts. I followed this project from planning to final reveal, and I saw how each design step solved real issues. This case study shows the journey in simple terms.
Nonya Flora Suite
The Nonya Flora Suite exemplifies cultural pragmatism by blending heritage elements with modern functionality, such as ventilated cabinets to protect vintage ceramics while improving airflow. By leveraging vertical integration, the design maximizes limited floor space with features like L-shaped benches and extended shelving to free up walkable areas. Climate budgeting was also a key consideration, with solutions like thermal coatings, improved insulation, and motorized skylights addressing heat management for west-facing windows. Regulatory preparation ensured smooth progress, with necessary HDB permits obtained early to avoid delays in implementing open-concept plans. This carefully renovated 5-room HDB harmoniously marries Peranakan heritage with contemporary conveniences, creating a home where a grandmother can proudly display her prized dishes, a young couple can host tech-friendly gatherings, and a busy family can enjoy cooking in a space designed for better light and reduced heat. The result is a vibrant yet functional living environment that respects tradition while embracing efficient, purposeful design.
Location: Bedok South Bloom Estate, Bedok
Property Type: 5-room 2010s HDB (110 sqm)
Design Style: Peranakan-modern fusion
Renovation Timeline: 6 months
Key Partners: Kebaya Craft Collective, BCA-certified contractors
The owners chose a Peranakan theme because they value their family’s roots. They also required advanced solutions for daily living. The design process integrated Peranakan motifs with spaces that fit their busy routines.
Client Background & Pain Points
The owners are a multi-generational Peranakan family. They take pride in heritage, from heirloom porcelain to Nyonya recipes. They had four main problems:
- Cultural disconnect. The current layout lacked classic Peranakan design touches. The owners felt their home had lost its connection to family traditions.
- Thermal issues. The living room faced the west side and attracted harsh afternoon heat, making it uncomfortable for daily gatherings.
- Storage limitations. The owners had porcelain pieces, vintage tiffin carriers, and cooking utensils that needed safe and organized placement.
- Compartmentalization. The original layout had many small rooms and walls, preventing natural light from reaching shared spaces.
I visited their home before the renovation. I saw a cramped hallway leading into a living area that felt warm and stuffy by midday. The main corridor looked narrow, and there was little display space for traditional ceramics. The owners also struggled to keep the cooking area ventilated.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
Cultural Integration
- Kebaya lace-patterned screens. These custom screens replaced plain walls. They offered partial privacy and brought delicate Peranakan patterns into each room.
- Vintage Nyonya tiles as kitchen backsplash. Salvaged from old Peranakan homes, these tiles introduced color and floral patterns in the cooking space.
- Mother-of-pearl inlaid cabinetry. Craftsmen added this detail to display cabinets. This approach honored time-honored Nyonya furniture styles.
Spatial Reconfiguration
- Open-concept living and dining. Non-load-bearing walls were removed to create a larger communal area. This decision improved air circulation and let in more daylight.
- L-shaped storage bench. This bench served double duty. It offered seating for the dining table and displayed porcelain in a clear case beneath the seat.
- Motorized skylight. Placed above the dining zone, this feature cut heat gain. It also offered a dramatic way to brighten the space during the day.
Climate Adaptations
- Heat-reflective coating on west-facing windows. This prevented high temperatures from building up in the living area.
- Underfloor cooling channels. Placed beneath terrazzo-style vinyl, these channels maintained a cooler surface for walking.
- Hidden dehumidifiers. Built into display cabinets to protect vintage items from moisture.
I remember how excited the owners were about the mother-of-pearl inlays. They mentioned their grandmother’s old cabinets. They wanted a way to extend that nostalgic feel to a modern setting.
Execution & Challenges Faced
- Tile sourcing delay. Locating vintage Nyonya tiles with matching floral patterns took 10 weeks. Suppliers had limited stocks, and each piece had to match existing designs.
- Layout approval. The open-concept plan required multiple submissions to HDB. The owners wanted wider spaces, but local rules needed exact drawings.
- Budget overrun. Custom mother-of-pearl work caused a 15% rise in expenses. The owners decided it was worth the cost, but it required cutting back on other non-essential decor.
- Material compatibility. Vintage tiles needed modern adhesives. The contractor tested several blends to ensure a secure fit without cracking.
Key Highlights & Features
Below is a brief comparison of the cultural touches and modern upgrades:
| Heritage Elements | Modern Innovations |
|---|---|
| Hand-restored Nyonya tiles | Smart glass skylight with UV control |
| Carved teak room dividers | Motorized artifact display shelves |
| Vintage brass light fixtures | Integrated charging stations in millwork |
| Embossed lacquer screens | Hydroponic herb wall in kitchen |
Functional Touches:
- Convertible dining table: It had a pop-up panel for grinding rempah (spice paste). This kept the process contained and saved space.
- Rotating spice rack: Disguised as a standard cabinet door, this rack revealed multiple layers of dried spices once turned.
- Hidden storage: Kebaya-patterned panels slid open to show more compartments for large pots and bulky cookware.
I tested the rotating spice rack during my visit. It turned smoothly and had enough shelves for everything from star anise to dried chili. The owners joked that it felt like a small cooking secret.
Cost Breakdown
The renovation costs spread across various categories. Here is a simple table:
| Category | Cost (SGD) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural features | $48,000 | 40% |
| Structural changes | $28,000 | 23% |
| Smart systems | $18,000 | 15% |
| Materials | $15,000 | 13% |
| Lighting | $8,000 | 7% |
| Total | $117,000 | 100% |
(Excludes heirloom furniture and decor.)