Steel & Timber Warehouse
(Landed, Serangoon)
I have seen older industrial spaces become more inviting through a blend of strong steel and natural wood. This project taught me that balancing the raw look of metal with timber’s warmth can address structural needs while ensuring a calm environment. The final result stands as a multi-purpose warehouse that accommodates bulk goods and welcomes potential clients in a pleasant setting. This transformation shows how even an aging industrial site can be given a second life, ready for modern business demands.
Steel & Timber Warehouse
Welcome to this renovation story of a 1980s landed warehouse in Serangoon North Industrial Zone. This project took six months to complete and combines a modern industrial style with timber elements for a warm finish. Below is an in-depth look at the key stages of the renovation.
- Location: Serangoon North Industrial Zone
- Property Type: Single-storey 1980s warehouse (approx. 3,200 sqft)
- Design Style: Industrial-modern with exposed structural parts
- Renovation Timeline: 6 months
- Key Partners: Good Wood Carpentry, URA-approved engineers
This building needed major updates in steel support, flooring, and insulation. The goal was to merge a rugged metal framework with welcoming timber features, creating a space that functions for both storage and showroom use.
Client Background & Pain Points
The client is a furniture importer entering the retail sector. Their business requires ample storage for imported goods plus a showroom to display furniture pieces to walk-in customers. They faced issues with:
- Rusted steel beams and columns causing safety concerns
- Uneven concrete floors that posed a hazard for moving bulk items
- Poor insulation leading to high indoor temperatures in Singapore’s climate
- Low load-bearing capacity restricting large shipments
- Crowded layout that did not allow clear viewing or staging areas
They wanted a renovation plan that addressed structural concerns while improving customer flow and overall comfort.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
Structural Reinforcement
The initial inspection showed significant corrosion on the steel columns. We replaced about 40% of them with galvanized versions for enhanced durability. We added mass-engineered timber (MET) beams and cross-bracing to handle weight distribution and improve stability.
Thermal & Aesthetic Solutions
- Double-layered Facade: The outer layer uses corrugated steel sheets, while the inner layer features durable Chengal wood. This boosts insulation and gives the interior a calmer vibe.
- Ventilated Roof System: Steel trusses with built-in vents help hot air escape.
- Modular Partitions: Sliding wooden panels allow quick changes to the showroom layout, making it simple to showcase large furniture or create smaller product sections.
Sustainability Features
- Reused Steel Framework: About 70% of the original steel beams were repurposed, reducing waste.
- Solar-Ready Roof: Hidden conduits for future solar panel installations.
- Rainwater Collection System: A basic setup collects water for general cleaning, cutting utility expenses over time.
Execution & Challenges Faced
- Material Delays: Certain timber components arrived six weeks later than planned. We used temporary steel scaffolding during the wait to keep the project on schedule.
- Ground Settlement: The northwest corner needed micro-piling after soil checks showed sinking. This added roughly $18,000 to costs.
- Regulatory Compliance: Upgraded fire safety systems and structural modifications required approval from local agencies. While it added paperwork, it ensured a safer environment.
- Acoustic Control: Exposed steel sometimes magnifies sound. We installed timber baffles on walls and ceilings to minimize noise from machinery and daily operations.
Key Highlights & Features
| Industrial Elements | Timber Integration |
|---|---|
| Exposed steel beams | Engineered timber columns |
| Galvanized storage racks | Chengal wood showroom counters |
| Polished concrete floors | Slatted wood ceilings |
| Retractable loading doors | Acoustic wooden baffles |
Notable Innovations:
- Magnetic Timber Display Walls: Easy to rearrange furniture or sample boards.
- Overhead Gantry System: Dual rails (steel and timber) for effortless movement of heavy items.
- Raised Flooring (12"): Conceals wiring and makes future upgrades simpler.
| Category | Cost (SGD) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Structural upgrades | 145,000 | 42% |
| Timber cladding & features | 78,000 | 23% |
| Mechanical systems | 52,000 | 15% |
| Compliance certifications | 35,000 | 10% |
| Landscape & access | 30,000 | 9% |
| Total | 340,000 | – |
Note: This table excludes the cost of additional storage racks purchased after the main renovation.
Cost Distribution Chart
Here is a general chart for percentage of spending:
- Structural Upgrades: 42%
- Timber Features: 23%
- Mechanical Systems: 15%
- Compliance: 10%
- Landscape/Access: 9%
From these figures, it is clear that structural and timber-related work form the majority of the budget.