Home tour: A Singapore bungalow inspired by European country homes, cooled by nature
Above At the entrance, modern Shaker-style panels and a grey palette set the tone, softened by an oversized olive tree in a sculptural planter
On the front façade, staggered planters enhance the house's biophilic qualities. 'As the building ascends, stepped-back terraces beneath the gable provide shaded outdoor spaces, reducing heat gain to the interiors,' says Kwang. These green nooks also provide privacy for the family, as the house faces two 20-storey apartments in the near distance.
Between them is a sliver of green vistas. 'The house is primarily oriented forward to capture pocket views of the Singapore Botanic Gardens just beyond the apartments at its front, while a private rear courtyard creates privacy and a green outlook to the back rooms. Family life unfolds on these verdant terraces, fostering a connection across levels,' says Kwang.
Above The roof structure shades the terrace and pool, revealing double-volume spaces on both the first and second storeys
Like many dense residential estates in Singapore, neighbouring houses flank the house closely. He turned the former semi-detached house adjoined to the rear neighbour into a bungalow by detaching it, hence increasing the amount of natural light and ventilation to the home.
The aforementioned rear courtyard that stretches two storeys augments this while providing the bedrooms in this part of the home with green views. The staircase was also placed here so that moving up and down the home is enhanced with green views. Its position in the core of the plan also improves family interaction.
Above Under the downward sweep of the gabled roof, lush planting fills a terrace pocket
Above Pendant lights cascades through the central staircase, amplifying the verticality and openness of the bungalow's core
Above The bungalow's double-height living room opens fully to the decked terrace, garden, and organically shaped pool
As the attic level has the best vantage, the master bedroom suite is placed here. It is buffered from the street with one of the lush landscaped terraces at the façade. On the first storey, large glass openings bring the pleasant ambience of the garden into the house. The swimming pool also contributes to the view, shaped with organic edges like a pond.
Above A lush, two-storey rear courtyard brings daylight and ventilation into the heart of the bungalow
Above Centrally positioned, the open-riser staircase enhances vertical connection across levels and draws in daylight from a skylight above
The first storey's fluid common areas make it conducive to family life. This also occurs in section, with a family room overlooking the two-storey living and dining area. A second family room next to the living area also has double volumes so it enjoys the view of the rear courtyard positioned one level up.
The sense of connection with nature is enhanced with the choice of beige face brickwork, which Kwang describes as having a domestic and timeless finish reminiscent of cosy country homes that the owners like. 'We used grey painted steel as a gesture to express the gabled form and the horizontal planes of the terraces,' he adds.
Above Seen from the second storey, the bungalow's double-height living area opens directly to the pond-like pool and garden
Above The bungalow's common area features a fluid layout between living and dining spaces, designed to encourage family interaction
Above In the attic master suite, full-height glass doors open to a lush terrace, offering a serene buffer from the street
Like the face brickwork, Kwang chose DGL powder-coated aluminium for the privacy screens for its longevity. 'The privacy screen was detailed with a twist in that we inverted the vertical L-angle frames, creating deeper shadow recesses between each panel as a nod to traditional timber shutters,' he points out.
The owners' love for traditional European country homes continues into the interior through joinery designed in a modern Shaker style with French panelling, as well as grey and white tones. 'We used a light interior palette of American Oak and travertine-like, large-format floor tiles to contrast the grey metalwork and brighten up the spaces,' says Kwang.
Above A courtyard screen in beige face brick filters light and air—part of what makes this 'little brick home that breathes with the tropics,' as the owner fondly describes it
Above The double-volume dining area connects to a sleek open kitchen, with the family room overlooking the space from above
Above In the bungalow's attic master bathroom, a skylight beside the tub invites sunlight and greenery into the space
He adds, 'Recognisable domestic elements through the finishing and gabled form lend to the cosy quality of a 'traditional home', though it is contemporary in terms of the space planning and expression.'
The owners describe their new abode as 'our little brick home that breathes with the tropics'. The husband elaborates, 'The natural airflow, lush courtyards and seamless indoor-outdoor [spaces] make every day feel effortlessly serene. The attention to usability and harmony with nature has given us not our dream brick house in the tropics, but a true family haven.'
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Photography: Derek Swallwel
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Tatler Asia
6 days ago
- Tatler Asia
Home tour: A Singapore bungalow inspired by European country homes, cooled by nature
Above At the entrance, modern Shaker-style panels and a grey palette set the tone, softened by an oversized olive tree in a sculptural planter On the front façade, staggered planters enhance the house's biophilic qualities. 'As the building ascends, stepped-back terraces beneath the gable provide shaded outdoor spaces, reducing heat gain to the interiors,' says Kwang. These green nooks also provide privacy for the family, as the house faces two 20-storey apartments in the near distance. Between them is a sliver of green vistas. 'The house is primarily oriented forward to capture pocket views of the Singapore Botanic Gardens just beyond the apartments at its front, while a private rear courtyard creates privacy and a green outlook to the back rooms. Family life unfolds on these verdant terraces, fostering a connection across levels,' says Kwang. Above The roof structure shades the terrace and pool, revealing double-volume spaces on both the first and second storeys Like many dense residential estates in Singapore, neighbouring houses flank the house closely. He turned the former semi-detached house adjoined to the rear neighbour into a bungalow by detaching it, hence increasing the amount of natural light and ventilation to the home. The aforementioned rear courtyard that stretches two storeys augments this while providing the bedrooms in this part of the home with green views. The staircase was also placed here so that moving up and down the home is enhanced with green views. Its position in the core of the plan also improves family interaction. Above Under the downward sweep of the gabled roof, lush planting fills a terrace pocket Above Pendant lights cascades through the central staircase, amplifying the verticality and openness of the bungalow's core Above The bungalow's double-height living room opens fully to the decked terrace, garden, and organically shaped pool As the attic level has the best vantage, the master bedroom suite is placed here. It is buffered from the street with one of the lush landscaped terraces at the façade. On the first storey, large glass openings bring the pleasant ambience of the garden into the house. The swimming pool also contributes to the view, shaped with organic edges like a pond. Above A lush, two-storey rear courtyard brings daylight and ventilation into the heart of the bungalow Above Centrally positioned, the open-riser staircase enhances vertical connection across levels and draws in daylight from a skylight above The first storey's fluid common areas make it conducive to family life. This also occurs in section, with a family room overlooking the two-storey living and dining area. A second family room next to the living area also has double volumes so it enjoys the view of the rear courtyard positioned one level up. The sense of connection with nature is enhanced with the choice of beige face brickwork, which Kwang describes as having a domestic and timeless finish reminiscent of cosy country homes that the owners like. 'We used grey painted steel as a gesture to express the gabled form and the horizontal planes of the terraces,' he adds. Above Seen from the second storey, the bungalow's double-height living area opens directly to the pond-like pool and garden Above The bungalow's common area features a fluid layout between living and dining spaces, designed to encourage family interaction Above In the attic master suite, full-height glass doors open to a lush terrace, offering a serene buffer from the street Like the face brickwork, Kwang chose DGL powder-coated aluminium for the privacy screens for its longevity. 'The privacy screen was detailed with a twist in that we inverted the vertical L-angle frames, creating deeper shadow recesses between each panel as a nod to traditional timber shutters,' he points out. The owners' love for traditional European country homes continues into the interior through joinery designed in a modern Shaker style with French panelling, as well as grey and white tones. 'We used a light interior palette of American Oak and travertine-like, large-format floor tiles to contrast the grey metalwork and brighten up the spaces,' says Kwang. Above A courtyard screen in beige face brick filters light and air—part of what makes this 'little brick home that breathes with the tropics,' as the owner fondly describes it Above The double-volume dining area connects to a sleek open kitchen, with the family room overlooking the space from above Above In the bungalow's attic master bathroom, a skylight beside the tub invites sunlight and greenery into the space He adds, 'Recognisable domestic elements through the finishing and gabled form lend to the cosy quality of a 'traditional home', though it is contemporary in terms of the space planning and expression.' The owners describe their new abode as 'our little brick home that breathes with the tropics'. The husband elaborates, 'The natural airflow, lush courtyards and seamless indoor-outdoor [spaces] make every day feel effortlessly serene. The attention to usability and harmony with nature has given us not our dream brick house in the tropics, but a true family haven.' NOW READ Home Tour: Old Chang Kee chairman's gorgeous Singapore house immersed in nature Home Tour: A Bukit Timah Good Class Bungalow inspired by art Home Tour: A Good Class Bungalow in Singapore future-proofed for a multigenerational family Credits Photography: Derek Swallwel
Tatler Asia
28-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Discover how Johor architect Razin Mahmood is redefining Malaysian architecture with tropical modernism
Above The contemporary facade of Denai House uses modern materials and techniques while respecting the cultural context of Johor's residential architecture. Above The timber screening system at Denai House exemplifies Razin's passive cooling strategies, providing solar protection while maintaining natural airflow—a contemporary interpretation of traditional tropical design principles. Who and what inspires your architectural approach? In my early years, I was deeply inspired by Richard Meier. His disciplined use of a monochromatic palette, simple geometries, and precise detailing appealed to my sense of order and clarity. But as I matured in my practice, I realised that architecture isn't just about aesthetics—it has to respond to its environment. Meier's glass-heavy approach, for instance, wasn't always suitable for the tropical climate. That's when I started looking closer to home. I became drawn to architects who embrace local materials, local craftsmanship, and cultural identity in their designs—Geoffrey Bawa, Kerry Hill, RT+Q, and SCDA, to name a few. Their work resonated with me because it wasn't just about form; it was about creating spaces that belong to their place. I began focusing on designing with the climate in mind, using passive design principles, and working with the natural elements instead of against them. Don't miss: Luxury car brands transforming skylines: How Porsche, Bentley and Bugatti are redefining ultra-luxury living Photo 1 of 2 The open-plan living space at Denai House embodies Razin Mahmood's approach to tropical modernism, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor areas while incorporating natural ventilation and cultural considerations Photo 2 of 2 True to Razin's philosophy of biophilic design, Denai House incorporates living trees within the building structure, creating natural cooling and ventilation while bringing nature into the heart of the home. Your practice emphasises local architectural identity and sustainability—how do these principles manifest in your recent projects, particularly in the context of Johor's rapid development? There was a turning point in my practice when I realised that architecture should always be truthful to its time and place. In the early years, clients often came in with design magazines, bookmarking pages of European or American-style homes, asking us to replicate those aesthetics in Malaysia. At first, we obliged, but over time, something shifted as we built and published more projects rooted in tropical design principles. Clients began seeking us specifically for homes that embraced open-plan living, natural ventilation, and passive cooling techniques. Expatriates, in particular, were drawn to the idea of experiencing the tropical climate fully—something they couldn't do in their colder home countries. When you design for the local climate, sustainability follows naturally. Orienting a house properly, designing for shade, and maximising cross-ventilation aren't just eco-friendly strategies—they make the home more comfortable and livable. Now, we're seeing a resurgence of traditional tropical design elements, even in housing developments. Take airwells, for example—once a common feature in traditional shophouses, they are now being reintroduced as 'courtyards' in modern terrace house designs. It's encouraging to see both individual homeowners and developers recognising the value of these timeless design solutions. Read more: Bill Bensley: Eco-luxury hotels' design rebel Above Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman in Johor is a modernist masterpiece Malaysian architecture often balances tradition with modernity—how do you interpret this in your projects? I see tradition and modernity not as opposing forces, but as two sides of the same coin. Architecture should respect the past while embracing the present, and in my work, I try to weave both together seamlessly. For instance, I incorporate traditional elements like natural ventilation and deep overhangs but reinterpret them using modern techniques and materials to suit contemporary lifestyles. Culture plays a huge role in how we experience spaces. Take something as simple as the way Malaysians remove their shoes before entering a home. This small ritual can easily become an afterthought in modern housing design, leading to messy piles of shoes at the doorstep. In one of our projects at Senibung Cove, we addressed this by designing an entryway at the same level as the car porch. This allowed for a more seamless transition—residents could step inside with their shoes on, sit down on a bench, remove them comfortably, and store them neatly in a designated cabinet. It's a small detail, but one that makes a meaningful difference in daily life. Similarly, cultural traditions around food influence kitchen design. In Malaysian households, cooking is often a multi-generational affair, with strong, aromatic spices and wok-frying being part of the process. This impacts everything from ventilation requirements to the layout of the kitchen itself. These are the nuances that I love to explore—because at the end of the day, it's the little things that shape how we experience space. See also: Not A Hotel Toji reimagines luxury mountain living in Minakami, Japan Above The intricate brickwork and geometric screening of Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman demonstrate how traditional Islamic symbolism can be expressed through modern construction techniques What unique characteristics of Johor's landscape and climate inform your designs? Johor's tropical climate, with its high humidity, heavy rainfall, and intense sun, is something I constantly factor into my designs. You can't fight the climate—you have to work with it. That's why I always prioritise passive cooling techniques, deep overhangs, and natural cross-ventilation to mitigate heat buildup. Landscaping plays a crucial role, too. Whether it's a home, an office, or a public space, I always try to integrate greenery in a meaningful way. Large trees provide much-needed shade, especially on the west-facing facades, helping to reduce heat gain. But it's not just about placing trees around the building—sometimes, the best place for them is inside. I love incorporating courtyards with trees growing within the building itself. It's biophilic design at its core, where nature isn't just an external element but an integral part of the space. A tree in an interior courtyard doesn't just provide shade—it actively cools the air, improves ventilation, and enhances well-being. There's something deeply calming about sitting near a living, breathing tree in the heart of a building. Don't miss: Biophilic luxury: 7 stunning nature-integrated resorts Above The interior of Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman is a contemporary reinterpretation of Islamic architectural elements, while incorporating passive cooling strategies to reduce reliance on air conditioning. How has your international experience influenced your local practice? Working in Texas for a year in the late '80s was an eye-opener. The firm I worked for specialised in religious buildings, and I saw firsthand how they were commissioned for projects all across the country. More than just architecture, I learned about the business side of running a practice—how to build a solid reputation, the importance of marketing, and how consistency in quality earns trust. Travel, too, has been an invaluable part of my education. For me, traveling isn't just about sightseeing—it's research. Every new place offers lessons, whether in urban planning, materials, construction methods, or how people interact with their built environment. I've been inspired by Japan's meticulous attention to detail, Europe's respect for heritage, and the innovative sustainability solutions I've seen in places like Scandinavia. But at the end of the day, I always return to one fundamental truth: architecture has to be rooted in its own place. No matter how many global best practices I absorb, my work has to remain true to Malaysia's culture, climate, and people. Read more: How The Campus Ampang is revolutionising Malaysia's retail landscape through adaptive reuse Above A multipavilion house in Ledang Heights with expansive outdoor areas which seamlessly connect to the indoor areas Could you walk us through your most challenging project and how it shaped your approach? Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman was one of the most challenging projects I've ever worked on, and also one of the most rewarding. Designing a mosque is more than just creating a place of worship—it's about embodying faith, culture, and community in a single space. There was a delicate balance to strike: respecting Islamic architectural traditions while ensuring the design felt progressive, inviting, and environmentally responsible. One of the biggest challenges was reinterpreting traditional mosque elements in a way that felt contemporary yet meaningful. The client wanted a space that carried the essence of Islamic symbolism without feeling overly ornamental. At the same time, I was determined to integrate passive cooling strategies to reduce reliance on air conditioning. This project reinforced a few key lessons for me: the importance of clear communication, the value of collaboration, and the necessity of creative problem-solving. It also reaffirmed my belief that the best designs don't just meet functional needs—they carry deeper meaning and leave a lasting impact on the people who use them. See also: Embracing warm minimalism: Beyond austerity in interior design Above Jacaranda is a modernist villa with generous overhangings and natural materials embedded into the design How do you collaborate with clients to meet their lifestyle needs while maintaining architectural integrity? It all starts with listening. Every client comes with a unique set of needs, aspirations, and daily habits, and my job is to translate that into a well-designed space. The first stage of any project is almost like an interrogation—I ask a lot of questions, trying to uncover not just what they want, but why they want it. Then comes empathy—understanding the way they live, work, and interact with their space. Once I have that deep understanding, I start looking for creative solutions. Sometimes, clients have strong ideas that might not be the best for the long-term, so part of my role is to guide them towards designs that are not only beautiful but also functional, sustainable, and timeless. It's a conversation—a back-and-forth process of refining and improving. At the end of the day, the best projects come from true collaboration, where both the client and architect bring something valuable to the table. Don't miss: Y2K aesthetic revival: Decoding the millennium design trend making a comeback Above The resort-style Baan Tara features generous overhangs and water features Which sustainable design innovations are you most excited to implement in upcoming projects? I'm really excited about pushing the boundaries of low-tech, passive design strategies. High-tech sustainability solutions have their place, but sometimes, the simplest approaches are the most effective. I'm currently working on projects where we're using advanced natural cooling techniques, such as carefully placed air vents, shaded courtyards, and thermal massing to reduce heat absorption. I'm also keen on integrating rainwater harvesting and edible landscaping into more urban projects. Imagine a city where homes and offices don't just consume resources but also give back—where buildings collect rainwater, where green roofs reduce heat, and where urban gardens provide fresh produce. I'm actually implementing some of these ideas in institutional buildings right now, with plans to obtain official green ratings for them. Sustainability shouldn't just be an add-on—it should be embedded in the DNA of every design. Read more: 9 greenest skyscrapers in Asia Above Double-height spaces are impressive while delivering practical benefits of enhanced light, air circulation, and spatial flows How do you envision the future of architecture in Malaysia's rapidly developing urban landscape? I see a future where architecture serves as a bridge between modernity and heritage. Malaysia is growing fast, and while progress is exciting, we need to ensure that development remains thoughtful and people-centric. The danger is in chasing trends without considering long-term impact. Technology will play a huge role in shaping our cities—smart buildings, energy-efficient materials, and AI-driven design processes will change how we work. But at the same time, we have a responsibility to protect our cultural and environmental heritage. I believe the cities of the future should be more than just high-rises and glass towers—they should have identity, character, and a strong connection to nature. The best architecture is not just about creating buildings; it's about shaping how people experience their environment. If we get it right, Malaysia's urban future can be one that is innovative yet deeply rooted in its traditions, a place where modern design and cultural heritage coexist in harmony. NOW READ Home tour: A Malaysian home that masters traditional-modern fusion 7 iconic cantilever chairs that shaped modern furniture Luxury car brands transforming skylines: How Porsche, Bentley and Bugatti are redefining ultra-luxury living Credits
Times
23-04-2025
- Times
Greenhouse glam: stylish buys for planting and cocktail hour
Garden show season is nearly upon us, when plant lovers flock to Chelsea, Malvern and Hampton Court to see the flowers, peer at the show gardens and find inspiration for their own outdoor spaces. I love these shows, but it is never just the plants that I'm seeking out; I make a beeline for the greenhouses — and not just because I plan to grow tomatoes or overwinter pelargoniums. In my fantasy greenhouse, I also sip my morning coffee, entertain friends with a candlelit dinner, birdwatch from a comfy chair and potter among the seedlings. I'm not alone in my appreciation for this multipurpose, part-Good Life, part-aspirational greenhouse. The Beckhams have a Victorian-style greenhouse from Alitex at their Cotswolds home, in which they cook
