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Colonial-Style Makeover Breathes New Life into East Coast Terraced Home

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/1 .. thes-new-life-into-east-coast-terraced-home.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 22:28 GMT
      Locale: SINGAPORE

Colonial‑Style Makeover Breathes New Life into East Coast Terraced Home

The newly finished project, chronicled in The Straits Times under “Colonial‑style overhaul for family’s East Coast terraced house,” showcases how a blend of heritage sensitivity and contemporary design can transform a classic Singaporean terrace into a modern family sanctuary. The family, who had lived in a 1920s colonial home for a decade, wanted to preserve the nostalgic charm of their ancestral property while infusing it with the comfort, openness, and sustainability expected in today’s homes. The result, as highlighted by the article, is a seamless fusion of period‑accurate detailing with clean lines, natural materials, and a re‑imagined layout that honors the house’s history while propelling it forward.

1. The Project in Context

The terraced house sits on a quiet East Coast Road—an area known for its mix of colonial bungalows, modern townhouses, and historic shophouses. Built in 1938, the original structure features a low‑profile façade, a modest front porch, a central hallway, and a single story of bedrooms tucked under a pitched roof. When the family approached the design firm Henderson & Co (linked in the article to their portfolio site), they were clear: they wanted a “true colonial feel” that respects heritage preservation guidelines from the National Heritage Board, while also creating a functional, airy living space suitable for their two children.

The project’s scope, as outlined in the article, included a full interior overhaul, the addition of a small balcony, and the integration of sustainable building materials—an approach that resonated with the firm’s commitment to eco‑friendly design.

2. Design Vision & Concept

Preserving the Past

The core principle of the overhaul was to keep the “spirit of the colonial era.” This meant retaining original mouldings, timber beams, and the house’s characteristic white‑washed walls. A key element was the restoration of the clapboard siding, originally painted in muted pastel hues, which the designers refreshed with a gentle, sun‑bleached finish. The old cedar stairs were meticulously re‑finished, preserving their worn‑in patina while ensuring safety with a subtle non‑slip coating.

Adding Contemporary Comfort

To create a “home for the 21st century,” Henderson & Co re‑thought the spatial logic of the house. The front façade was transformed from a plain, utilitarian entrance into a more welcoming space with a wrap‑around porch that encourages outdoor living—a nod to the era’s breezy verandahs. Inside, the former closed‑off rooms were opened up into an airy L‑shaped living‑dining‑kitchen unit, a configuration that the article notes is now the family’s favourite gathering space.

Material Palette

The article notes that the designers used a warm colour palette—creams, soft greys, and muted greens—to echo the colonial aesthetic. Natural bamboo flooring, reclaimed teak accent pieces, and linen‑cushioned sofas blend the old with the new. A central feature is the large glass wall that slides open to a modest balcony, allowing light to pour in and connecting the living area with the landscaped front garden.

3. Key Features Highlighted

4. Navigating Heritage Regulations

One of the article’s notable insights is how the design team negotiated Singapore’s stringent heritage preservation rules. Any exterior changes to a colonial terrace require approval from the Town Council, and interior modifications can only be made if the building is listed or deemed “historically significant.” Henderson & Co leveraged its experience with heritage projects to secure necessary permits. The article links to the National Heritage Board’s guidelines (https://www.nhb.gov.sg/), providing a useful resource for readers considering similar renovations.

5. Challenges & Resolutions

Limited Ceiling Height

The original house had a ceiling height of only 2.5 meters on the ground floor, which constrained the designers when adding a modern kitchen island and a dining table. The solution was to create a slight loft for the dining area, making use of a vertical space that adds a “loft‑like” feel without compromising the colonial style.

Structural Integrity

The article details how the family’s old timber joists were assessed and reinforced with hidden steel framing. This allowed for larger windows and open spaces without compromising safety—an essential consideration when working in historic homes.

6. Family Reaction & Final Verdict

Upon completion, the family expressed excitement over the “perfect blend of old and new.” The article quotes a mother, “We’ve always dreamed of a space where the kids can play and the parents can relax—without losing the feel of our home’s past.” Her husband added, “The way the light pours in, the way the walls breathe—this is truly a colonial revival with a modern soul.”

The Straits Times concludes the piece by encouraging readers to explore more colonial style inspirations, linking to related projects such as a “Victorian‑style restoration in Geylang” (https://www.straitstimes.com/life/home-design/victorian-style-restoration) and a “mid‑century modern conversion in Holland Village” (https://www.straitstimes.com/life/home-design/mid-century-modern-conversion).

7. Takeaways for Readers

1. Preserve what matters – Keep key colonial elements like mouldings and timber details intact to maintain heritage value.
2. Re‑think space – Open-plan layouts improve social interaction and make rooms feel larger.
3. Choose sustainable materials – Bamboo and reclaimed timber reduce environmental impact while adding warmth.
4. Engage experts early – Heritage compliance can be complex; work with architects experienced in colonial restorations.
5. Blend indoor and outdoor – Even modest courtyards or balconies can significantly improve a home’s livability.

In sum, the East Coast terraced house overhaul proves that heritage homes can be lovingly preserved while being thoughtfully adapted for contemporary living. The Straits Times article provides an engaging, detail‑rich case study that serves both as inspiration and as a practical guide for anyone looking to undertake a similar colonial‑style makeover.