Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: This Inter-Terrace Home is Designed to Evolve With Time
Endearingly dubbed the 'Tree House', this home is a "work-in-progress" as its owners lovingly nurture its evolving design
When architects design and build their own homes, you would expect them to pull out all the stops to turn their architectural visions into reality, while ensuring the comfort of the dwellers. This four-level intermediate terrace house – home to architects Gwen Tan and Berlin Lee, who are one half of the partnership at Formwerkz Architects, their son, and two grandmothers – is no exception.
They wanted lots of outdoor space, greenery and daylight (despite having no side gardens or conventional courtyards), as well as open spaces for their son to play in. And with three generations living under one roof, the house be “a house for the whole family to have lots of together time, yet have plenty of personal space for each individual,” says Tan. With all these considerations, the couple’s design journey was long, and their labour of love continues to bear fruits.
They wanted lots of outdoor space, greenery and daylight (despite having no side gardens or conventional courtyards), as well as open spaces for their son to play in. And with three generations living under one roof, the house be “a house for the whole family to have lots of together time, yet have plenty of personal space for each individual,” says Tan. With all these considerations, the couple’s design journey was long, and their labour of love continues to bear fruits.
To make full use of the elongated floor layout of this intermediate terrace, a powder room, as well as a store room and walk-in shoe closet, were added to the area around the courtyard.
In the foyer rests a large artwork of foliage, its green tones echoing the quiet and calm of the entrance.
In the foyer rests a large artwork of foliage, its green tones echoing the quiet and calm of the entrance.
The family’s love for trees and plants prompted them to bring in this towering Pink Mempat tree (Cratoxylum formosum). “Since we weren’t able to plant a tree at the driveway, we decided to plant it within the house to give us a much desired green view and privacy from the neighbour across. It also shields the porous and windowless west-facing facade from some sun,” says Tan.
It took many trips to the nursery to find the right tree, and she finally found the perfect one – only the roof and front facade were already up. “It was a challenge bringing it in through the front door, but we managed to [do so] and the tree is thriving well in its current location,” Tan says.
It took many trips to the nursery to find the right tree, and she finally found the perfect one – only the roof and front facade were already up. “It was a challenge bringing it in through the front door, but we managed to [do so] and the tree is thriving well in its current location,” Tan says.
The kitchen is immediately visible form the foyer. Much thought was given towards implementing an open concept kitchen that can be occasionally enclosed when the need for air-conditioning arises. “The final solution was two sets of ‘pocketed’ glass doors. [They] are so well hidden that no one can tell they exist,” says Tan. “The entire kitchen can be completely glassed up, especially when it gets too smoky.”
The stylish kitchen is well-equipped for heavy cooking (since there is no separate wet kitchen). The kitchen island, which also serves as an extended dining table, has a long countertop in black forest marble and grey-tinted mirror for the base. Strategically located within the cooking area is a heavy-duty range hood that keeps cooking fumes at bay. Cabinet fronts are finished in black glass, while the backsplash is decked in timber-look homogeneous tiles laid out in a diagonal pattern. A walk-in pantry sits discreetly behind black glass doors.
Cooking hobs and hood: Gaggenau; Bar stools: Stellar Works; Faucet: Steinberg
The stylish kitchen is well-equipped for heavy cooking (since there is no separate wet kitchen). The kitchen island, which also serves as an extended dining table, has a long countertop in black forest marble and grey-tinted mirror for the base. Strategically located within the cooking area is a heavy-duty range hood that keeps cooking fumes at bay. Cabinet fronts are finished in black glass, while the backsplash is decked in timber-look homogeneous tiles laid out in a diagonal pattern. A walk-in pantry sits discreetly behind black glass doors.
Cooking hobs and hood: Gaggenau; Bar stools: Stellar Works; Faucet: Steinberg
The open layout continues into the dining and living area. An overall raw, earthy character is evident, courtesy of the pinewood board-formed concrete walls with unfilled tie rod holes and epoxy terrazzo flooring. Meanwhile, the double-volume ceiling, glass enclosures, and low furniture make this shared space an airy expanse. Large potted plants in the living area also create a visual link to the outdoor terrace, where more plants and a pond enhance the refreshing view.
Tufty-Too sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia: Space Furniture; Wall lamp: Counterbalance by Luceplan
Tufty-Too sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia: Space Furniture; Wall lamp: Counterbalance by Luceplan
One of the striking features of this house is the pool, which is located directly above the kitchen; a glimpse of which is snatched via a circular window, and if you’re in the living room. Appearing weightless and in stark contrast against the dark hues of the stairs and furniture, this unique feature is a sure-fire conversation starter.
The second storey is an oasis of calm, with an inviting lap pool and a cosy pool deck. Natural light streams in through the glass roof, while the timber-and-steel screen and motorised blinds insulate the area from the afternoon sun. “The house feels very connected to the neighbourhood as the surrounding sounds, light and smell permeate through the porous screen,” says Tan.
Towards the rear of the second level is the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, which overlooks the pool. The walls of the master bedroom are clad in oak veneered timber strips, which add warmth to the space.
“The master bedroom underwent two rounds of major changes during the course of construction. Not easy when the client is your husband,” quips Tan.
“The master bedroom underwent two rounds of major changes during the course of construction. Not easy when the client is your husband,” quips Tan.
The third storey, which houses a bedroom, balcony and bathroom, is dedicated to one of the grandmothers and the young child. The space contains a family/TV room, which also doubles as a play space for the active little boy. As an added safety measure, a grill gate was installed. By camouflaging it with the steel railings, it serves its purpose well while not veering away from the house’s streamlined concept.
The staircase that runs the height of the house is clearly a standout feature in this home. Long steel rods act as railings and support the open tread stairs made from ash wood strips, making the landing appear to float. Such configuration also helps light to permeate through the steps and air to circulate freely in the upper levels.
The attic level is where the study is located. Occupying the front part of the attic, it receives plenty of daylight. The rest of the space on this level serves as a rooftop penthouse for the other grandmother.
Apart from the bedroom, there is a separate kitchen-cum-dining area, living lounge, and outdoor terrace.
Even though the architecture and main interior features are pretty much completed, the design continues to evolve and progress, as the owners continue to design outstanding pieces and fine-tune details.
More pieces of artwork are waiting to be unwrapped and hung, and the garden still requires attention.
But that is the beauty of this home – it is a “work-in-progress” that will continue to grow and mature with time.
See more of this project
TELL US
What do you think is the most striking feature of this house? Share your thoughts with us in the Comments below.
The attic level is where the study is located. Occupying the front part of the attic, it receives plenty of daylight. The rest of the space on this level serves as a rooftop penthouse for the other grandmother.
Apart from the bedroom, there is a separate kitchen-cum-dining area, living lounge, and outdoor terrace.
Even though the architecture and main interior features are pretty much completed, the design continues to evolve and progress, as the owners continue to design outstanding pieces and fine-tune details.
More pieces of artwork are waiting to be unwrapped and hung, and the garden still requires attention.
But that is the beauty of this home – it is a “work-in-progress” that will continue to grow and mature with time.
See more of this project
TELL US
What do you think is the most striking feature of this house? Share your thoughts with us in the Comments below.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A three-generation family: husband and wife (and business partners) Berlin Lee and Gwen Tan, their five-year-old son, and two grandmothers
Location: Siglap area, Singapore
Size: 446 sqm (built up); 209 sqm (land area)
Project duration: 20 months
Designers: Formwerkz Architects for the architecture and Studio IF for the interiors
The front door, which is designed like a series of movable walls, reveals an entrance courtyard. This small space sets the tone for the contemporary, tropical vibe of the interiors.
Daylight spills from above and into this mostly black and grey setting, where plants take centre stage and perk up the sombre palette. The floor transitions from black timber-look homogenous tiles in the courtyard to concrete flooring in the foyer.