Home Tour Case Study 7
After Photos:
Project Details
Type: 5-Room BTO (1227 sqft)
Priorities: Workmanship & Value-for-Money
Requirements: Claire wanted a designer who was detail-oriented given their fengshui requirements, storage needs, as well as to space plan for their elderly granny who will be staying with them. Its not so much about the aesthetics, but rather the functionality above all else.
Total Cost: $65k
Renovator: Budget-friendly ID/Contractor
Scope: Major Overhaul (OCS in but flooring redone)
Key Renovation Tips
1) Space Optimisation / Remodelling
The idea was straightforward - they pushed the study area back and moved the door forward. This change, though minimal on paper, completely transformed how the space worked.
This room is used by the owners’ granny, who also require wheelchair support, while the study is for the owner.
Previously, granny had to walk one big round just to access her own room. This might sound like a minor inconvenience, but for someone with mobility concerns, that daily detour adds up.
Furthermore, there is an unutilised 50sqft or so walkway behind the study area.
Now, by sealing up that entrance and pushing the study back, granny has a direct path from the living area and kitchen. If wheelchair access is needed, the entrance to the room is spacious enough (90cm) to accommodate it. So no awkward turning angles, no tight squeezes — just smooth, functional flow!
Importantly as well, this change makes the living room bigger, as the unutilised space now becomes part of it. This is how a subtle change can create a material impact on the place.
2) Perfect-Circle Carving Craftsmanship
Due to fengshui reasons, the owner has zero ceiling fans. Instead, they use these corner fans around the house.
Notice how the corner fans have a circular cut-out in the false ceiling.
When it comes to creating these circles, or any curved ceiling works, it is 100% a matter of craftsmanship.
Unlike straight edges, like cutting carpentry plywood, these circles are made by individual bending of metal strips to form the shape. It is not done by machines.
A slight misalignment can be painfully obvious, ruining the overall look and symmetry of the space.
Given how curves and circular features are part of many houses now, for homeowners looking for such design, we highly recommend that they request their IDs to bring them to a similar job site.
By seeing the work in person, you can then make a meaningful assessment of the craftsmanship.
So here you go, hope you learnt something once again!
Follow us below to hear more!