Urban Sanctuary Maisonette
Quiet Luxury Meets Vertical Living in Balestier
I recently visited an executive maisonette in Balestier that underwent a complete renovation to create what I call an “urban sanctuary.” The owners wanted a serene environment, highlighting vertical space and understated elements. Here is a detailed account of how the team approached the design, tackled hurdles, and produced a home that sets an example for quiet luxury in an HDB setting.
Quiet Luxury Meets Vertical Living in Balestier
This 5-room BTO renovation shows that an understated approach can create a sense of serenity. It also proves that thoughtful designs can optimize daily living. We hope this case study sparks ideas for homeowners who want a sleek yet welcoming home. If you plan a renovation, consider investing in finishes and storage that will serve you well over time. The final outcome is a place that feels personal, stylish, and relaxing.
Location: Executive Maisonette in Balestier
Design Theme: Quiet luxury with a minimalist yet warm palette
Key Features: Central skylight well, fluted glass partitions, and hidden storage compartments
This renovation involved a 1980s duplex that had low natural light, old popcorn ceilings, and outdated surfaces. The design team at RevoSpaces replaced them with a new approach focused on spatial continuity. Their concept revolved around a vertical sanctuary idea, maximizing light flow through the skylight and creating a cohesive connection between both levels.
Client Background & Pain Points
The homeowners had lived in a compact CBD condo for several years. They wanted a more grounded ambiance but still enjoyed central-city convenience. Upon viewing this maisonette, they saw an opportunity to upgrade their lifestyle in an HDB setting. Their main issues included:
- Compartmentalized Layout
Old partition walls chopped up the interior into smaller sections. This blocked the path of natural light, especially on the lower floor. - Vertical Disconnect
The upper and lower levels felt like two unrelated spaces. The staircase area had no design focus, and the top floor seemed isolated. - Dated Finishes
The previous owner installed pink terrazzo floors and popcorn ceilings. These features conflicted with the couple’s vision of a calm, neutral interior.
The couple wanted a home where each floor flowed logically into the other. They also requested improved light distribution and a more polished look.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
RevoSpaces followed a “vertical sanctuary” strategy. I had the chance to interview their lead designer, who explained that the goal was to open up the maisonette and connect it vertically. They outlined three key efforts:
- Spatial Liberation
The design team demolished non-structural walls to enhance sightlines between levels. They used a central skylight well to bring sunlight into the core of the space. - Material Harmony
They replaced old flooring with smoked oak herringbone planks and honed travertine tiles in selected areas. They also chose matte lacquer finishes for cabinetry. These textures projected a sense of calm. - Quiet Technology
They used motorized Roman shades for large windows and recessed LED cove lighting that matched the homeowner’s circadian rhythm. This reduced glare and offered subtle illumination.
Once this plan was set, I saw how each design element favored simplicity. The color palette included muted grays, off-whites, and light wood. The main challenge lay in how to handle the existing structure while introducing new elements that improved the overall feel.
Execution & Challenges Faced
Structural Limitations
HDB maisonettes often include load-bearing walls that cannot be moved freely. The design team needed custom steel reinforcements to form the new arched portals. This introduced extra steps in the renovation schedule but preserved the building’s integrity.
Light Optimization
The home’s centerpiece is a skylight that extends through both floors. Intense noon sunshine sometimes caused glare. To solve this, the team installed angled light shelves beneath the skylight. These shelves diffuse direct sunlight to achieve a balanced brightness of around 300 lux.
Regulatory Compliance
Because the owners wanted an open-concept kitchen, HDB required fire-rated materials in certain zones. The design team integrated hidden sprinklers above the cabinets and used fire-rated glass for the partition. This allowed an open view while meeting safety rules.
Key Highlights & Features
Atrium Effect
A 6-meter vertical garden wall sits under the skylight, featuring cascading pothos plants. This living greenery helps reduce indoor temperatures by up to 2°C, creating a cooler microclimate.
Convertible Zones
The owners needed flexibility for hosting overnight guests. Sliding fluted glass panels let them transform the study into a small guest suite. When closed, these panels provide privacy. When open, the area becomes part of the living zone.
Tactile Luxury
Although the color scheme is subdued, the design team added soft touches:
- Brushed nickel door pulls give a satin finish instead of a stark metal look.
- Linen-upholstered built-ins around the staircase add warmth.
These subtle elements engage the senses without overpowering the minimalist approach.
Cost Breakdown
Below is a simplified breakdown of renovation costs in Singapore dollars:
| Category | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Structural Modifications | $35,000 |
| Premium Materials | $68,000 |
| Custom Carpentry | $42,000 |
| Smart Home Integration | $15,000 |
| Total | $160,000 |
Below is a brief cost distribution overview, where each “*” represents roughly 5% of the total:
- Structural Modifications:
*****(about 22%) - Premium Materials:
*********(about 42%) - Custom Carpentry:
******(about 26%) - Smart Home Integration:
***(about 10%)
The premium materials portion included smoked oak planks, travertine tiles, and brushed metal fixtures. Custom carpentry took a large share for built-ins, fluted glass partitions, and hidden storage. Smart home integration costs went to motorized shades and automated lighting systems.