Singaporean actor and entrepreneur Terence Cao has unveiled the results of a high-stakes renovation of his childhood home in Toa Payoh. The unit, located in an HDB block nearly 60 years old, underwent a significant transformation after Cao granted his interior designer total creative freedom, explicitly instructing them not to consult him until the project was complete.
According to 8days.sg, the renovation would have commanded a six-figure sum had it not been sponsored as part of a professional collaboration. The project involved navigating the structural constraints of a building from the 1960s, including existing beams and pipes, which the design team integrated using curved false ceilings and partition walls to improve spatial flow.
This report draws on information published by 8days.sg.
The most notable change involved the removal of one of the two bedrooms to expand the living area. The newly created space now features a large black granite island, which Cao describes as a centerpiece for his work as the founder of the livestreaming platform Star Live. The remaining bedroom, now concealed behind a stainless steel door, is designed to be sparse to encourage rest. The interior design adopts an industrial aesthetic, characterized by raw textured walls, stainless steel accents, and retro ventilation blocks, balanced by warm pops of burnt orange and red.
Follow-up Questions
Why did the renovation require structural work?
The building is nearly 60 years old; designers had to work around fixed beams and pipes that could not be moved, necessitating creative solutions like false ceilings
What is the primary function of the new dining area?
Beyond dining, the space serves as a professional setup for Terence Cao's livestreaming platform, Star Live, allowing for podcasting and food demonstrations
Perspectives
Homeowner's trust vs Design challenges
Story lens
Homeowner's trust
By choosing to stay completely out of the process, Terence Cao prioritized the designer's professional expertise over personal micromanagement. This approach signals a high degree of confidence in the designer's ability to balance his need for a functional, modern workspace with the sentimental value of his childhood home
Design challenges
Working on a 60-year-old HDB unit presents significant technical limitations compared to modern construction. The designers' decision to embrace these quirks, rather than fighting them, highlights the necessity of creative spatial planning in older residential developments to achieve modern functionality
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Singaporean actor Terence Cao handed his interior designer full creative control to transform his 60-year-old childhood HDB flat into an industrial-style home.
