The height disparity was the most immediate challenge. All in all, the new plot of land lay a full 1.2m lower than the older plot. Added to that was the fact that the site area stretched out to 15,000 sq ft while the built-up area ended up amounting to 7,600 sq ft.

Given these generous dimensions, there was no way to avoid filling in a substantial amount of earthwork to bring parts of the site up to the required elevation. Tan Tze Wei, partner at T_Studio Architects, adds that there were further technical details, like having to mitigate the entrance road level and the 3m high-retaining walls at the perimeter.

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In terms of design inspiration, though, the difference in levels was the stimulus to pursue various follow-up ideas. The first idea was that of the sunken area. Nestled in a deeper recess, the ground floor, which includes most of the living areas, occupies a more secluded and protected area.

The second idea was of a ‘single big continuous space’. The sunken area was incorporated seamlessly into the larger site (and beyond) by ensuring that no columns could be seen and that all sliding doors could be opened up fully.

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In other words, there was a deliberate effort to create a long vista. Tan elaborates: “When both sides of the sliding doors are opened, you get to enjoy the full breadth of the plot, starting from the grandparents’ house to the sheltered east-facing terrace.”

Besides that, the design team also introduced a long driveway, which minimised any abrupt shifts in gradient while also tying together the design of the entire exterior.

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Then there was the matter of echoing the design language of the older house. It made sense to do so: not only would this serve as a nod to the past, it would also help to prevent any jarring transitions.

The challenge here, though, was to emulate without being a mere carbon copy. T_Studio opted to develop the most distinctive feature of the grandparents’ house: its pitched roof profile.

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With this project, a more contemporary feel was achieved by dialling up the confident, dramatic angles. This is most prominently seen in the cantilevered pitched roof of the second-story massing. The pitched roof allowed for an attic which serves as a study and offers excellent views over the whole property.

Balancing out the diagonal slopes of the second story roof are the wide overhangs that wrap around the first story of the whole house. Tan explains how “the extended eaves in different directions provide a dynamic visual interplay when you walk around the house.”

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T_Studio took deliberate steps to ensure that the structure responded to the local tropical climate. Thus, the cantilevered roof and the 2.4m-wide eaves not only help to establish the visual identity but also provide crucial shade from the harsh western sun.

Similarly, the expansive open-plan design ensures cross-ventilation throughout the whole space. Not to forget, of course, the koi pond which functions as a passive cooling measure.

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One especially interesting element was the use of a copper rain chain.

This measure helped streamline the facade by cutting down on excessive gutters and downpipes while also playing a part in channelling rainwater to two underground cisterns—water which could then be used for irrigation purposes. 

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Finishings and furnishings contribute to the overarching harmony of the composition. “As much as possible,” Tan notes, “we used natural materials”.

Hence the granite pavers, granite wall cladding, marble flooring, Burmese teak flooring, and timber veneer-finished carpentry. The effect is of an understated, elegant tranquillity.

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Undoubtedly, the room which embodies this spirit the most would have to be the tea pavilion, which is easily accessible from either of the two houses. Here, the King Living sofa and chairs have muted colours and simplified shapes, but are still welcoming with their relaxed, low-slung postures.

The moss feature by Ohsum Mossum lies at the heart of the tea pavilion: this display is bathed in natural light during the daytime and is poised, elegantly, in a finely judged amount of negative space. 

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