Innovative Eclipse House Blends Nature and Modern Design in Singapore

A newly completed residence in Singapore’s Serangoon Gardens, named Eclipse House, showcases a unique architectural design that harmonizes nature, water, and light. Designed by Ming Architects, the home features a central courtyard that highlights a bonsai tree, emphasizing a connection to the natural world while offering an inviting space for family life.

The principal architect, Tan Cher Ming, explained the inspiration behind the name. “Peering in from the exterior, through the facade screens and glass panels, you can catch a glimpse of something alluring and special beyond. This idea of a hidden mystery waiting to be revealed resonated with me during the design process,” he stated. The project reflects the homeowner’s desire for openness, visual connectivity, and low maintenance within a spacious layout.

Situated on a 3,500 sq ft plot, Eclipse House stands out in the neighbourhood, allowing for a design that integrates functional responses to Singapore’s tropical climate. The exterior features rectilinear forms composed of hammered granite and teak-lined ceilings, combined with adjustable aluminium screens that provide solar shading. Tan noted, “Due to space constraints in Singapore, the typical house facade design is usually flat and one-dimensional. In our architecture, we focus on creating depth on the exteriors.”

Upon entering through the grand front door, visitors encounter a living room with a double-volume ceiling and a cluster of Globe Teardrop pendant lights, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The open dining area and dry kitchen lead seamlessly to the central courtyard, allowing natural light to flood the interior spaces. The homeowner specifically requested materials that are durable and low maintenance due to the presence of pets. Tan highlighted that “the material selection was driven by the client’s preference for durability and low maintenance, while not sacrificing the visual aesthetics.”

The central courtyard, affectionately referred to by Tan as the “water court,” features a pond that encircles the living spaces, providing a tranquil environment. “I believe that there are intangible benefits to the human body, mind and emotions in creating strong connections to nature,” Tan remarked. The koi fish gracefully swim in a channel that opens into a rectangular pool, enhancing the peaceful ambiance.

On the second floor, an open-plan family room features a cantilevered bay window that extends into the courtyard. This area serves multiple purposes, accommodating activities such as gaming and karaoke. The master suite and gym are located in the attic, providing a private retreat shielded from street view by large, manually controlled screens.

The bathroom showcases unfilled Italian Travertine marble, accompanied by a Japanese garden designed to deepen the connection to nature. The staircase, suspended above a pebble garden, creates an impression of lightness and spaciousness, allowing light and views to flow through. Tan explained that “to create the effect of spaciousness, we intentionally designed the staircase to float effortlessly.”

The homeowner expressed satisfaction with the design, noting the practical benefits of the layout. Unlike their previous home, where communication with family members required phone calls, the open nature of Eclipse House allows for easy interaction across floors. As the family prepares for an empty nest, he appreciates the balance of rooms and the overall aesthetics, describing them as “modern and not too fancy, but still elegant.”

Tan concluded that Eclipse House represents a nuanced exploration of contemporary Singaporean architecture, achieving a sublime balance between nature and shelter, practical living and beauty. The innovative design not only enhances the residential experience but also contributes to the architectural landscape of Singapore.