Walking into this BTO in Punggol Northshore, you might notice something a little unusual—the kitchen and bedrooms aren’t where you would expect. Purchased for $435,000, Estee and her husband reimagined their 5-room flat’s layout into a flexible, open space that can adapt as their kids grow.
Self-designed by Lamichemi, the 5-month renovation blends sleek carpentry with soft curves, creating a home that feels both spacious and family-friendly.
$120k 5-room BTO renovation with an unconventional layout
The couple shared that they had no specific theme in mind for their renovation, except to keep the look minimal and neutral. However, they didn’t want a cookie-cutter flat layout, opting for an experimental floor plan that prioritised communal spaces for their family of 4 instead.
The original layout was completely overhauled with the renovation, with the kitchen becoming a dedicated home office, giving the couple a private space for work and meetings.
Meanwhile, the original living room was transformed into an open-concept kitchen, with a dining area anchored by a central kitchen island.
Two of the bedrooms were combined to create a separate living space, giving the children a dedicated play area complete with shelves for their books and toys.
Even the old corridor got a second life, serving as extra storage and part of the common bathroom, minimising any unused space. Transformable doors connect the rooms, adding to the home’s flexibility and opening up for a breezier feel whenever needed.
A layout that grows with the family
The layout was designed to adapt over time and can be easily manoeuvered back to the original layout. For instance, the living room can be reverted to house the 2 bedrooms, with the original corridor still accessible behind the fridge. Even the kitchen can be shifted to its former spot, thanks to plumbing and electrical works already set up on both ends.
Details designed with family in mind
Bathroom with pivot doors & curves
The space is designed with family life in mind, customised to the couple’s lifestyle as parents of 2 young children. A standout example is the common bathroom, where pivot doors open up the space and provide a better line of sight when their kids are in the bathtub.
By rotating without traditional hinges, these doors add a unique detail to the bathroom, while also helping to improve ventilation.
Cool wood tones run through the common areas, from the kitchen carpentry to the bathroom finishes. In the common bathroom, curved wood panels frame the mirror, adding a soft and calming touch to the space.
Open-concept kitchen
The couple’s favourite part of the home is the open-concept kitchen, with an island right at the centre. As the heart of meals and conversations, it’s a centrepiece that’s perfect for hosting and spending family time together.
A standing step stool is even included for their kids to get hands-on in the kitchen or play nearby while remaining in sight, making the space welcoming for them as well.
A sleek downdraft hood is built into the island, finished with a glass backing instead of the usual stainless steel. Imported from overseas, the hood is tucked flush with the countertop when not in use, keeping the kitchen looking clean and minimalist.
$40K wood-cladded master bedroom
Carpentry was the biggest ticket item in their $120K renovation, with roughly $40K dedicated to custom woodwork for the entire home.
Behind the curved door lies the master bedroom, fully clad in warm wood panels that create a cosy cabin-like retreat. Unlike the lighter tones used in the common spaces such as the bathroom, this room embraces deeper hues, giving it a distinct contrast and a more intimate feel.
The curved master bedroom door cleverly carves out more space for the master bedroom, creating a unique feature that divides the spaces. Interestingly, the door doesn’t have a knob on the outside, blending seamlessly with the elegant curved wall when closed.
Renovating a 5-room BTO in Northshore
This cosy Northshore flat shows that renovating a BTO doesn’t have to follow convention. By reconfiguring the layout to suit their needs, investing in custom carpentry, and experimenting with curves, Estee and her husband have created a home that’s both communal and future-proofed for family life.
For homeowners who are planning a similar renovation to theirs, they advise: “Plan the layout with your needs as a priority. A lot will shy away from such layouts, as it potentially brings the value of the house down. Be bold in expressing your vision, fulfilling unconventional concepts can lead to remarkable spaces!”
For more 5-room HDB renovation inspiration:
- Buying a 5-room flat as a DINK couple & transforming it into our dream home
- Renovating a 5-room BTO in 2025? Here’s what you can do with as little as $30K
- I spent $12k to turn my 5-room resale HDB into an 1800s bohemian hideout
Photography by: Vivien Del Valle
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