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Past the front entrance is a glassed view of an outdoor koi pond. This same scene is experienced in its full glory when one turns the corner to the dining area. Feng shui principles guided the positioning of this water body, which is an element of tranquillity backed by a green wall.

The living and dining areas, as well as the entertainment lounge, were designed as separate spaces but share the same garden vista. The architect designed the first storey areas to be used either collectively or separately. 

“There have been occasions when the family hosted different parties in various areas on the first floor at the same time,” shares Lai. The kitchen island unites all three spaces as the central preparation and serving area. Neat panelwork conceals refrigerators and storage, as well as the doors that lead to the powder room.

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The facade material is also used indoors, this time as a decorative feature on the first storey. It runs around the top part of the walls, close to the ceiling, tying various spaces together visually. Its dark tone contrasts with the staircase, which rises majestically up the first storey. The steps are framed by a golden metal screen that lets the light and wind in.

Although the gilded staircase injects a dose of sophistication, it is also grounded in functionality. “Composed of vertical metal fins and horizontal metal plates that warp and weft like fabric, the champagne bronze-finished steel screen was designed as both structural support and sculptural object. The composition maximises the effect of light bouncing off the metal reflector plates while maximising structural stiffener pieces to maintain a sense of lightness,” says Lai.

Upstairs, the architect dotted the plan with pockets of greenery hugged by the sweeping architecture. Shared spaces located around the air and light well feature porous walls that enable light and breezes to pass through. Automated louvre windows surrounding the skylight draw rising hot air upwards and out, thus ventilating the home in a passive manner. When it gets too hot, motorised roller blinds provide shade.

“Within this central light well, we situated all the shared family areas such as pantries, playrooms, lounge areas, reading corners and display cases,” says Lai. These spaces feature porous walls to enhance the perpetuating effect of cross ventilation and lighting.

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The eldest son and his family live on the entire top level, which is designed like a private suite. There is a bedroom for his children and a separate study. The ensuite master bathroom on this floor features a step-in shower that doubles as a bathtub for the child to play in. Here, the screen element reappears as a privacy device at the sleeping area, but its materiality is more calming.

“The screens were designed to be self supporting. Solid timber pieces are tied to brass fins at the base by a solid brass rod to form a veil-like screen. With the right balance of depth and width of the timber pieces, light on one side appears as a glow on the other side,” says Lai.

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It is evident by the house’s design that the architect leans toward a disciplined palette; this is an apt approach to creating a well-tempered and serene home environment.

This story was first published in the February 2021 issue of Tatler Homes Singapore, available with our compliments on Magzter.