Spacious HUDC Flat Gets An Understated, Deceptively Simple Makeover

This spacious HUDC flat gets an understated, deceptively simple makeover for the first time in over 40 years to cater for senior parents, busy adult daughters and a very friendly dog. ASIH JENIE susses out the details.

- Asih Jenie

Completed in 1975, this apartment building in Marine Vista, District 15, was one of the first few pilot projects of Housing and Development Company (HUDC), built to house Singapore civil servants. Although HUDC developments were discontinued in 1987, they remain one of Singapore’s most sought after HDB property types. Stepping inside this home, one can see why. The flat is generous in size, with a breathtaking view of the sea and greenery, and it has ample access to fresh air and natural light. It is no wonder that the family of four – parents in their 80s and two daughters in their 30s – are not tempted to trade their home for newer ones.

“They don’t build these kinds of apartments anymore,” shares the 84-year-old retired patriarch. “Most of our neighbours are the same families that moved in when the building was completed.” He and his wife moved into the apartment in 1978. “You had to put in a 10-year service with the government to be eligible for a flat here,” he added. It was worth it, as, in addition to being spacious, the apartment was also well-designed. “We didn’t change anything,” he shared. Until this year, when their two daughters decided that the home needed a makeover.

They engaged Mad About Design (MAD) Interior Studio, helmed by designer Jimmy Li to translate their vision into reality. “We’ve lived here all of our lives, so we more or less know how we wanted to use the space. We want the interior design to be more user-friendly for seniors,” shares the eldest daughter. “We liked Jimmy’s craftsmanship, and our visions aligned.”