A tranquil hideaway

In the heart of Singapore’s One Tree Hill residential area, this stunning home redefines privacy while standing out in the city’s skyline. Through thoughtful planning and meticulous material selection, the atmosphere is transformed from the densely built area into an intimate, light-filled sanctuary.

A peaceful retreat

Situated in a busy residential area, the building responds to the owner’s desire for privacy. The monolithic envelope shields the interior, where the striking brick façade gives it warmth and forms the defining feature of the home. This double-layered façade allows the owners to move freely within their private sanctuary without concern for unwanted views, ensuring a seamless balance between openness and privacy.

The architects’ thoughtful design allows them to enjoy daily life without compromise, fully embracing their home as a peaceful retreat from the busy outside world. Carefully positioned courtyards and patios allow natural light and ventilation to filter through. A triple-volume courtyard serves as a cooling buffer, shielding the home from the western sun, while lush landscaping at the front enhances its natural connection to the surroundings.

Stunning centrepiece

The entire home is designed around its sculptural centrepiece, a breathtaking circular staircase. Within the seemingly closed façade a serene atmosphere, and an expansive layout can be found.

The circular staircase journeys through multiple levels of internal courtyards, crafted in off-form concrete, its shallow steps cater to the aging homeowner’s needs while transforming necessity into beauty. Crowned by a skylight with a delicate screen enhances the home’s meditative ambiance.

Facing bricks, inside and out

Materiality plays a crucial role in the home’s narrative. The hand-moulded brick façade made from Terca Pagus Bruin-Zwart facing bricks extends into the interior, merging seamlessly with warm timber, natural granite, and slate to help create a sense of depth and cohesiveness in the home. This carefully curated palette gives the structure a timeless atmosphere.

As the architects noted: “We wanted an enduring and timeless material, that could withstand the test of time and accumulate a certain charm and history through its ever-changing patina. We’ve used Terca Pagus in a reddish-brown colour to complement the overall material palette. The charms of craftsmanship and tactility of the hand-moulded bricks also complemented the robustness of off-form concrete very well.”