Best Materials for Rebuilding a Landed House in Singapore

Best Materials for Rebuilding a Landed House in Singapore (2026 Guide)

When rebuilding a landed home in Singapore, whether it’s a terrace in Opera Estate, a semi-D in Sunset Way, or a bungalow in Caldecott Hill, material selection plays a huge role in durability, comfort, maintenance cost, and long-term value.

Unlike condos, where developers standardise materials across hundreds of units, landed homes are fully customised. Homeowners must choose every component: the roof system, façade cladding, insulation type, flooring, windows, sanitary fittings, even the waterproofing system.

This guide highlights materials that perform well in Singapore’s climate, based on real rebuild projects in estates like Thomson Ridge, Seletar Hills, Lucky Heights, Duchess Estate, Kew Drive, Lentor private enclave, and more.

1. Structural Materials (The Skeleton of Your House)

A. Reinforced Concrete (RC) – The Preferred Standard in Singapore

Almost all landed homes use RC for:

• columns

• beams

• floor slabs

• staircases

• roof slabs

It’s selected because RC withstands:

• humidity

• heavy rainfall

• termite-prone environments

• soil movement

Neighbourhoods with older soil conditions such as Frankel Estate, Binjai Park, Pasir Panjang slopes rely heavily on strengthened RC for long-term stability.

Why RC is superior for landed homes:

• Excellent load-bearing capacity

• Allows large open spaces (popular for modern layouts)

• Enables attic and roof-terrace construction

• Fire-resistant

• Low maintenance

B. Steel Structures (Selective Use)

Used mainly for:

• long-span beams

• cantilevered designs

• roof structures

• mezzanine levels

Houses with modern architecture, commonly seen in Joo Chiat, Holland Grove, Kew Drive, often incorporate steel to achieve slimmer profiles and larger window openings.

2. External Wall & Façade Materials

Your external façade must withstand Singapore’s exposure to intense UV, humidity, and wind-driven rain.

A. Plaster + Paint (Most Common, Cost-Effective)

High-quality paint systems work well in:

• Serangoon Gardens

• Sunset Way

• Braddell Heights

• Thomson neighbourhoods

Recommended:

• Nippon Weatherbond

• Dulux Weathershield

• Jotun Jotashield

Look for features like anti-fungal, UV protection, and dirt resistance.

B. Natural Stone (Premium Look, Long-Lasting)

Popular in luxury rebuilds in:

• Bukit Timah (D10)

• Sentosa Cove

• Caldecott Hill

• Windsor Park

Common choices:

• Travertine

• Limestone

• Basalt

• Granite

Pros:

• Ages beautifully

• High-end aesthetic

• Extremely durable

Cons:

• High cost

• Needs professional installation

• Not recommended for overly exposed areas facing strong wind-driven East Coast rain

C. Composite Timber Cladding (Weather-Resistant Alternative)

Best suited for areas near the sea or where humidity is high, such as:

• East Coast (Siglap, Frankel, Lucky Heights)

• Pasir Ris landed belt

• Seaside Park

Brands like NewTechWood, Eva-Last, TimberTech offer:

• termite resistance

• low maintenance

• UV stability

Composite timber lasts far longer than natural timber in tropical climates.

D. Aluminium Screens & Fins (Modern Architecture)

Increasingly popular in:

• Duchess Estate

• Holland Grove

• Pasir Panjang contemporary homes

• Jalan Jelita / Greenwood Avenue cluster

Benefits:

• Enhances privacy

• Reduces heat gain

• Adds architectural character

• Low maintenance

3. Roofing Materials (Critical for Waterproofing)

A. RC Flat Roof with Membrane Waterproofing

Very common for modern landed homes. Works well in:

• Seletar Hills

• Lentor

• Upper Thomson

• Braddell Heights

Recommended waterproofing systems:

• Sikalastic

• Torched-on membrane

• Polyurea coating

Important:

Flat roofs must be maintained every 5–8 years to avoid long-term seepage issues.

B. Metal Roofs (For Pitched Designs)

Seen in estates with traditional or tropical architecture like:

• Opera Estate

• Kew Drive

• Sunset Way

• Jalan Dermawan (Hillview)

Use high-quality coated metal roofing (e.g., Colorbond, Klip-Lok) to prevent corrosion.

C. Clay / Concrete Roof Tiles (Classic Look)

Still used in:

• Serangoon Gardens

• Braddell Heights

• Older Bukit Timah neighbourhoods

Heavy but very durable. Suitable for more traditional designs.

4. Windows, Glass & Glazing (The Most Important for Comfort)

Singapore homes face strong afternoon sun and require optimal window systems.

A. Aluminium Frames (Swiss Profile / European Systems)

Brands like:

• Schüco

• Technal

• Panoramah

• Aluk

Ideal for:

• full-height sliding doors in Sunset Way

• large opening windows in Lentor

• modern façade homes in Pasir Panjang

Why aluminium systems matter:

• Noise reduction (crucial for houses near MRT lines or major roads)

• Water tightness

• Wind pressure resistance

• Smooth sliding

• Slim profiles

B. Low-E Glazing (Heat Reduction)

Especially useful for:

• West-facing homes in Bukit Timah

• Homes near future TEL stations (Marine Parade, Siglap, Bayshore)

• Houses near noisy roads (Upper Serangoon, Adam Road, Upper Thomson)

Low-E glass cuts heat significantly while maintaining brightness.

C. Laminated Glass (Safety & Acoustic Performance)

Highly recommended for:

• terrace houses near busy roads

• homes near MRT construction zones

• Seletar Hills & Ang Mo Kio Terrace belts where traffic is dense

5. Flooring Materials (Durability vs Aesthetics)

A. Porcelain Tiles (Most Popular Choice)

Great for:

• kitchens

• wet areas

• high-traffic zones

• rental-friendly investments

Large slab porcelain tiles (750mm or 900mm) are trending in Sunset Way, Thomson, and Kew Drive rebuilds.

B. Vinyl Flooring (Cost-Effective, Waterproof)

Perfect for bedrooms.
Safe choice for families with children.

C. Engineered Timber (Premium, Stain-Resistant)

Common in Bukit Timah, Holland, and Sentosa Cove homes where buyers want warmth and elegance.

Unlike solid timber, engineered wood handles humidity better.

D. Marble or Quartz (Luxury Aesthetic)

Used mostly in high-end rebuilds:

• Queen Astrid Park

• Nassim / Chatsworth precinct

• Caldecott Hill

Quartz (Caesarstone / Silestone) for kitchens is preferred due to stain resistance.

6. Bathroom & Kitchen Materials

A. Quartz Countertops

Highly recommended for kitchens, low maintenance and scratch-resistant.

Seen in:

• Serangoon Gardens

• Thomson

• East Coast homes

B. Porcelain or Sintered Stone (e.g., Dekton, Neolith)

Becoming popular for:

• bathroom walls

• kitchen backsplashes

• island cladding

Extremely durable and heat-resistant.

C. High-Quality Sanitaryware

Recommended brands:

• TOTO

• Kohler

• Grohe

• Duravit

Skip cheap fittings, they fail quickly in Singapore’s humidity.

7. Waterproofing Systems (Most Crucial for Landed Homes)

Waterproofing should NEVER be compromised.

High-risk areas:

• roof terraces

• balconies

• external walls

• bathrooms on 2nd/3rd floor

• wet kitchens

• planter boxes

Brands used in top-tier projects:

• Sika

• Mapei

• Parex Davco

In neighbourhoods like Frankel, Opera Estate, Seaside Park, wind-driven rain is severe, waterproofing must be top quality.

8. Outdoor Materials (Gates, Boundary Walls, Driveways)

Powder-Coated Aluminium Gates

Best option: doesn’t rust, withstands coastal conditions.

Common in East Coast estates near sea exposure.

Pebblewash / Stone Driveways

Slip-resistant and durable.
Often used in Sunset Way, West Coast, Pasir Panjang projects.

Natural Stone or Composite Decking

For patios and balconies.
Composite decking works best for sea-facing homes.

Useful Links

If you're exploring a full rebuild and want guidance from a specialised team:
🔗 Landed House Rebuild Contractor Singapore

For homeowners evaluating whether smaller improvements might suffice:
🔗 A&A Contractor Singapore

If you're considering tearing down your old house entirely and want clarity on the process:
🔗 Tear Down & Rebuild Singapore

To understand how your material choices affect budget:
🔗 Cost to Rebuild a Landed House in Singapore (2026 Guide)

For mistakes to avoid before choosing materials and finishes:
🔗 Top Mistakes Homeowners Make When Rebuilding a Landed Home

To understand how materials influence GFA optimisation and structural choices:
🔗 How to Maximise GFA When Rebuilding a Landed Home in Singapore