How This Homeowner Transformed A 3-Room HDB Into A Japanese Zen Home With A Secret Garden

Get The Property Insights Serious Buyers Read First: Join 50,000+ readers who rely on our weekly breakdowns of Singapore’s property market.

In this week’s episode, the focus is on a three-room HDB flat situated in the Bugis area, spanning approximately 700 sqft.
The design concept, rooted in the Chinese words 动静 (movement and stillness), seamlessly integrates functionality throughout.

The dark wood panelling and textured walls establish a consistent design language, offering multiple purposes in each room, harmonizing rest and activity.

The living area, demarcated from the workspace, features a cantilever table providing a floating workspace with captivating neighbourhood views.

Open shelves, louvre doors, and strategic partitions enhance spatial dynamics, promoting a balance between openness and privacy.


The kitchen, transformed into a pantry and display gallery, boasts concrete flooring and countertops, highlighting a unique basin.

The tatami area serves versatile purposes, transitioning from daytime relaxation to an evening sleeping space. Art pieces, plants, and a fish tank contribute to an evolving living space, emphasizing a connection with nature.


The bathroom, embracing an open concept, features an onsen bathtub, offering city views during showers. The fusuma screen, artistically adorned, creates flexible barriers, embodying profound philosophical messages.

The study, housing a library, serves as the quiet core of the home for reconnection and reflection. Glass panels and mirrors connect rooms, fostering a harmonious flow. The Japanese rock garden and deer-scarer water feature amplify the calming effect.

Living in this home for a year has been a journey of embracing imperfections, discovering new possibilities, and growing alongside the space. It’s a testament to adapting and learning, making the most of its various facets.

Special thanks to the homeowner for letting us tour their lovely home. If you’d like to get connected to their ID for the design of your own home, you can reach out to them here.
Read next from Home Tours

Home Tours Inside A Minimalist’s Tiny Loft With A Stunning City View

Editor's Pick This Beautiful Japanese-Inspired 5-Room HDB Home Features an Indoor Gravel Garden

Home Tours A Family’s Monochrome Open-Concept Home with Colour Accents

Home Tours A Bright Minimalist Condo Apartment With A Loft
Latest Posts

Property Market Commentary I Reviewed HDB’s 2 And 3-Room Show Flats: Ideal For First-Time Buyers Or Too Small To Live In?

Editor's Pick Why Kingsford Hillview Peak Underperformed—Despite Its MRT Location And “Good” Entry Price

Editor's Pick Buying Property In Malaysia As A Singaporean: 6 Key Restrictions To Be Aware Of

Editor's Pick Why Punggol Northshore Could Be The Next Hotspot In The HDB Resale Market

Singapore Property News 9,800 New Homes Across 11 GLS Sites In 2H 2025: What To Know About Tanjong Rhu, Dover, And Bedok

Singapore Property News Why HDB Needs To Build More 4 Bedroom Flats

Homeowner Stories “If We Sell, We’ll Never Have A Home This Big Again”: What Singaporean Parents Do After The Kids Move Out

Property Advice How Much Is Your Home Really Worth? How Property Valuations Work in Singapore

Property Investment Insights Singapore Property Data Is Transparent: But Here’s Why It Can Still Mislead You

Editor's Pick Why Marina Bay Suites May Look Like a Poor Performer—But Its 4-Bedroom Units Tell a Different Story

On The Market 5 Cheapest Convenient 1-Bedders Near Integrated Developments From $800k

Property Advice Why I Had Second Thoughts After Buying My Dream Home In Singapore

Pro Why This 40-Year-Old Leasehold Condo Beat Newer Developments: A Case Study Of Loyang Valley

Editor's Pick 50 New Launch Condos With Balance Units Remaining In 2025 (From $1,440 PSF)

Editor's Pick Is Arina East Residences Worth A Look? A Detailed Pricing Review Against District 15 Alternatives

Hi stacked homes! Really loving the main louvre door to the entrance of the home! Could you share where is this door from?
Hi can you provide the name of the calligrapher ?