The site faces a public park and the design challenge is how do you relate to it. On the one hand, the park with its mature trees and greenery is a positive. On the other hand there is a question of privacy. The answer for thss house is to raise the main living areas to the second level. At the front is the swimming pool which then becomes the intermediate space between the house itself and the park. The double volume living and dining room are pulled back from the front thereby affording complete privacy from the public below, whilst enjoying the wonderful view of the tree canopy in front.

As this view faces west, a deep overhang and a delicately designed screen keep out the setting sun. The screen is motorised and opens at the touch of a button, opening up the house to the pool deck. Against the party wall, a pair of cantilevered steel and glass canopies provide shelter and shade to the walkway and terrace.

The lower level foyer leads the visitor to the main house via a landscaped themed stairs. Pockets of landscape are spread throughout the house in bathrooms and bedrooms, continuing the greenery from the outside.

Name: Higher Plane
Type: 2 storey semi-detached house with attic, mezzanine and swimming pool
Location: Greenfield Drive, Singapore
Site Area: 488 m2
Gross Floor Area: 722 m2
Status: Completed 2021
Architect: HYLA Architects
Principal Architect: Mr Han Loke Kwang
Assistant Architects: Nicholas Gomes, Ulrich Chia, Thomas Ong
Main Contractor: : Emma Groups Construction Pte Ltd
Structural Engineer: GCE Consulting Engineers
Landscape: Nyee Phoe Flower Garden Pte Ltd
Interior: Graceful Décor Pte Ltd
Photographer: Derek Swalwell