Straits Elegance
(4-Room HDB, Tiong Bahru)
Welcome to a renovation story that highlights a 4-room pre-war HDB apartment on Seng Poh Road in Tiong Bahru. This home measures about 95 sqm and dates back to the Art Deco period. The owners—a historian and freelance writer—wanted a place that respects Tiong Bahru’s old-world charm while meeting modern needs. Over five months, the project team blended heritage preservation with clever space planning. Below is the full tale of how they achieved a flexible, stylish interior.
Straits Elegance
Their final home captures Tiong Bahru’s Art Deco spirit while introducing features that support modern living. This renovation proves that Singapore’s conserved apartments can evolve without losing the charm that made them special in the first place.
- Location: Seng Poh Road, Tiong Bahru Conservation Area
- Property Type: 95 sqm pre-war 4-room walk-up
- Design Style: Heritage-modern fusion
- Renovation Timeline: 5 months
- Key Partners: URA-certified contractors, Three-D Conceptwerke (design)
Tiong Bahru’s unique buildings reflect Singapore’s early public housing efforts. Curved walls, mosaic tiles, and Art Deco influences define many flats here. The homeowners aimed to keep these memorable elements but also needed a comfortable space for working from home and displaying an extensive book collection.
Client Background & Pain Points
The owners had two main goals: honor the property’s history and store numerous books and artifacts. They also needed a flexible layout that can adapt between living and working.
Key issues included:
- Compartmentalized Layout: The original 1980s layout blocked natural light. This created dim corners, making the space feel smaller.
- Storage Limitations: The owners had no built-in solutions for thousands of books and vintage collectibles. Shelving was essential.
- Conservation Compliance: The curved outer walls, characteristic of Tiong Bahru, had to remain intact due to local heritage rules.
The homeowners wanted an Art Deco vibe with modern upgrades, all while respecting local conservation guidelines.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
Heritage Conservation
Peranakan Tile Revival
Zen Ceramics restored 428 of the original tiles, using zinc-oxide infusion to patch and strengthen older pieces. The team also produced new tiles to replace those lost over time.Wood Beam Replacement
Termite damage forced the removal of some Chengal beams. The crew replaced them with Malaysian-sourced Chengal wood to retain authenticity and termite resistance.Five-Footway Restoration
The iconic five-footway tiles were saved through a chemical poultice process. This cleaning method removed stains and returned the tiles to a vibrant state.
Modern Interventions
Hybrid Kitchen
The family wanted a mix of old and new cooking methods. They installed a traditional clay stove alongside an induction cooktop, delivering a practical blend for daily meal preparation.Smart Climate Control
The owners wanted to manage humidity in Singapore’s tropical weather. Concealed dehumidifiers now sit behind restored timber screens, protecting sensitive wood and tiles from moisture.Flexible Spaces
Retractable glass partitions between the ancestral altar and living area let the family open or close the space depending on gatherings or privacy needs.
Execution & Challenges Faced
- Wall Preservation Delays
The team needed a lime plaster specialist to handle curved surfaces correctly. This search caused a 3-week delay and an extra $6,500 in costs. - Modular Integration
The biggest technical hurdle involved the custom curved shelving units. Each module had to align with the round walls while supporting heavy books. - Lighting Compliance
Adding new exterior lights required URA clearance to ensure they met conservation standards. The owners wanted subtle, Art Deco-inspired fixtures that would not alter the building’s appearance significantly.
Key Highlights & Features
| Heritage Elements | Modern Innovations |
|---|---|
| Restored curved walls | Smart motorized partitions |
| Art Deco brass fixtures | Modular Ambient Lounge sofa |
| Repurposed mosaic tiles | Hidden charging stations in shelves |
| Vintage pulley system | Integrated projector screen in ceiling |
Functional Upgrades
- Rotating Kitchen Island: Includes storage on both sides, adding versatility to meal preparation.
- Balcony “Green Veil”: A vertical hydroponic herb system provides fresh greens and filters sunlight.
- Magnetic Gallery Wall: Displays vintage prints and artifacts without drilling holes into original walls.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Cost (SGD) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Structural adaptations | 48,000 | 40% |
| Custom storage systems | 28,000 | 23% |
| Lighting/electrical | 18,000 | 15% |
| Conservation materials | 15,000 | 12% |
| Smart systems | 11,000 | 9% |
| Total | 120,000 | - |
Note: Excludes vintage furniture restoration costs.
Cost Distribution Chart
- Structural Adaptations: 40%
- Custom Storage Systems: 23%
- Lighting/Electrical: 15%
- Conservation Materials: 12%
- Smart Systems: 9%
The highest spend went into structural work that respects heritage guidelines, followed by custom storage to handle the owners’ extensive book and art collection.