MJ HOUSE RENOVATION

This renovation project began with a family’s need to expand their 18-year-old home in the Nanthawan housing estate. The original house no longer met the demands of a growing household and posed key challenges—termite damage and split-level floor plates that were unsuitable for elderly residents.

One of the major design constraints was the estate’s regulation requiring that the renovated exterior remain visually consistent with the original façade. This presented a unique challenge: how to deliver a home that feels entirely new while maintaining the familiar image of the old.

The design strategy focused on two core interventions:

1.       Reconfiguration of Circulation
The main staircase was repositioned and enlarged to enhance flow and usability. A new stairwell wall constructed of glass blocks brings in daylight and redefines the home’s spatial core. This intervention not only improves circulation but also transforms the experience of the interior—making it feel like a completely new home within the old shell.

2.       Integration of Universal Design
Existing split-level floors were restructured into a unified level through partial demolition and reconstruction of the slab. Ramps were introduced throughout the house to ensure full accessibility and comfort for elderly family members.

Under multiple design and technical constraints, the project successfully meets the client’s evolving needs. The architectural, structural, and systems design were handled by S+S Architects, with interior design by Anneal Atelier—a collaborative effort that balances spatial renewal, functionality, and regulatory compliance with clarity and care.