LOFT INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM IN SINGAPORE
Lofts and furniture deck are increasingly popular and Editor Interior can help you build a stylish loft in your home. In addition to our wide range of projects– HDB, condo and landed housing– Editor Interior is one of the few loft specialists available in Singapore. As a loft interior design company, our team consists of specialists who are highly experienced in loft conversions, creating exceptional living spaces connected by beautiful loft stairs.
LOFT INTERIOR DESIGN
Lofts are the upper story of a building or an elevated area under the roof. Originally created by artists in New York, lofts increased in popularity in cities, including Singapore, where loft-like styles are adopted in various establishments and modern hotels. As floor areas are limited in Singapore, there is an increasing demand for lofts as you can maximise the vertical living space. Loft conversions or loft apartments are a great way to create an extra room in your home in a modern, stylish way.
SPECIFICATIONS ON BUILDING LOFTS IN SINGAPORE
Lofts that are designed as furniture decks that serve as resting spaces do not require planning permits to be built if they are 5sqm or less. These lofts are limited to one per residential unit.
Condo penthouses or level one condo units typically have high ceilings which allow for loft conversions. If the ceiling is at least 4.0m, you can convert the loft to a study area, guest room, theatre, entertainment room and even storage space.
The materials used to build a loft consist of mild steel and timber. Flooring will consist of lightweight materials such as vinyl, laminate, carpet, or engineered wood for flooring. These lofts will be enclosed with glass; windows; or opened with handrails, glass or wall at half height. Loft conversions required the endorsement of professional engineers.
In order to build a loft, a minimum of 4.0m high ceiling is required. As the loft is not a full floor, the headroom of the loft area cannot exceed the headroom below the loft. Lofts are typically built-in condominiums and landed properties. At Editor Interior, our team consists of professional loft specialists to help you create the functional and stylish home of your dreams. Contact us today for more information.
LOFT PLACEMENTS
Lofts can be placed in any part of the home that have higher ceiling space. Loft conversion creates spaces that can be used for a variety of functions depending on your lifestyle preferences.
ABOVE THE KITCHEN
Loft placements above the kitchen allow you to retain the high ceiling in the living room. This gives the illusion of a larger space and will match with the existing kitchen ceiling height.
ABOVE LIVING ROOM
Lofts can also be directly above the living room. These lofts allow you to have a view of the room, whilst providing privacy in the loft. The loft can act as a study corner or work space that is exclusive from the rest of the room, yet not entirely separated.
BY THE WINDOWS
Lofts by the windows allow you to get a scenic view surrounding your home. Such lofts have excellent natural lighting and provide a great space for rest and relaxation. These loft conversions can be an entertainment space with addition of a television and couch. For this, there is no need to maintain the high ceiling curtains– they can be broken into top and bottom curtains.
LOFT STAIRCASE TYPES
There are different types of stairs you can get for your lofts depending on the space, style and your preferences. There are straight-run stairs that ascend in a straight line. The area beneath the stairs can be converted to storage space of 600mm-1000mm. Spiral loft stairs are stunning and stylish stairs that form a helix shape of approximately 1-1.5mm. Otherwise, there are space-saving stairs or loft ladders.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A loft conversion is a fantastic investment for your home, as it can add significant value to your property and increase your living space. You can convert the loft into a bedroom, home office, or recreational room – whichever you choose. The possibilities are endless in loft interior design in Singapore. A loft conversion can also improve energy efficiency and enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.
The cost of building a loft in Singapore can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size of the loft, the complexity of the construction, the materials used, and the specific requirements of the project. However, in general, the cost of a basic loft conversion might start from $25k.
An attic typically refers to the uppermost space beneath the roof, primarily used for storage or housing utility equipment. A loft, on the other hand, typically refers to an open space, characterised by its open design and visible rafters. Lofts are more versatile and are commonly used as living spaces or work areas.
For ceiling height around 2.6-2.9m for both condos and HDBs, the clearance height we can do for the bottom is around 1.6-1.8m and top at 1.0-1.1m, suitable for sleeping and an adult to sit and lean on the wall. For ceilings around 4.5-6m, the bottom can be kept to 2-3m and top at 2-3m., with enough height allowance for an adult to stand.
Lofts that are intended to be furniture decks do not require permission from BCA. Only one loft is permitted per residential unit, and each unit’s loft must be not more than 5sqm. The headroom of the loft area shouldn’t be higher than the headroom below the loft.
If you’re unsure about the regulations, submitting the design and layout plan to URA or discussing with a loft specialist in Singapore can avoid any complications during the installation process.
Unfortunately, no. The BCA has regulated that only 1 loft space be installed per residential unit. The loft conversion should be a lightweight fixture and not obstruct the overall structural elements of the building. Do also note that the loft space should not be used as a full floor and only as a furniture deck.
In Singapore, if you plan to build a 5m2 or smaller loft, you generally do not need to submit a building or structural plan to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) for planning permission. However, there are still important steps to follow. Although URA doesn’t require planning permission for 5m2 lofts, Qualified Persons (QPs) and developers must include details like the location, size, and headroom of the proposed loft on the proposed plans submitted to URA for informational purposes.
If you’re unsure about whether your loft design complies with regulations or if you want to avoid potential enforcement actions, it’s advisable to submit the design and layout plan to URA for advice before proceeding with installation in your unit. This proactive step can help prevent inconvenience and ensure that your loft project aligns with the necessary guidelines.
In loft interior design in Singapore, consultant should design for the following load for each loft, a minimum imposed load of 1.5kN/m2 to allow for imposed load on the loft or intermediate floor deck and a minimum superimposed dead load is 1.0kN/m2 to allow for the weight of the load or intermediate floor deck.
The loads will be increased if the lofts are intended for usages other than residential occupancy class.
The loads will be increased if the lofts are intended for usages other than residential occupancy class.
Common furniture pieces used in loft spaces include convertible sofas or Murphy beds, floating shelves for storage and display, and compact tables and chairs. However, customised furniture pieces are the best for a loft interior design in Singapore as they are specifically tailored to your unique spaces. A loft specialist like Editor Interior can help you with such small space solutions.