Inter-Terrace Home Renovation in Singapore

Home Type: Inter-terrace

Floor Area: 2,500sqft

Text by Janice Seow

In many inter-terrace houses, space is rarely the problem. Light usually is. This 2,500-square-foot inter-terrace family home in Kovan began with a familiar challenge: a double-volume layout that existed in plan, but not quite in experience. Despite its vertical generosity, natural light struggled to reach deep into the house, leaving spaces that felt visually disconnected.

inter-terrace home renovation in Singapore

For the family of four living in this landed home — parents with two young children — the aim was never about dramatic transformation. Instead, they wanted a home that supported togetherness, everyday routines and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that felt easy to live in. As designer Kuah Tee Ping of Uncommon Studio explains of the renovation, “The brief focused on creating a family-friendly home that emphasises openness and visual connection across floors via the double-volume space.”

Rather than reworking the structure, Tee Ping chose to amplify what was already there. The double-volume void became the project’s anchor, reframed not as an empty vertical gap but as an active visual link between levels. A tall indoor plant feature rises through the space, softening the architecture while maintaining clear sightlines — a gentle way of encouraging connection without sacrificing privacy.

Lighting plays a key role in shaping the home’s atmosphere. “Layered artificial lighting and reflective surfaces were introduced to brighten the home,” Tee Ping says, addressing the realities of limited daylight typical of inter-terrace houses. Warm wall sconces and concealed lighting wash across surfaces, enhancing depth while keeping the mood calm and understated.

On the ground floor, the living and dining areas unfold as a continuous space, defined subtly through furniture placement and changes in level rather than walls. Integrated cabinetry keep the living room visually light, while indoor greenery adds texture and a sense of pause. The dining area, positioned beside the kitchen, is pared back and functional — warm timber furniture, discreet storage and soft pendant lighting allow daily life to flow without visual clutter.

Material choices underscore this sense of restraint. Neutral tones form the foundation, layered with natural finishes that add warmth without overwhelming the space. It’s an interior that feels composed and tactile, revealing itself gradually over time.

Upstairs, the family room doubles as a reading corner — a quieter transitional space set slightly apart from the main circulation. From here, views back down into the living area reinforce the vertical openness that defines the home. The master bedroom continues this language of calm, with indirect lighting and natural textures shaping a restful retreat.

Throughout the house, circulation is carefully considered, particularly with young children in mind. “Functional zoning and safe circulation paths were implemented for a child-friendly layout,” Tee Ping notes, ensuring that openness never comes at the expense of comfort or ease of use.

Completed over a four-month renovation with a budget of $250,000, this Kovan home is not about grand gestures. Instead, it shows how thoughtful planning, restraint and light can quietly transform a familiar typology into a place that genuinely supports family life.