House tour: A minimalist Singapore home by HYLA Architects with amazing treetop views

HYLA Architects created an eco-conscious house in Singapore with amazing views of surrounding treetops

Homes designed by HYLA Architects fit well into the canon of modern tropical architecture, with their thoughtful and eco-conscious passive cooling strategies and infusion of plants. The local firm is also inventive in how it provides a sense of privacy in these houses, even within Singapore’s dense residential context.

This house is one prime example. Set in a quiet residential area, it is part of a ring of houses surrounding a park with matured trees. This context drove the design of the home that belongs to a couple with three children. While they wanted to be able to enjoy the lush greenery, they also wanted privacy from the neighbours and the public who use the park.

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Above The entrance of this house designed by HYLA Architects

Above A view of the house from the pool, with the sliding screen closed

The firm’s solution was to first raise the main living spaces to the second storey. In the deep plot, the storage areas are placed at the front of the house behind the car porch. Deeper in the plan are the music room, study room, and family room. The staircase is a conduit for light and air; house plants that line this area enliven the daily journey up and down the steps.

Photo 1 of 3 House plants enliven the staircase

Photo 2 of 3 The homeowners enjoy views of greenery while traversing the steps

Photo 3 of 3 The pool looks out to calming views of the treetops

Arriving at the second storey, one sees the raised swimming pool, surrounded by timber decking. The double-storey living room overlooks the pool and the view of the tree canopy beyond.

“As the house faces a public park, this is the best way to enjoy the greenery of the park while having total privacy while one is inside. By putting these spaces on the second storey, the family has unblocked views of the park. And because the house is pulled back from the front, people in the park cannot look into the house,” describes Han Loke Kwang, founder of HYLA Architects.

Above A view of the staircase from the second floor

Above An ample use of timber contributes to the cocooning atmosphere within

The house’s materiality also connects it to the bucolic environment. Ample timber is used, tying the architecture to the natural setting. Chengai timber clads the swimming pool deck’s edge and Accoya timber—treated acetylated timber that is highly durable—forms a motorised grid screen that separates the swimming pool from the living room.

Dense planting alongside the pool unifies with the tree canopies in the park to form a dense green curtain around the pool. It’s indeed a view that offers much tranquillity.

Above The folding screen provides privacy when needed, and opens up to views of the pool

Above The screen when closed creates shadow play in the living area

This screen is aesthetic as well as functional. “The house faces west, thus much consideration was given to protecting the main living areas and master bedroom on the upper level from the sun. Firstly, there is a huge overhanging roof above the double-volume glass doors, [which forms the structure of the master bedroom’s terrace at the attic]. Secondly, the timber screen was designed to cut off the sun at the hottest times of the day,” Han highlights.

Above A view of the double-volume living room

Another family room that overlooks the living space on a mezzanine also enjoys this view. There are two bedrooms located on this level, while the master bedroom is perched on the attic alongside three other bedrooms. The master bedroom faces a terrace at the front and another to the side next to the party wall.

Planters at the front terrace add to the picturesque vista of the crowns of the park’s trees. Like the living room, this view is unveiled at the touch of a button by opening the motorised screens.

Above The interior design is kept simple

A trellis made from steel and timber shelters the staircase and corridors while sending natural airflow and light right down to the first storey. The landscaping from stepped planters at the base of the staircase also benefits from the abundant sunlight.

Pockets of greenery throughout the house such as these continue the greenery from the outside. These add to the overall calming tableau, making the house a beautiful ode to nature.

Above A view of the pared-back master bedroom

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Credits

Photography

Derek Swalwell

Topics

Home design HYLA Architects Architecture

Tatler Asia

Home tour: A minimalist Singapore house with amazing treetop views