Architect Revives Singapore Home for Professor’s Retirement

A Singaporean architect has transformed an outdated terrace house into a modern, functional space tailored for a professor’s retirement. While on holiday in Finland, architect Lim Shing Hui received an inquiry from a potential client about renovating his home. After an engaging two-hour conversation, the professor shared his vision of creating a living space that would evolve as he transitioned into retirement.

The professor, who has owned the house for over 30 years, initially viewed it merely as a storage space during his travels abroad. However, after retiring in 2023, he sought to redefine the purpose of the house, desiring it to reflect his lifestyle rather than merely serve as a rental property. Impressed by Lim’s innovative approach to using sustainable materials, he decided to work with her after learning about her award-winning project, A Brick and Mortar Shop, which showcased a creative use of ordinary materials.

During their initial meeting, the professor expressed his desire for a home that radiated openness and light. Previously designed for a family of five, the house’s numerous rooms felt constricting. “What I longed for was openness – rooms that breathed, natural light pouring in and fresh air flowing through,” he explained. Lim recognized the significance of this project, understanding that it was not merely a renovation but a crucial aspect of the professor’s future.

Lim described the house as a conservation project, aiming to rediscover its original spirit while enhancing its functionality. The home featured a whitewashed facade adorned with terracotta roof tiles, but its layout hindered natural light. Lim and her team, including colleagues Tse Lee Shing and Loo Quan Le, removed unnecessary walls and repositioned key areas to create a more cohesive flow from the entrance to the backyard.

Significant alterations included shifting the entrance door and installing a screen of glass blocks to enhance privacy while allowing light to filter in. Throughout the renovation, Lim employed a minimalistic approach, exposing structural elements such as walls and mechanical components to create a raw yet inviting atmosphere. The professor wanted the design to resemble a warehouse, emphasizing the beauty of honesty in materials rather than ornate decorations.

Lim enhanced the home’s functionality by adding reclaimed materials, such as a bench made from aged Chengal timber salvaged from Penang. The project’s philosophy emphasized simplicity, with few materials used in varied applications. The exposed brick walls and structural elements became focal points, contributing to the house’s charm and character.

The renovation process was labor-intensive, as Lim and her team painstakingly removed layers of plaster to reveal the home’s original brickwork. This approach uncovered the house’s history, with visible scars representing its age. Lim encouraged the professor to retain these marks as part of the home’s narrative, which added depth to the design.

With a focus on sustainability, the renovation included high-tech features such as an electric vehicle (EV) charging plug, aligning with modern energy needs. The home now efficiently combines historical elements with contemporary design, providing a comfortable space for the professor’s daily routines.

After the renovation, the professor found renewed joy in his living space. “It is where I think about life, catch up on years of reading I once put aside, and prepare for the next chapter of work and service,” he reflected. The house has evolved into both a personal sanctuary and a functional workspace, where he engages in his pro bono activities.

As evenings unfold, the professor cherishes the serene atmosphere of his home. “Upstairs, the old brick walls, wooden floors, high bare ceiling, exposed beams, and rafters glow with warmth. It feels like a refuge, almost like an old chapel – a sanctuary for the soul,” he concluded. Through Lim’s thoughtful design, the professor’s home has been revitalized, embodying both his past and future aspirations.