Palm Court Villa
(Landed, Siglap)
I once visited a 1980s landed villa in Siglap with a family who planned to merge traditional details and modern practicality. This property, called Palm Court Villa, stood in a conservation zone. The owners sought a refreshing style, but they also wanted to honor the home’s tropical roots. They discussed their ideas with me and other design consultants, leading to a plan that combined heritage character and current technology.
Landed, Siglap
Palm Court Villa reflects how an older landed property in Singapore can use tropical design and modern solutions together. This home’s atrium and glass panels let wind and light flow in. The geothermal cooling system reduces electricity usage while maintaining comfortable temperatures. This project shows that Singapore’s landed homes can combine a classic style with present-day methods. By blending familiar architectural details with new technology, Palm Court Villa stands as a model for sustainable renovations. RevoSpaces.com proudly presents this as an example of thoughtful design and responsible construction.
Location: Siglap Conservation Area, Singapore
Property Type: Two-storey landed villa (3,500 square feet)
Design Style: Tropical Contemporary
Renovation Timeline: Nine months (including approvals)
Key Partners: URA-certified architects, sustainable material experts
We approached this villa with care. The home was built in the 1980s, and its arched windows and terrazzo floors held nostalgic charm. The owners wanted breezy spaces, energy efficiency, and a visual link to the lush outdoors.
Client Background & Pain Points
The family of five needed an open layout with effective climate control. They had concerns about termite damage and cracked flooring. They also needed to comply with local regulations for heritage buildings.
- Outdated layout: The home had segmented rooms that blocked air movement.
- Material damage: Timber beams were weak from termites. The terrazzo floors had visible cracks.
- Humidity issues: Poor insulation magnified Singapore’s heat.
- Regulatory compliance: The facade lay in a conserved zone, so all exterior changes needed approval.
They aimed to restore traditional elements without losing function. They feared lengthy legal steps and budget overruns. Our role was to address each concern and create a place that served their needs.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
Tropical Integration
- Original windows: We replaced damaged arched frames with UV-filtering glass. These windows preserved the villa’s style while blocking harmful rays.
- Central atrium: We built a tall atrium with a retractable skylight. This allowed fresh air and natural light to flood the living areas.
- Reused materials: The owners had old Malaccan bricks that we repurposed as a kitchen backsplash.
Contemporary Interventions
- Indoor-outdoor flow: We used sliding teak-framed glass doors that opened to the pool deck. This choice created visual continuity with the garden.
- Sustainable cooling: We introduced a geothermal-assisted air conditioning system, hidden behind planter walls. This system harnessed underground temperatures to reduce energy usage.
- Landscaping: We planted local palms to give shade and privacy. Their fronds lowered direct sun exposure along the perimeter.
Material Strategy
- Polished terrazzo floors: We repaired the old terrazzo and added cooling channels under key zones.
- FSC-certified Chengal wood: We used Chengal for beams, cabinets, and structural work. This wood fit the home’s tropical feel.
- Recycled copper accents: We gave the kitchen range hood and cabinet pulls a unique look with copper cladding from reclaimed materials.
Execution & Challenges Faced
Our team devoted time to approvals, sourcing materials, and working on structural fixes. The family stayed nearby, visiting the site to monitor each step.
- Glass panel delays: UV-filtering panels needed custom orders, causing a 12-week lag.
- Structural reinforcement: We had to add steel bracing for the open-concept atrium. This extra work raised costs by about 15%.
- Root intrusion: Four mature palms threatened the foundation, so we removed them. That added $18,000 to the budget.
- URA revisions: We reworked the skylight position three times to meet guidelines.
Key Highlights & Features
| Tropical Elements | Contemporary Innovations |
|---|---|
| Atrium with vertical garden | Smart glass skylight with rain sensors |
| Chengal wood ceiling beams | Concealed geothermal cooling system |
| Lap pool with pebble finish | Magnetic track lighting in common areas |
| Bamboo-screened cabanas | Retractable mosquito net systems |
Signature Spaces
- Floating study: A glass-walled workspace perched above the atrium, great for reading or laptop tasks.
- Sunset veranda: Rotating louvres around the balcony let the family adjust shading at different times of day.
- Heritage pantry: Temperature-controlled cabinets protect the family’s Peranakan ceramics.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Cost (SGD) | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Upgrades | 210,000 | 38% |
| Sustainable Systems | 95,000 | 17% |
| Material Restoration | 85,000 | 15% |
| Landscaping | 65,000 | 12% |
| URA Compliance | 50,000 | 9% |
| Lighting | 45,000 | 8% |
| Total | 550,000 |
(Furniture and art are not included in these figures.)
This breakdown shows that structural work formed the largest part of the budget. Sustainable systems used a moderate share, reflecting a focus on energy savings.