HOUSE IN A PARK IN A HOUSE
Residential
Architecture
Singapore
A Sustainable Three-Storey Terrace House in Singapore
This three-storey terrace house in Singapore showcases a thoughtful integration of sustainable design principles, thoughtful space planning, and sensitivity to its surrounding environment. Occupying a 40-meter deep and 6-meter wide plot, the home reimagines traditional living in a dense urban context. The existing two-storey house, centrally placed on a quarter of the plot, was retrofitted to preserve both the structure and its original spirit, while a three-storey rear extension was added to increase the home’s livable space.
Blending the Old and New
The design approach focused on reusing the existing structure, which proved both cost-effective and environmentally conscious. The original house’s two-storey structure was preserved, while the new rear extension introduces a modern and sustainable three-storey block. This solution minimized demolition waste and embodied the ethos of sustainability. A key element of the design is the front courtyard, which functions as an expansive, park-like area that invites nature into the home, providing ample space for outdoor activities such as picnics, BBQs, and family gatherings.
The Living Space: Nature at the Core
Beyond the front courtyard, the first-floor interior is defined by an open-plan layout within the retrofitted part of the original house. The walls were demolished to create a spacious living and dining area that flows seamlessly into an internal garden and pond. This connection to nature is enhanced by the presence of large trees and a skylight, which floods the home with natural light and provides shifting shadows that add vitality to the space.
The master bedroom and study on the second floor overlook the pond below, visible through a column of skylights. A Dracaena tree is positioned sculpturally within this space, accentuating the interplay between interior and exterior elements. A sculptural steel staircase connects the old and new parts of the house, emphasizing the spacious, light-filled interiors. The soft oak-clad treads of the stairs introduce warmth and tactile comfort, contributing to the serene atmosphere.
Materials and Aesthetic
The materiality of the house reflects its commitment to raw, honest finishes. The façade is defined by a terraced massing that references key elements like the car porch, courtyard trees, and the two-storey perforated aluminum screen. These materials create a dynamic visual language while ensuring optimal airflow. The aluminum screen serves as a veil, maintaining privacy from the outside while allowing visual connection to the surrounding landscape. Additionally, unfinished concrete blocks accentuate the raw, natural aesthetic of the house against the lush tropical garden.
Sustainability Strategies
The home employs a combination of passive and active sustainable design strategies. Fully operable windows and doors across the front and rear allow for natural cross-ventilation, while ventilation blocks and perforated screens further enhance airflow. The pond also facilitates evaporative cooling within the home, while the removal of floor slabs and the creation of continuous volume allows hot air to rise and escape, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Over ten trees were planted around the house to provide shade and mitigate the effects of the tropical climate.
In terms of active strategies, large skylights are fitted with triple-glazed, low-emissivity glass to reduce UV rays and heat transfer. Solar panels are installed across all roof surfaces, contributing to the home’s energy needs. Additionally, energy-efficient appliances, air conditioning units, and sanitary ware were chosen to further reduce energy consumption.
Section AA
1st Storey Plan
2nd Storey Plan
3rd Storey Plan
