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

The plasticity and structural capability of concrete presents a myriad of construction details deserving of one’s attention and showcase as done so in this house. At the very early stage of the design process, model making is a powerful tool to study the geometry of form and structural function, the modularity and the porosity. Designed with a clarity of structure in mind, the models shell was crafted in vertical and horizontal balsa wood strips, representing the concrete columns and beams / louvers in a modular size. When it comes to construction, the module is once again precisely formulated based on the actual dimension of pine board‐form strip, yet adhered to its structural specification, resulting in a chamfer in‐between the panels which perfectly emphasizes the division of the modules as how it was aimed to. Draping over both the house and the swimming pool, this concrete lattice blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor space. The swimming pool unassumingly extends deep into the house to become the key focus in the planning of spaces around this triple volume “courtyard”. From the inside, the spatial experience is animated by the array of framed apertures to the exterior green that extends to become part of the landscape of the interior.

Name: Concrete Light
Type: 2 storey semi-detached house with attic, basement and swimming pool
Location: Greenleaf Drive, Singapore
Site Area: 341 m2
Gross Floor Area: 491 m2
Status: Completed 2018
Architect: HYLA Architects
Principal Architect: Mr Han Loke Kwang
Assistant Architects: Yingzi Fu, Tran Thi Thu Trang, Thomas Ong
Main Contractor: : Emma Groups Construction Pte Ltd
Structural Engineer: Tbymn Pte Ltd
Photographer: Derek Swalwell

In Singapore, the planning parameters place constraints on the ‘envelope’ of the house and thus
most projects have a predictable form. In a typical street, you see houses with the same height and
the same setbacks, and the same cutback at the attic which is required by law. For this project we
have attempted to break away from this norm while still complying with all the rules. A big
cantilevered roof at the attic level breaks away the form and hides the top floor from the street.
Below, another roof terrace disrupts the façade into two overlapping rectangles. The cantilevered car
porch roof echoes the main roof and completes the original composition.

Inside this compact site, a double volume living and dining room opens up into a mezzanine floor
with an entertainment area. The whole space is clad with timber ceiling and complements the face
brick party wall. The TV is built into a timber clad wall with custom storage. Light streams from the
front and the side is screened by a rich timber screen with varying strips of different sizes. This theme
is echoed in the staircase whose timber treads have a similar random pattern.

Name: Outside the Box
Type: 2 storey semi-detached house with mezzanine & attic
Location: Dunbar Walk, Singapore
Site Area: 260 m2
Gross Floor Area: 421 m2
Status: Completed 2020
Architect: HYLA Architects
Principal Architect: Mr Han Loke Kwang
Assistant Architects: Tiffany Ow, Na Hsi-en
Main Contractor: : Emma Groups Construction Pte Ltd
Structural Engineer: Thymn Pte Ltd
Landscape: Nyee Phoe Flower Gardens Pte Ltd
Interior: Graceful Decor
Photographer: Daniel Koh

This detached house features 6 separate gardens and courtyards at various levels of the house. As it is surrounded by other houses with the rear neighbours being higher, privacy was a major concern. A courtyard is created at the back of the house to screen the house and at the same time let light and ventilation in. Landscape areas cascade upwards culminating in the rooftop pool. As the house is facing west, the front façade has a unique sliding aluminium screen that protects the house from the heat without obstructing the views. On the ground floor, a deep terrace clad with timber provides shade to the house and at the same time a great spot to enjoy the beautiful garden and koi pond. Internally, the living room has a double volume space and so does the family room on the second level. This faces the courtyard with a grotto and is an oasis of peace and tranquility.

Name: Green Revelation
Type: 3 storey detached house with attic and rooftop swimming pool
Location: Mariam Close, Singapore
Site Area: 568 m2
Gross Floor Area: 650 m2
Status: Completed 2019
Architect: HYLA Architects
Principal Architect: Mr Han Loke Kwang
Assistant Architects: Tiffany Ow, Diana Yong, Yao Tian, Thomas Ong
Landscape Architect: Humid House
Main Contractor: : Emma Groups Construction Pte Ltd
Structural Engineer: Thymn Pte Ltd
Photographer: Masano Kawana

This semi-detached house is detached from its façade and party wall to create courtyard spaces that allow light, ventilation and private views. At the front, an almost blank brick wall conceals these spaces and the front door is similarly hidden in a timber wall. A swimming pool runs along the side and front creating a tranquil oasis for the house. The timber staircase overhangs the pool and its covered by a glass and timber pergola that runs along the length of the house. Upstairs the gardens continue into two more courtyards which two bedrooms and a study look into.

Name: The Space Between Walls
Type: 2 storey detached house with attic and swimming pool
Location: Princess of Wales Road, Singapore
Site Area: 350 m2
Gross Floor Area: 455 m2
Status: Completed 2017
Architect: HYLA Architects
Principal Architect: Mr Han Loke Kwang
Assistant Architects: Kompiya Rattanangkul, Chong Wen Jin, Thomas Ong
Main Contractor: : QS Builders Pte Ltd
Structural Engineer: Thymn Pte Ltd
Photographer: Derek Swalwell

This detached house was converted from it’s previous semi-detached status in order to re-locate its carpark from the front to the rear. The rear fronts a road and is 1 storey below the main level of the site, thus providing basement access. Besides the topography, another major challenge was the orientation as the front had a westerly aspect. The two side walls are constructed in off form concrete with the front and rear elevations entirely sheathed in an intricate aluminium screen. The screen is made of interlocking aluminium flat bars which allow for maximum views out whilst providing total shading from the sun. Internally the design theme is carried through with a fine mesh that screens the staircase and divides the living from the dining and dry kitchen. As the house was formerly a semi-detached house, one side faces a blank wall. A koi pond runs the entire length on this side with a unique ‘hanging’ garden feature. At the rear an infinity edge pool fronts a deep terrace with the upper floors cantilevering over to provide shade and privacy.

Name: The Intricate Veil
Type: 2 storey detached house with attic, basement and swimming pool
Location: Goldhill View, Singapore
Site Area: 460 m2
Gross Floor Area: 704 m2
Status: Completed 2022
Architect: HYLA Architects
Principal Architect: Mr Han Loke Kwang
Assistant Architects: Nicholas Gomes, Wesley Fong, Ulrich Chia, Thomas Ong, Juperi
Main Contractor: : V-Tech Construction Pte Ltd
Structural Engineer: GCE Consulting Engineers
Landscape: Green Forest Landscape Pte Ltd
Interior: Hiap Chuan Wood Industries Pte Ltd
Photographer: Derek Swalwell

More than just a screen for privacy and sun‐protection, the concrete brise‐soleil captures and intensifies nature along the perimeter of the house a series of lush, landscaped verandahs immediately adjacent to the indoor spaces. Every single room at the upper levels looks into its very own private garden; one with a semi‐outdoor bathtub that is literally outside, yet visually protected and well sheltered from the elements.
The pattern of the screen follows an underlying grid, but skips certain intervals to produce a composition with rhythm and a more asymmetric sense of balance. Other parts of the screen also form planter boxes, allowing more layers of green to grow and slowly reveal itself over the concrete.
Landscaping continues into other parts of the house. A courtyard at the second storey next to the staircase allows air and light into the central part of the house. The blues and greens from the pool and the heavy planting along side dominates the main living spaces on the ground floor, again celebrating nature as an integral part of ones dwelling place.

Name: Verdant Verandah
Type: 2 storey semi-detached house with attic, basement and swimming pool
Location: Princess of Wales road, Singapore
Site Area: 320 m2
Gross Floor Area: 549 m2
Status: Completed 2018
Architect: HYLA Architects
Principal Architect: Mr Han Loke Kwang
Assistant Architects: Ann Tipnipa Pantipjatuporn, Tran Thi Thu Trang, Monero Rochelle Abanes, Thomas Ong
Main Contractor: : Praxis Contractors Pte Ltd
Structural Engineer: GCE Consulting Engineers
Photographer: Derek Swalwell

Nestled behind an unassuming face of granite and glass, this 2‐storey brick structure conceals a mesmerising view; offering a glimpse into the garden of Singapores former Command House. Situated on a long plot, the “Looking Glass” capitalises on its length to accentuate its view to the north. Upon entering, floating timber steps tease at the landscape ahead, framing the corridor of trees that blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor space. Bordered on one side by dark face brick, the foyer is abundant with light, owing to the double‐volume void that terminates at an intricate rectilinear screen and pergola. Stretching across the building, the pattern of vertical and horizontal lines provide privacy and sun shading whilst visually connecting each space to the scenery outside. Unconventionally, the full length living and dining is situated on the second floor, allowing its open plan to free up the space and frame the landscape ahead. Finished with a modern interior, the contrast between luxurious marble, warm timber and textured brick evoke a timeless and modern atmosphere. Overlooking the stairwell, a glass study and three bedrooms occupy the top floor. As screen transitions from wall to roof, an interplay of shadows dance atop the infinity pool below, overlooking a glass‐less window of picturesque nature.

Name: Viewing Back
Type: 2 storey semi-detached house with attic and swimming pool
Location: Jalan Tempua, Singapore
Site Area: 403 m2
Gross Floor Area: 567 m2
Status: Completed 2017
Architect: HYLA Architects
Principal Architect: Mr Han Loke Kwang
Assistant Architects: Tran Thi Thu Trang, Amanda Tay, Wesley Fong, Chong Wen Jin, Thomas Ong
Main Contractor: : V-Tech Construction Pte Ltd
Landscape Contractor Nyee Phoe Flower Garden Pte Ltd
Interior DesignCustom joinery designed by HYLA Architects built by Kcf&R Pte Ltd
Structural Engineer: GCE Consulting Engineers
Photographer: Derek Swalwell

When the planning authority revised the planning guidelines for landed housing by allowing more
flexibility in the internal layouts, it gaves us the opportunity to re-examine the typology for an
intermediate terrace house. Typically, the main problem for houses of this type is that the living
areas, being located on the ground floor would look into the car parking at the front. In this house, an
extra level has been inserted making this a four storey house in a 2.5 storey zone. The ground floor,
which is just slightly below the existing level, is where the parking and service areas are. This frees
the second level to be the main living areas with its double volume space and private courtyard. The
courtyard is screened by a custom concrete air block, which is designed to be a climbing wall for one
of the owner’s cats. A mezzanine level holds the 2 kid’s rooms, whilst the Master and study room is
placed at the attic. The house is finished in off form concrete and a grey facebrick which contrasts
very nicely with the warmth of the timber used throughout for floors and furniture. The cantilevered
staircase is done entirely in an insitu off form concrete, with a steel edge to hold the banisters.

Name: Intermediate Stories
Type: 2 storey intermediate terrace house with mezzanine and attic
Location: Lily Avenue, Singapore
Site Area: 196 m2
Gross Floor Area: 353 m2
Status: Completed 2017
Architect: HYLA Architects
Principal Architect: Mr Han Loke Kwang
Assistant Architects: Trang Tran, Amanda Tay, Thomas Ong
Main Contractor: : V-Tech Construction Pte Ltd
Structural Engineer: GCE Consulting Engineers
Photographer: Derek Swalwell

This pair of detached houses is for a pair of sibling families and their grandparent. The simple idea of a traditional courtyard between the two houses is faithfully executed here. Upon entering through the main timber gate one is greeted in a peaceful space with timber decking and 4 trees. On either side are the main living spaces of the two houses. The design of the two houses flanking this central space are similar but not identical. The houses are open where the public spaces are, and screened where the more private bedrooms are.

Name: Between Us 2
Type: A pair of 2 storey detached houses with basement
Location: Dunsfold Drive, Singapore
Site Area: 1029 m2
Gross Floor Area: 1008 m2
Status: Completed 2019
Architect: HYLA Architects
Principal Architect: Mr Han Loke Kwang
Assistant Architects: Nicholas Gomes, Ann Pantipjatuporn, Thomas Ong
Main Contractor: : QS Builders Pte Ltd
Structural Engineer: GCE Consulting Engineers
Landscape: Green Forest Landscape Pte Ltd
Interior: Graceful Decor Pte Ltd
Photographer: Masano Kawana