FLOW STATE

Form follows function in this unconventional home, with a minimalist-chic open concept that's breathed new life into a decades-old three-room HDB flat, MELODY BAY takes a look.

- MELODY BAY

WHO LIVES HERE

A couple in their early 30s HOME Three-room resale HDB flat in Everton Park SIZE 750 sq ft

Having a compact space meant that some conventions had to be rethought – like having the wardrobe in the communal area instead of the bedroom.

A shorter feature wall allows airflow and light transmission. It hides all cables. Its back serves as a minibar complete with a niche shelf for liquor storage.

Jody is a baker and confectioner who has her bakery just downstairs.

Everton Park has always held a special place in Jody Ang's heart. A full-time baker and confectioner in her early 30s, she cherishes the neighbourhood because this is where she grew up. So when she and her husband Cedric Chng found this HDB flat in the area, they didn't hesitate to buy it.

One of the full-height cabinets conceals a workstation, which the homeowners use occasionally when they work from home.

What's unique about this flat is that it's part of a two-floor shopfront unit, with Jody's bakery located downstairs. The building is over 30 years old, and the original flat had the typical three-room layout spanning 750 sq ft.

Jody and Cedric wanted something minimalist and practical. They found Rei Ye, senior designer at Arkhilite, through Instagram. One of the key points of the design brief was that the couple was open to a complete overhaul - they didn't have to keep any walls, they said.

With this in mind, Rei worked to create a truly open space with fluid boundaries. This home has hardly any walls: even the bedroom is partitioned from the communal area only by a sliding screen. The living room, dining area, bar, and even workspace share the same area but don't feel crowded, thanks to Rei's careful spatial planning.