A cosy makeover for a resale Hougang executive apartment

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Text by Disa Tan

Once an ageing resale unit, this HDB executive apartment in Hougang has been transformed into a bright, inviting home that celebrates family living. For the Dutch-Singaporean couple living here with their young son, the redesign opens sightlines, softens transitions, and brings a calm, connected energy to daily life. Leading the overhaul was Richard Tan, founder of Builders Plus, who oversaw a full revamp completed just in time for the family’s first Christmas in their new home.

Stepping into the space, the foyer immediately reflects the executive apartment’s calm and cohesive palette. A built-in bench with concealed shoe storage anchors the entryway, paired with angled privacy slats and mirrored cabinets that enhance the sense of space.

The layout was initially weighed down by carpentry works and dated finishes. Richard and his team stripped back these elements to open up the space, merging the balcony with the living area to form a brighter, more fluid social zone. Large-format homogeneous tiles now span the living area, creating a seamless backdrop that anchors the home’s earthy palette. A layered TV wall in stone-patterned laminate gives the space a touch of luxury.

Privacy was also well taken care of. A sliding pocket door separates the living area from the bedrooms, keeping cool air contained and noise levels low when the child sleeps. With this thoughtful feature in place, the homeowners can entertain freely without worrying about disturbing the rest of the household.

Further in, the former study was reimagined as a flexible multipurpose zone, with pocket sliding glass doors that close for quiet work or open up when it’s time to entertain.

“The bar makes the room feel more relaxed and social,” says Richard, referring to the custom design in the multipurpose room. “It adds function without clutter and gives the family a place to perch for a drink or chat when guests are over.”

The dining area sits conveniently along the walkway leading to the bedrooms and just outside the kitchen, making it an ideal spot for family meals and gatherings. Designed with a built-in booth, it offers generous seating with storage neatly tucked beneath the seats. Overhead cabinets and a full-height unit frame the nook, providing ample space to keep household items organised.

The kitchen is planned for easy upkeep. Stone-patterned countertops and a crystal-white glass backsplash give the space a timeless, low-maintenance finish. Two sinks serve different needs, with one in the service yard dedicated to laundry tasks. The yard is enclosed by a glazed door and framed windows, maintaining the sense openness while aligning with the home’s contemporary look.

In the master bedroom, generous proportions allow for an elongated dressing table and wardrobe setup. “The room is huge,” says Richard. “It can easily accommodate a long dressing table and maximise the storage space.” In addition, a sliding fluted door neatly conceals the master bathroom and keeps movement between spaces more fluid.

A textured feature wall defines the wet zone in the master bathroom, adding depth and subtle visual contrast. Sintered-stone countertops pair with matte-laminate carpentry for durability and a clean, understated finish, while mirrored cabinets conceal storage to keep the vanity area neat.

Completed in just under 14 weeks at a cost of $158,000, Richard and his team have delivered a home that feels calm, connected, and ready for real family life. It is a confident refresh that turns a dated resale flat into a place of lasting character.

Builders Plus
www.buildersplus.sg
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