WITH blistering heat now the norm in Singapore, the Chuas’ intermediate terrace house off Upper East Coast Road could not have a worse orientation. The front faces east and so gets the rising sun, and its back bears the brunt of the setting sun – just one of the problems facing the couple before they undertook a major overhaul of the property.

Bought directly from its developer about 30 years ago, the double-storey house was leaking in parts; things were breaking down, and, as with most inter-terrace units, the heart of the house was very dark – natural light could not reach it.

The couple toyed with the idea of simply moving somewhere else, but were persuaded by their adult children to stay put. Their married daughter lives nearby; their two sons, both working overseas, have fond memories growing up in the area, where their childhood friends still live.