Travelling into the Serangoon Garden Estate, it is not hard to notice the myriad of closely lined up inter-terrace homes. Ranging from original post-war states to 90’s Contemporary to present-day Modern. In a country where building upwards is the only option for space maximisation it is a rare sight to come across a cosy abode.

Breaking the norm of maximised built-up, the homeowners of this approximately 1,830 sq.ft. (in land size) intermediate terrace instead opted for an extension from a single storey to a 1 ½ storey home with a now built-up of approximately 2,215 sq. ft. through an Addition & Alteration (A&A). With their small family unit, the original house became a playground for Nic & Wes to fuse the family’s wish list whilst adding our touches to create a conducive environment for them to call home.

As with many of our completed projects, homeowners are almost always kind enough to have us return to spend a couple of hours photographing their newly completed abodes. Like many, this family warmly welcomed us as we stepped into their home. It is always a joy to see the settled families enjoying the spaces that were months back just a concept they viewed from the meeting room within our office.

Upon arriving at the gate, the openness of the home gave a glimpse into the interior space. An elevated plot, steps were necessary to lead up to the entrance. The inclusion of a separate ramp to the side makes it wheel-chair accessible as well.

Reaching to the entrance landing, a quaint porch sits within a nook to the front which is an ideal setting that looks out onto the street as well as into the home.

A visual highlight of this Modern Contemporary abode lies from the view through the front wall, which consists of a main door and a set of slide and fold that reveals the interior’s double volume ceiling. Keeping the entire height exposed makes one forget that the home is just a mere 11/2 storeys.

The continuing trend of open spaces lies throughout. Common areas such as the living room, dining and kitchen are unobstructed by walls thus emphasizing the entirety of the land from front to back.

Midway in, another nook presents itself. A narrow yet functional air-well services the adjacent bedroom and the rest of the home inviting air and light in.

As the width is narrow, a galley kitchen is an ideal layout when space is tight. Cabinetry line the walls on either side providing ideal storage and counter-top space for food preparation while extending a breakfast counter just outside doubles up as both extra preparation space or an informal dining area.

Keeping with the open trend, an open riser staircase is the perfect option both functionally and aesthetically.

The 2nd level represents a cosy recluse with the inclined roof profiling and exposed beams adding to the intended loft feel. A half-wall bookcase flows in an L-shape leading into another nook where the entertainment space lies. Working to maximise as much light into the home, a dormer is incorporated into the roof profile.

On that same level, a single bedroom shares the space. Locating the bedroom separate from the rest provides a certain level of optional privacy for the inhabitant.

Sometimes it’s not the size of the space that matters but the unity of careful space-planning, functionality and design aesthetics that really brings optimal use of space to a compact plot.