Prepare to be amazed as we uncover the secrets behind this captivating Singapore home!
A Hidden Paradise Unveiled
Nestled in eastern Singapore, the semi-detached Hideaway House is a true sanctuary for a family of four. With its enigmatic white exterior, the house seems to shield itself from the outside world, but step inside, and you'll discover a world of warmth and natural light.
The second and attic levels are enveloped in white screens, softened by the lush greenery of exotic trees with silver-flecked leaves. These elegant screens not only provide privacy but also protect the interiors from the heat and glare, especially with the busy multi-lane road nearby.
The Visionary Architect
Tan Cher Ming, founder of Ming Architects, was the mastermind behind this tropical haven. With a background in Melbourne's architectural scene and a reputation for clear modern expressions, Tan brought his unique blend of modernist principles and elegant climatic responses to this project.
"The external screens are a simple yet effective design choice," Tan explained. "They create a clean, minimalist look, and by avoiding clearly defined doors and windows, the building takes on a monolithic form."
A Raised Refuge
Due to a requirement by the Public Utilities Board (PUB), the entire house is elevated above the street-level garage. This added height provides an extra layer of privacy and protection, especially in a low-lying area prone to flooding during heavy rains.
Accessing the first storey is an experience in itself. One must ascend a flight of steps, bordered by an array of succulents and cacti, leading to a side entrance. The front view is dedicated entirely to a beautiful garden at the edge of the elevated first storey.
Open Spaces, Open Minds
Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the garden's beauty into the open-plan living and dining areas. Tan's use of black steel frames adds scale and definition to the large transparent surfaces, inspired by a mood board image shared by the homeowner.
The homeowner, with a penchant for Australian residential architecture, wanted his home to reflect a similar aesthetic. The large glass doors slide fully open, seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor spaces. The garden, though not vast, provides ample room for the children to play and explore.
"We often dine in the garden when the weather permits," the homeowner shared. "The tall trees lining the street create a 'borrowed view,' a green curtain that buffers the road, making us forget the busy thoroughfare is so close."
Art Meets Nature
In the dining area, a painting by Singaporean artist Tay Bak Chiang takes center stage. The artwork's geological forms mirror the house's deep connection with nature. While the exterior is a pristine white, the interiors exude a warm and homely feel, with American white oak used extensively for carpentry and as a feature on walls and ceilings.
Tan's interior detailing is meticulous and purposeful, creating a restful ambiance. In the dry kitchen, an entire wall of cabinetry conceals appliances and clutter, keeping the space neat and organized. The long counter facing the garden, crafted from Pietra Grey marble, adds a sculptural element with its night-like color and sinuous white veins.
Material Connections
The staircase, tucked into a corner of the house, continues the material narrative. The treads and risers are crafted from American white oak, while the handrails echo the external screens with their vertical white bars. Below the staircase, a black gravel bed has become a sensory playground for the homeowner's son, transforming into an impromptu construction site during my visit.
Daylight floods in from a skylight above the staircase, adding an airy quality to the space. The homeowner's desire for open spaces and high ceilings is evident, creating a sense of spaciousness and avoiding the generic developer-type formula.
Nature's Touches
The bedrooms are generously sized, offering more than just a place to sleep. Delightful connections to the outdoors enhance the living experience. Outside the daughter's bedroom, a small garden with a Leptospermum brachyandrum tree, also known as the Weeping tea-tree, adds a touch of nature.
In the attic, the couple's bedroom boasts its own Zen outdoor nook, where an olive tree grows amidst white-and-grey pebbles. "We can even watch fireworks at the National Stadium from here," the homeowner remarked, appreciating the unique vantage point.
These small gardens and green views create a strong connection to nature, despite the screens. The master bedroom, with its sloped ceiling following the roof pitch, features a custom-made washbasin in bold black Pietra Grey marble, creating a striking contrast against beige travertine walls and floors.
Sustainable Choices
Tan's commitment to sustainability is evident in his material selections. He opted for natural, non-toxic substances, using Bauwerk limewash paint on bedroom walls and natural stone for countertops and walls. Limestone flooring and brushed timber panels add to the light and airy feel of the house.
A Dream Realized
For the homeowner, this house is a significant upgrade from his previous two-bedroom apartment. He had always envisioned a larger space for his growing family, and when the opportunity presented itself with this plot, he seized it. The result is a home that protects the privacy of family life while embracing sunshine, breezes, and nature.
"It's a place where my children can grow up, surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors, yet shielded from the hustle and bustle of the city," the homeowner shared.
And this is the part most people miss... the true magic of this house lies in its ability to balance privacy and openness, creating a unique and personal sanctuary for its residents.
What do you think? Is this the perfect blend of modern architecture and tropical living? Let's discuss in the comments!
