Bedded into an unusual round plot in Tanglin, Singapore, this unique home replaces a 30-year-old property that no longer served the homeowner’s needs. Created by Wallflower Architecture + Design, the replacement home design maximizes the built envelope and offers more privacy from the surrounding neighbors. The building’s curvilinear architecture echoes the round plot. A C-shaped terrace wraps the edge of the property with cascading tiers that slope down toward a green valley. A water garden runs through the center of the home, where lush plant beds punctuate a cool blue swimming pool. The pool water feeds into a waterfall feature down in the basement lobby to create a magical scene and soundtrack upon entering the home.
A thick cantilevered overhang gives the travertine home exterior brutalist vibes, though a sharply angled cutaway elegantly combats the visual weight of the block. Teak cladding builds visual warmth underneath the extended canopy and richly bands its stone sides.
The interior of the home is comfortable and welcoming. Living room furniture is upholstered in a combination of muted green and beige hues. A softly cushioned ottoman coffee table beds into a plush living room rug. A modern ceiling fan cools the cozy-looking interior. See more ideas for unique ceiling fans.
Retractable doors connect the large, open-plan living space with a centrally situated water garden. Wood-slatted roof overhangs keep the home interior shaded from the hot Singapore sunshine. The floor level runs evenly from the living room to the pool terrace to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.
The pool terrace gives the formal dining room a spectacular view, filled with sparking, clear blue water and fresh green trees. Teal blue dining chairs complement the color of the pool, while a teak dining table naturally ties in with the tree bark. The chairs are Platner armchairs designed by Warren Platner for Knoll.
Behind the modern dining set, a glossy beige kitchen reflects the sunlight and the glorious pool terrace view. Its muted colorway has a gentle impact upon the open-plan living space.
A long island divides the modern kitchen from the formal dining area. Wooden bar stools seat up to eight people along the kitchen island breakfast bar. Tall cabinets at the back of the kitchen conceal appliances and hide extra countertop space.
The water garden flows around the curved plot, flowing underneath the cantilevered rear volume. Exterior lighting keeps the pool area bright and active by night.
The outward-looking water courtyard is protected from the gaze of neighbors by mature trees around the plot. The garden at the bottom of the valley is inaccessible but cascading pools and terraces make sense of the sloping topography.
The water element of the home design flows both inside and out. Reflection pools feature within the home interior, which create a cool, calming atmosphere and also reflect light. A convenient glass elevator rises through the home, next to a modern staircase design.
The sides of the contemporary home are softened with trailing vines that add a curtain of natural beauty and an extra layer of privacy for the second-story rooms. The trailing plants reach all the way down from the upper story to the swimming pool.
The edge of the pool breaks away above the basement lobby to create a large light well. Glass balustrades build a clear safety boundary around the edge of the swimming pool.
Large round plant beds dot the surface of the large pool, like mini islands of lush terrain.
A tree springs from the center of each pool island, while groundcover grows a soft green cushion.
The round shape and sloping topography of the build site presented obvious challenges to the architects–but creativity is born out of limitation. The outward-looking C-shaped courtyard configuration and tiered terraces give the home its character.
The owner’s wish to have a waterfall feature was honored inside the basement lobby. Swimming pool water trickles down rugged basalt walls to create a magical feature that is enjoyed by all who enter the home.
A glance up through the waterfall from the basement lobby takes the eye to the trees and the sky.
Simplicity and efficiency were key in the planning of this challenging build. Lush natural greenery was incorporated into each level of the design to offset the home’s lack of lawn area.
A restricted palette of travertine, basalt, and teak gives the home exterior and interior a sophisticated cohesivity.
Operable teakwood screens encase the façade. The wooden screens control the influx of sunlight and offer privacy from the neighbors.
Beyond the front gate, a narrow, paved driveway ascends the slope of the valley toward the front entrance. Tall shrubs line each side of the driveway to create an atmospherically enveloping approach with a shady aspect.
Cantilevered elements make the home appear as if hovering. Green roofs create an impossibly bright, living canopy that submerges the home design into its spectacularly green environment. Sloping roof lines smoothly anchor into Lady Hill’s hidden valley.
The circular site is surrounded by six large houses.
Mature trees give the home privacy in the tight urban neighborhood.
The site is perfectly circular from a birds-eye view, which is unusual for Singapore.
A high wall was constructed to block out prying eyes from higher ground. The view into the valley was retained, though filtered with trees.
The water garden creates a connection between the heart of the home and the valley.
Recommended Reading: Dynamic Home With Roof Gardens & Water Courtyard
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