The project involved the additions and alterations to an existing 2-storey detached house with a basement.

The original house sat on a deep rectilinear site, with entry via its short side on the lowest point of the hilly plot. Built in the mid 2000s, the architectural style was Modern Tropical, characterized by pitched tiled roofs, rough hewn granite wall cladding, dark timber decking and areas for landscaping. The layout was classical, with 2 residential wings joint by a gallery linkway.

Over the years, ad-hoc additions to the building such as enclosures, or topping up of original lawn areas with concrete decking, had detracted from the original architectural provisions for natural daylight, cross ventilation and greenery. In our intervention, an "inside-out" approach was taken, working closely with the clients to fulfill their brief with the bones of the existing house. Experience of interior spaces was prioritized, and to reconnect the interiors with nature.

Original courtyards, landscape pools and lush greenery were reinstated or introduced to bring natural daylight into the interiors, and to better situate the house in a tropical landscape. A new entrance foyer at the Basement level softened the approach to the interior, with screens in lieu of walls to maximize daylight to the Basement level.

Framing of views to nature were considered in the layout of room interiors. A home gym was introduced within the existing envelope of the rear wing, opening to views of surrounding greenery. A library, integrated with the staircase to the attic gym, was created and formed the setting for a new family space with views to the landscape pool below.