Singapore Residence Embraces Resort Vibe with Innovative Design

A newly completed residence in Bukit Timah, Singapore, designed by Ming Architects, merges the comforts of home with a luxurious resort aesthetic. Named Horizon House, this semi-detached property stands out for its striking design and thoughtful integration of natural elements, making it a refreshing addition to the neighborhood.

Navigating through the eclectic streets of Bukit Timah, the arrival at Horizon House feels like discovering an oasis. Positioned at the end of a row of houses, the site takes advantage of its unique location to offer both privacy and an expansive view of the surrounding landscape. This clever placement, according to the principal architect, Tan Cher Ming, enhances the architectural experience and allows for a greater sense of space in an otherwise densely populated area.

The house features stacked rectilinear volumes, resembling a three-tiered cake, set within an L-shaped footprint. The elevation of the site, which slopes from front to back, further accentuates the house’s grand façade. Tan noted, “The house is actually elevated, so it looks quite grand from the facade.” The upper levels provide stunning views of the adjacent Greenleaf Forest, a lush tropical canopy that enhances the home’s resort-like atmosphere.

Tan’s design effectively addresses the client’s desire for regular living spaces despite the trapezoidal shape of the lot. An irregularly shaped swimming pool is cleverly integrated between the two wings, optimizing the use of the site while reserving the odd-shaped areas for outdoor amenities. “We maximised the use of the site and kept the odd-shaped parts for things like the pool and outdoor areas,” he explained.

The façade showcases several distinctive features, including aluminium sliding screens on the upper floors. These screens possess a uniform grid pattern that provides both heat and rain protection without sacrificing aesthetics or natural light. The screens create a pixelated texture that contrasts with the smooth beige granite-clad walls and Burmese teak panels, while vibrant greenery softens the overall look.

Access to the house is facilitated by a gentle flight of stairs leading from the pedestrian gate. The contemporary resort vibe is most pronounced here, with wide steps surrounded by artistic steel planter boxes filled with pebbles. A teak trellis overhead filters sunlight, enhancing the welcoming ambiance. The main entrance stands at an impressive height of 3.5 meters, matching the ceiling of the first floor, which houses the public areas.

Inside, the living and dining areas feature full-height glass doors that open seamlessly onto the pool deck, creating an inviting flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. A standalone island in the dry kitchen is wrapped in Verde Alpi marble, providing a striking contrast to the creamy beige limestone floor tiles. Tan aimed for a bold aesthetic, stating, “We wanted something that has a very strong contrast to the creamy beige of the limestone floor tile, to make it pop.”

The design seamlessly integrates various living spaces, including a bedroom in the rear wing that accommodates visiting family members. This room opens directly to the pool and garden, evoking feelings of luxury typically reserved for high-end hotels. Tan aimed to create an environment where residents could feel as if they were experiencing a stay at a top-tier resort.

A cantilevered staircase with steel cables as a balustrade leads to the upper floors, enhancing the lightness of the interior design. On the second level, three bedrooms include a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, with corridors that provide access to wraparound balconies protected by the sliding screens. The master suite occupies the entire rear wing and features a spacious walk-in wardrobe, designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The attic level serves as a second living space, complete with a study and home gym. Here, small gardens accommodate Casuarina trees, providing visual relief and enhancing ventilation throughout the home. Tan remarked that these green pockets “frame views, filter light, and reinforce a sense of living amid nature.”

Although construction is currently underway on a neighboring lot, where Tan is also the architect, the success of Horizon House has garnered positive feedback. Tan expressed satisfaction with the project, noting, “I often receive comments that my projects do not look like they are located in Singapore.” He draws inspiration from global architectural trends and is committed to developing a unique interpretation of contemporary architecture suited to local lifestyles.

Horizon House exemplifies how innovative design can create a harmonious balance between modern living and the tranquility of nature. The residence not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of its surroundings but also provides a peaceful retreat for its residents.