Despite its urban location within the verdant enclave of Bukit Timah, Singapore, the Secret Garden House by Wallflower Architecture + Design beautifully encapsulates the essence of tropical living.
Spanning 13,900 square feet, this contemporary family home redefines tropical living by transforming site constraints into design opportunities.Lush greenery, natural textures, and open spaces evoke a sense of tranquillity, creating a sanctuary that is both private and vibrant.
Designed to meet the owner’s vision of a luxurious, tropical sanctuary, the house ingeniously leverages its unique L-shaped terrain. With a narrow frontage and rising land profile, what might be deemed a disadvantage becomes the foundation of its architectural narrative. “The terrain’s challenges offered us a canvas to craft a private retreat – a hidden gem shielded by nature,” shares the architect. By embedding over a third of the structure into the land, the home achieves a harmonious balance between prominence and privacy.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a granite cave entrance leading to an underground lobby. This dramatic introduction sets the tone for the home’s journey – a seamless ascent via a striking steel and glass spiral staircase into the heart of the living spaces. Elevated one level above ground, the primary living areas form a “plateau” where indoor and outdoor realms merge effortlessly. Pools, gardens, and terraces create a serene environment encased by a dense perimeter of trees, ensuring utmost privacy while maintaining openness within.
The above-ground composition features two rectangular travertine-clad blocks supported by slender pilotis. These blocks are connected by a floating enclosed bridge, a striking feature that punctuates the design. Ribbon windows encircle the façade, while vertical timber louvres provide both aesthetic texture and practical shading, adjusting to control sunlight and privacy.
The rooftop living deck and garden crown the design, offering sweeping views of Bukit Timah Hill. Designed for social gatherings, this space epitomises the home’s ethos of blending luxury with the beauty of its tropical surroundings.
Central to the design is a commitment to passive cooling and sustainability, crucial in Singapore’s tropical climate. “The environment rewards you when design respects its strengths and mitigates its weaknesses,” notes the architect. Cross-ventilation is integral at every level, with air flowing unobstructed from the basement to the roof. Travertine cladding, roof gardens, pergolas, and low-emission glass reduce thermal mass and heat ingress, while skylights and timber sunscreens filter light into captivating patterns. A sunken courtyard at the rear further enhances airflow, making even the basement a breezy retreat.
Project & Images: https://wallflower.com.sg/secret-garden-house/
Article: Lily Wong
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