This view was definitely a pull factor when Wilfred and his wife were debating whether to purchase the 4-room resale flat at Whampoa. “We decided to go ahead with it. I mean, where else can you get a such a view?” he shared.
Renovation took a long time, but the result was worth it. The couple did not engage an interior designer, and were adamant about being very hands-on in the process. Thus, they felt that hiring a contractor would suffice to translate their vision into a reality.
“During the process, I consulted my friend who does interior design for commercial spaces, and that helped a lot. I shared with her my ideas, and got her professional opinion on whether they would work,” Wilfred explained. Trained in architecture, it is no wonder that he had a knack for design and an eye for detail.
The built-in cabinets under the windows contain the couple’s massive shoe collection
Both Wilfred and his wife share a love for shoes, and to store their impressive shoe collection. they built cabinets along an entire stretch of the wall.
The furniture in the living room were sourced from various online and offline sources – namely, Crate and Barrel and Castlery. The couple enjoy having friends over, so they invested in a large dining table from Picket and Rail, that fitted right in with the industrial-themed décor of their home.
“My favourite part of the home? Definitely the kitchen. We don’t cook often enough though!” Wilfred explained with a laugh.
Blue mosaic tiles on the kitchen wall create a stunning backdrop for the dark-panelled cabinetry
They also replaced the concrete wall of one of the rooms with full glass panels to demarcate their working space. A highlight of this room is the impressive display of limited edition sneakers and Medicom Toys collected from the couple’s travels around the world.
Wilfred shows us some of his limited edition sneakers that he keeps in neat boxes in the study room.
Much like the rest of the house, the bedroom is also tastefully designed to fit the industrial theme. Furniture items have been kept to a minimum so that the bedroom remains clutter-free and neat.
Home Tours: An Urban Sanctuary with a Vintage Twist
Decorated in splashes of green, with lots of greenery around the home, Lingyi and Marvin’s cosy flat in Telok Blangah is the exact description of their Instagram handle – @ourseaofgreen. More than that, the couple’s 4-room resale flat also overlooks the verdant Telok Blangah Hill Park.
The bedroom overlooks Telok Blangah Hill, as does much of the house
“My previous home used to be in the vicinity of the MacRitchie Reservoir and as we both appreciate greenery, Marvin and I were drawn to the idea of living close to nature,” 32-year-old Lingyi explains. “We quickly fell in love with this current location. We enjoy strolling through Telok Blangah Hill Park and visiting the Gillman Barracks galleries over the weekends.”
Bringing Nature Indoors
Lingyi and Marvin’s plant collection
Being nature lovers, the couple wanted to include greenery in their home. “Our collection has grown over the past months and we’re loving how our home has become an urban sanctuary that we can relax in,” Lingyi says.
For aspiring plant-parents, the couple recommends picking plants according to the flat’s lighting condition. “As plants such as cacti and monstera don’t require much light, they’re perfect for homes with low-light. All plants will have to adjust to their new environment, so don’t be deterred if they aren’t doing too well when you first bring them home. When we brought our monstera home, it had just 3 leaves in the first two weeks. Now, it’s thriving with over 20 leaves!”
Waste Not, Want Not
As advocates of sustainable living, Lingyi and Marvin chose to retain as much as the original interiors of their resale flat as possible, including all wooden doors and the parquet flooring in the bedrooms. In the living room, the couple also opted for concrete screed, a more natural material, as opposed to vinyl flooring.
The study room, featuring wooden parquet flooring from the previous owner
Instead of buying their furniture first-hand, they also managed to source for several well-made and beautiful pre-loved furniture from Carousell, including their vintage-inspired TV console.
Rustic Vintage Vibes
When designing their home, Lingyi and Marvin regularly browsed sites such as Pinterest for vintage-inspired interiors and put their ideas on a shared board for discussion. They also presented a deck of visual references to potential interior designers.
“It’s important that they understand our needs. Portfolio aside, we were looking for an interior designer with whom we can communicate well. We’re really happy to have worked with Monocot Studios as they really brought our rustic vintage concept to life,” the couple says.
Bringing out the vintage vibes with mosaic tiles
“We’re really happy with our home,” the couple smiles. “All the hard work was definitely worth it.”
Home Tours: Pinterest-Worthy Farmhouse with Chic, Rustic Vibes
Inspired by the look of a contemporary farmhouse, home owners Cherylene and Vincent gave their Anchorvale flat an interior design makeover that is chic yet rustic.
Photo: Ethereall
Home owners Cherylene and Vincent, with Sugar, their furkid
Wood and White
The couple incorporated clever carpentry built-ins that helped bring the interior design farmhouse theme to life while still keeping the home functional. For example, white wall panels in the entryway not only complement the overall aesthetics, they actually lead to hidden cabinets that keep the flat’s distribution box and wireless router hidden.
At the entryway, the panels conceal hidden storage space Photo: Ethereall
“Our home is mainly white as we wanted to brighten the space. We have some dark surfaces, mostly wood accents. Our flooring is porcelain tiles with wood prints. We also have a couple of overhead ‘wood’ beams to mimic the look of an actual barn,” Cherylene explains.
On the ‘wood beams’, Vincent shares: “One of the beams is actually a box that holds our lighting wires!”
Beams on the ceiling complete the farmhouse look Photo: Ethereall
Interior design tip: wooden flooring and a variety of neutral-coloured home décor items add an element of cosiness. Photo: Ethereall
Keeping Things Light and Bright
A half partition wall with indoor windows is used to demarcate the living room and home office. “Vincent wanted indoor windows to create the illusion of a bigger space. With these windows, we’re also able to ‘communicate’ despite being in different rooms,” Cherylene laughs.
A half wall with indoor windows demarcates the home office from the communal area Photo: Ethereall
The home office is Cherylene’s favourite space, as it also doubles up as a gaming sanctuary
Right outside the home office is the kitchen and dining area. “We opted for an open kitchen to accommodate a kitchen island. We also requested for open shelves, which are a common feature in American homes, to emulate the farmhouse look,” the couple say.
Panelling is done on the front of the island as well as the cabinets, with clean-lined Shaker-style doors. Shaker-style is a classic American design look which features a centre panel with an overlay around the edge.
Shaker-style cabinetry and panelling lend a minimalist, timeless look Photo: Ethereall
Gold accents add a touch of chic to this urban farmhouse Photo: Ethereall
The dining area features a white brick wall
Place for Rest
In contrast to the rest of the space, the master bedroom incorporates darker tones to create a more relaxing ambience. The couple also customised the headboard in the shiplap style – a prominent feature of the farmhouse theme. While shiplap is more commonly white, Cherylene and Vincent chose a darker, off-white colour to better blend with the grey wall.
Like the master bedroom, the bathroom features dark tones such as greys and blacks Photo: Ethereall
Other carpentry works include the L-shaped wardrobe, that enables full utilisation of the corner space. An extendable table installed inside the wardrobe doubles up as a separate vanity area for Cherylene.
Advice to New Home Owners
On renovation costs, Vincent says, “Some have asked why we’d chosen to undergo such extensive renovation works, and my answer is always this – our home is our sanctuary, hence the effort is worthwhile.”
“It’s important to embark on some research before meeting with interior designers. This way, the discussions will be more productive. Do speak with different designers. You may have an idea of the interior design, but as you discuss more, these ideas may change or improve. Exploring your options is important,” he says.
Renovating your home? Embark on more Home Tours for interior design inspirations!
The article was adapted from a version first published on Qanvast.
Levon and Jasper’s abode exudes calm and soothing vibes reminiscent of a Ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn
There’s a lot to love about Levon and Jasper’s flat in Bukit Merah, particularly the wood-splashed interior and wooden walkway arches. There, the interplay of light and honey-toned wood exudes calm and soothing vibes reminiscent of a Ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn.
“We like the warm and cosy vibe of wood,” the home owners explain. “We took inspiration from the Japandi (Japanese and Scandinavian) style, as its fusion of simplicity and nature is closest to what we envisioned for our home.”
First-time home owners Jasper and Levon
Warm, Wood Vibes
Just like one would expect in a Ryokan, hospitality plays a big part in the couple’s home. “One of our key considerations when flat-hunting was that our home needed to have a large common area to host our friends and family,” Jasper explains.
They found what they were looking for in their current home and worked to turn their ideas to reality. Instead of consulting with an interior designer, Levon and Jasper took on the task of planning for the space themselves.
On one side, they placed a large, plush sofa that seats many; and on the other side, a dining nook where friends and family would gather. In the nook, wood laminates stretch from the floor to across the ceiling, making the spot feel extra cosy. The wood on the ceiling also visually demarcates the dining nook from the rest of the communal area. Strip lighting along the top frame of the nook gives it a modern touch, while a customised wooden bench replaces conventional dining chairs on one side of the table.
Wood-paneled walls, floor, and even ceiling, lend warmth to the spaceWooden arches, such as the one above, softens the interior
Wooden touches extend to the bedroom as well. Like those in traditional Japanese inns, a wooden sliding screen door with vertical rectangular panels is used to define and separate the bedroom from the adjoining space.
Warm lighting is used to create a restful ambience in the bedroom
Balancing the Look
While the colour palette of the home comprises mostly neutral shades, gold accents are used consistently throughout to liven up the space. In the kitchen, with most of the cabinets decked out in wooden laminates, a gold tap injects modernity to the look. Similarly, the gold tap stands out—in a good way—against the wood-tiled bathroom wall.
Gold accents liven up the space
No onsen here, though wooden tiles and ambient lighting create a relaxing space
Glass was also cleverly used in the home design to break up the use of all that wood, in the form of a half wall partition between the workspace and living room.
A section of the master bedroom was carved out for a workspace
“We like how the glass wall lets in more natural light into our home,” Levon explains. “It also lets us feel like we’re in the same space, even if we are not.”
Jasper adds: “For instance, when I’m working and Levon is watching TV, I’d pop my head up for a break and watch whatever she’s watching – sometimes, she’d even catch me up on the plot!”
The half glass wall partition between the workspace and living room lets the couple feel like they are in the same space
A Home Designed for Individual Needs
While aesthetics played a big role in the design of their home, the couple emphasises the importance of functionality.
“It’s helpful to think about how the design can cater to your way of living, and not the other way round,” they say. “We knew we wanted a walk-in wardrobe and a workspace, so we prioritised those and designed the space accordingly.”
The result is a gorgeous home that caters to their lifestyle and individual needs.
These glass panels with vertical grooves make for a stylish yet functional design accent
You may have seen this material in many new homes lately – essentially glass panels with vertical grooves, fluted glass makes for a stylish yet functional design accent that home owners and interior designers cannot get enough of.
The semi-transparent nature of fluted glass enables it to partially obscure what’s behind, while letting light shine through, making it an apt solution for privacy needs. We round up 8 ideas for incorporating classy fluted glass in your HDB home renovation!
Want to conceal hanging laundry in your service yard without sacrificing natural light? The owner of this 3-room HDB flat cleverly inserted fluted glass panels within the yard’s sliding doors to achieve both desired outcomes!
Instead of a typical solid panelled door, why not consider an inlay of fluted glass? Besides partitioning the bedroom and study in this cosy abode, the fluted glass door adds a touch of privacy while enabling light to flow between the rooms.
Harkening back to the design aesthetics of the 50s and 60s, this Canberra BTO flat utilised fluted glass folding screens for their kitchen. The glass panels are also functional — ensuring that the kitchen and dining space are sufficiently illuminated, while keeping cooking fumes and noise out of the communal areas.
Because of its texture, fluted glass also works great as a shower screen. Apart from providing additional privacy, it is also a great accent piece for your bathroom.
This charming home opted for fluted glass between master bedroom and the walk-in wardrobe. We love how the material perfectly complements the blinds while serving as a chic privacy screen!
Some homes have worked in fluted glass in their cabinetry, which offers a unique open look while hiding the clutter. Take a page out of this MUJI-inspired flat in Toa Payoh, which integrated fluted glass panes in the wooden sliding doors of the built-in wardrobe.
Need a work space from time to time? Install foldable fluted glass doors that help you segregate a private work area from the adjacent living area when required. You can always open up the doors to let in more natural light on off-work days!
This article was contributed by Qanvast, Singapore’s go-to renovation platform.
Wilfred brings us around his industrial-themed flat in Whampoa. Check it out for yourself!
This view was definitely a pull factor when Wilfred and his wife were debating whether to purchase the 4-room resale flat at Whampoa. “We decided to go ahead with it. I mean, where else can you get a such a view?” he shared.
Renovation took a long time, but the result was worth it. The couple did not engage an interior designer, and were adamant about being very hands-on in the process. Thus, they felt that hiring a contractor would suffice to translate their vision into a reality.
“During the process, I consulted my friend who does interior design for commercial spaces, and that helped a lot. I shared with her my ideas, and got her professional opinion on whether they would work,” Wilfred explained. Trained in architecture, it is no wonder that he had a knack for design and an eye for detail.
The built-in cabinets under the windows contain the couple’s massive shoe collection
Both Wilfred and his wife share a love for shoes, and to store their impressive shoe collection. they built cabinets along an entire stretch of the wall.
The furniture in the living room were sourced from various online and offline sources – namely, Crate and Barrel and Castlery. The couple enjoy having friends over, so they invested in a large dining table from Picket and Rail, that fitted right in with the industrial-themed décor of their home.
“My favourite part of the home? Definitely the kitchen. We don’t cook often enough though!” Wilfred explained with a laugh.
Blue mosaic tiles on the kitchen wall create a stunning backdrop for the dark-panelled cabinetry
They also replaced the concrete wall of one of the rooms with full glass panels to demarcate their working space. A highlight of this room is the impressive display of limited edition sneakers and Medicom Toys collected from the couple’s travels around the world.
Wilfred shows us some of his limited edition sneakers that he keeps in neat boxes in the study room.
Much like the rest of the house, the bedroom is also tastefully designed to fit the industrial theme. Furniture items have been kept to a minimum so that the bedroom remains clutter-free and neat.
If the living room is the ‘face’ of a home, then the kitchen is where the heart is. After all, it is where we whip up home-cooked meals for our loved ones. Even if you don’t cook frequently, getting your layout right makes all the difference to the functionality and flow of your kitchen.
Check out these 6 kitchen layout ideas for some inspiration!
1. Kitchen Island
Interior Designer: Tidplus Design
Photo Credit: Qanvast
A very popular choice today, the island is a large work surface placed usually in the middle of the kitchen. If you entertain often, consider utilising the island as both a work and social area where family and friends can connect while meals are being prepared.
Psst! If you’re thinking of hacking your kitchen wall to make way for an island in your flat, bear in mind that any demolition or alteration of walls can only be carried out after obtaining HDB’s approval. This is to ensure that the renovations do not compromise the structural integrity of your flat.
2. Peninsula
Interior Designer: Zenith Arc
While an island is a standalone surface, a peninsula is attached to a wall or another structure. Think of the peninsula as a cousin of the island! As with the island, the peninsula offers a great opportunity for interactions during meal preparation.
3. Galley
Interior Designer: Yang’s Inspiration Design
The galley kitchen consists of two rows of cabinets facing each other. This type of layout offers greater storage space. Consider installing open shelves instead of upper cabinets above the galley, to avoid having an overly-cramped kitchen.
4. L-Shaped Kitchen
Interior Designer: Nitty Gritty Interior
Photo Credit: Qanvast
The L-shaped kitchen features cabinets on two perpendicular walls. This offers better accessibility, and you will not have to move back-and-forth, as everything is within reach.
5. U-Shaped Kitchen
Interior Designer: Zenith Arc
Other than providing plenty of storage space, the U-shaped kitchen allows for great workflow as you move about the kitchen. Most importantly, this layout is able to accommodate multiple chefs – great for families who bond over cooking.
6. Single-Wall Kitchen
Interior Designer: Bowerman Interior
Photo Credit: Qanvast
As its name suggests, this layout consists of cabinets installed against a single wall. You can opt for either upper and lower cabinets, or even open shelves. This straightforward layout is most suitable for owners who are looking for a simple and fuss-free kitchen.
Is there a specific kitchen layout that you prefer? Let us know in the comments below!
Ready to Renovate? We Answer Your FAQs on HDB Bomb Shelters
While you can utilise it as extra storage space, avoid removing the door or hacking the walls!
Most HDB flats built from the late 1990s are equipped with a household shelter, also known as the “bomb shelter”. While most home owners utilise the shelter for additional storage space, we’ve seen others transform the space into a cosy pantry or even a library. Learn more about these shelters in this article!
How did these household shelters come about?
Due to building code regulations that took effect in 1996, all apartment buildings in Singapore must be constructed with a household shelter. With strengthened walls, floor and ceiling, the household shelter is designed to protect you and your family during an emergency.
Can I knock down the walls of the shelter to make more space in my flat?
The household shelter is an essential part of your home, so it’s important to note the walls must not be hacked or drilled.
How do I know where the household shelter is located at?
If you look at the floorplan, you will see that the household shelter is clearly marked with the thicker black lines to represent reinforced walls. The shelters are usually located nearer to the living and dining area, or beside the kitchen area. Here are some typical floorplans:
Household shelter in the ‘middle’ of the flat layout, beside the kitchen. In this layout, the door can be inconspicuous as it is not visible from the main living room area.
Household shelter beside the main door. This layout allows you to mask the door with an extended shoe cabinet.
How can I make use of the space within the shelter?
You can transform part of the household shelter into a storeroom by installing shelving units that can be removed in times of need. Avoid filling the shelter to the brim, as you’ll need to utilise the space during an emergency.
Can I remove the door? What about the round metallic disc?
It’s important to leave the door intact and ensure that it can be opened and closed properly.
The round metallic disc is actually a ventilation sleeve for the household shelter. If needed, the sleeve can be tightened to provide an air-tight shelter. We’d recommend that you always keep the vent open and check the gasket and screws from time to time. Do visit this page for some essential maintenance tips for your home shelter!
Is it possible to re-design the bomb shelter?
Many homeowners have either redecorated the door or added design elements to mask its appearance. Here are some examples!
If the shelter is positioned near your front door, you can consider doing a customised shoe cabinet and storage cabinets, according to your décor theme. This helps you create another ‘wall’ to mask the door – can you spot it in the photo above? Alternatively, even a simple application of wall decals and stickers can help to mask the door.
The household shelter door is made of reinforced steel. Some creative homeowners have embraced its original form and transformed it into something like a fridge wall. Now, your magnet collections have a permanent home.
All you need to know for the various renovation stages to make your journey as seamless as possible!
A Guide to Planning Your HDB Home Renovation
Renovating your home can be an exciting project, especially for first-time home owners! From designing your home to completing renovation, knowing when and what to do at each stage of your journey can help you save costs and ensure a pleasant experience.
To help you out, MyNiceHome has put together a timeline and checklist for the various renovation stages to make your journey as seamless as possible!
1 Year Before Key Collection – Decide on Your Theme
Procrastination is the enemy of all good home renovations. Don’t make the mistake of waiting after your key collection before you start thinking about the theme and features that you want in your new home. This is a creative process that takes time!
Start a mood board to collate images of home designs and concepts that you fancy.
Keep an eye out for complementary furniture and appliances as they would influence your carpentry, tile works, placement of your electrical points or even configuration of your home spaces. Having these in mind early can help facilitate discussion with your interior designer (ID) or contractor.
Our favourite sources of inspiration? Pinterest, Instagram and our blog!
3 Months Before Key Collection – Choose Interior Designer/Contractor
Engaging a good interior designer (ID) or contractor takes the guesswork out of renovation and lets you focus on other aspects such as home furnishings and other paperwork.
Besides dedicating ample time for selection, it is important to ensure that the ID shows understanding of your needs and requirements, and your desired concept. They should also be responsive to queries and receptive to feedback, to work with you on ideas or suggest viable alternatives where need be.
Pro tips:
Do your research! Ask around for recommendations and study the IDs’ portfolio and customer reviews. Some questions to keep in mind – Does their style meet your personal preferences? How are the reviews for their service and workmanship?
Shortlist and meet up with the IDs or contractors to discuss your plans and expectations.
Compare quotations, bearing in mind that the extent of work and materials used can make quite a difference in the costs.
Once you have set your mind on a particular ID or contractor, you would likely have to go through several rounds of discussion with them before arriving at the final design.
3 Weeks Before Key Collection – Shop for Fixtures and Fittings
Lighting, bathroom and kitchen fittings – all these items are essential for your new home, while adding character and unique details. Start shopping at around 3 weeks before key collection, to account for shipping and potential delays.
What you should be doing:
Look out for offers including group-buy promotions for new BTO flats.
If you are purchasing from an overseas supplier, check if the fitting is compatible for use in Singapore and suitable for the local climate
Be aware of the time it would take for the item to ship.
Where to buy:
Any e-commerce website (keep an eye out for sales!) or group-buys in your BTO group chats.
Alternatively, visit reputable brick-and-mortar stores to get instant feedback and recommendations from the staff.
Upon obtaining approval from HDB, renovation should be completed within 3 months for new flats and 1 month for existing flats. This will minimise inconvenience and noise disturbances to your new neighbours, especially those who may be working from home or have young children at home. Read our guide on renovating your HDB flat to familiarise yourself with the steps involved!
Pro tips:
Your good and early planning should be paying off at this stage, but you should regularly check in on the works going on at your new flat, to ensure that your renovation can be completed on schedule.
Make sure that your renovation works are being done according to the agreed specifications and design, as well as HDB’s renovation guidelines. Identifying and rectifying any mistake early will definitely save you money, time and effort.
Maintaining friendly relations with your future neighbours is important for a healthy start to your home ownership journey. Be mindful of the noise disturbances to them, and remind your contractor to put up a notice outside your flat that indicates the start and end date of your renovation works. This will help your neighbours make arrangements to avoid the noise and dust during this time.
Inform your neighbours ahead of any noisy renovation works. This is also a great opportunity to get to know them!
Take active steps to reduce any noise disturbances. For instance, close the door of your flat during periods where loud noise from your renovation works could be generated.
We hope you found this guide useful. Happy planning and renovating!
Looking for a heartland adventure? Here are some top spots to explore in Punggol!
Punggol is a modern eco-town known for its lush greenery and picturesque bridges. Listed below are the top spots to explore in Punggol, such as the bridges along the waterway and its new generation neighbourhood centres, Northshore Plaza and Oasis Terraces.
1. Waterway Wonder
A night view of Punggol Waterway
A 4.2km-long man-made waterway runs through Punggol and is now a key part of the town, made possible as part of the Remaking Our Heartland programme to rejuvenate Punggol. Not only has it helped to realise waterfront living for Punggol’s residents, the waterway is also home to a thriving ecosystem, including numerous species of freshwater plants, mangroves, butterflies, dragonflies, and birds.
Mangroves, native to Singapore, are planted along the waterway, where they help to maintain the water quality
Carefully selected plants add a welcoming pop of colour to the water surface
While admiring the view from the waterway, be sure to look out for the honeycomb-inspired buoyant platforms that facilitate the growth of lush greenery. Approximately 760 of these floating wetlands can be spotted at the waterway, adding life and colour to the water surface.
2. The Famous Five (Bridges)
The Jewel Bridge offers a picturesque sunset view
High on the list of top spots to explore in Punggol, Punggol Waterway is home to not one, not two, but five picturesque bridges: Jewel Bridge, Sunrise Bridge, Kelong Bridge, Adventure Bridge and Wave Bridge.
The Wave Bridge is especially perfect for the ‘gram, as is the Jewel Bridge at sunset. Another note-worthy bridge is the Kelong Bridge that was inspired by the kelong, a fishing platform that’s built on wooden stilts.
The design of the Kelong Bridge pays homage to Punggol’s history
This unique design is also a reflection of Punggol’s history, where the town used to be home to several fishing villages.
3. Green Developments and Seafront Views
Oasis Terraces, Singapore’s first new generation neighbourhood centre
Designed to capitalise on the waterfront location, Oasis Terraces is Singapore’s first new generation neighbourhood centre. The 7-storey development offers a wide range of amenities and sports and recreation facilities.
The rooftop features a play area that is surrounded by lush greenery
As part of HDB’s efforts to build greener neighbourhoods, smart and sustainable features such as motion-sensor lighting and sensor-activated fans are utilised, to encourage green living. Extensive green terraces and landscaping are also incorporated within Oasis Terraces, to bring nature closer to home.
Northshore Plaza is a seafront new generation neighbourhood centre that is enabled with smart technologies
Northshore Plaza is HDB’s first seafront new generation neighbourhood centre. The development comprises two connected buildings Northshore Plaza I and II that offer a variety of retail and dining options, as well as a supermarket and childcare centre. The neighbourhood centre is also connected to the LRT and surrounding residential blocks, and provides direct access to the waterfront for residents and visitors to enjoy the seafront view.
The seafront neighbourhood centre is directly connected to surrounding housing blocks
To create a sustainable living environment, smart and green initiatives were incorporated within the planning, designing and building of Northshore Plaza. These include using naturally-ventilated corridors, smart fans, solar panels and rooftop greenery to regulate the ambient temperature.
Pockets of greenery can be found within Northshore Plaza
A sheltered community plaza is also designed for communal events, while community pods function as resting points. Digitally interactive directories and the ShopperLink App are also used to enhance the shopping experience.
4. Punggol Discovery Cube
Overlooking the iconic waterway, Punggol Discovery Cube is a first-of-its-kind visitor centre in an HDB town. With the help of multimedia showcases, you can discover the rich history of Punggol and the developments that have defined its distinct Waterfront Town identity.
An interactive architectural model of Punggol will give you a bird’s-eye view of the entire town, including its 7 signature waterfront districts.
Head to the second floor for significant moments of Punggol’s development and planning. Here, learn about the smart and sustainable initiatives implemented at Punggol, including the use of modelling tools to simulate environmental conditions such as wind flow, solar radiation, shading and noise, to create the best possible homes.
Before ending your visit of the Discovery Cube, step out to the open-air viewing deck at the top of the centre and enjoy panoramic views of the estate!
5. Date Ideas and Family-Friendly Activities
Punggol is also home to an array of recreational activities. For instance, hop on your bike and explore the scenic sights of Punggol along the park connector! Spots to visit include the waterway, its bridges, and Coney Island.
Take a cycling trip to Coney Island
Fitness junkies will appreciate Arkbloc, a recreational space that combines fitness and bouldering, a form of climbing. Fancy a more laidback weekend? Visit Hai Bin Prawning and master the art (or try your luck) at fishing and prawning.
Photo: Arkbloc Try out a new activity or chalk up a workout session at this new fitness space
6. The Punggol Settlement and @Punggol
Photo: The Punggol Settlement
Feeling peckish after a walkabout of the top spots to explore in Punggol? Punggol Settlement offers a wide culinary spread, from fresh seafood to Thai cuisine. Located next to the Punggol Jetty, Punggol Settlement also provides a unique dining experience with a view of the sea.
Dining with a view Photo: The Punggol Settlement
Craving for some Tom Yum? Pop by Trunk at Bay, an eatery that serves classic Thai food. Tuck into dishes such as Green Curry and Phad Thai while enjoying the cool breeze.
Otherwise, head to @Punggol, a hidden gem at Tebing Lane offering restaurants, cafes and recreational activities. Visit Whisk and Paddle, an industrial-themed café that offers a diverse menu, ranging from the classic mac ‘n cheese to an innovative sambal seafood pizza. There are other eateries in the area too — some housed within shipping containers!
Especially so if you’re craving for a breath of fresh air, embark on a discovery journey of Punggol and you may be surprised at what you’ll find.
