House Above The Trees
“It is urgent to live enchanted” – Valter Hugo Mãe
Perched atop a hill and nestled at the edge of Singapore’s Central Nature Catchment Reserve, The House Above the Trees is a serene family home that bridges modern living with the quiet rhythms of nature. The brief called for a dwelling that would nurture both privacy and familial bonds—an urban sanctuary immersed in greenery.
The design embraces this vision by integrating the natural environment into the home’s architectural language. Characterised by generous openness and outdoor spaces, the house transforms nature into a living part of the architecture. These open-air areas provide peaceful retreats that allow residents to enjoy the outdoors while remaining within the comfort of home.
The spatial layout fosters both interaction and seclusion. The lower two floors accommodate shared spaces such as the living, dining, and entertainment areas, while the upper levels house private bedrooms. At the heart of the home, two ethereal atriums with sunken water gardens flank the main living areas, connecting the indoors with the tranquillity of water and light.
The courtyard design promotes natural ventilation, daylighting, and passive cooling, reducing reliance on artificial energy sources. Surrounded by other houses, the courtyard draws in sunlight and greenery, creating a soothing and secluded microclimate. Large windows and sliding doors frame views of this internal oasis, dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior.
An immersive entertainment room is set between the two water gardens, featuring a sunken lounge, plush seating, pool table, bar, and walk-in wine chiller. The sound of cascading water and the presence of tall trees evoke a serene atmosphere that encourages rest, reflection, and connection.
The house is wrapped in a delicate sunscreen across the upper floors, filtering sunlight and creating restful, dimly lit bedroom spaces. Natural, sustainable materials such as timber, stone, and concrete provide texture, warmth, and timeless character, honouring tropical vernacular design.
The House Above the Trees demonstrates how modern architecture can elevate everyday life through a deep connection with nature. More than a home, it is a living sanctuary—an expression of sustainability, serenity, and spatial poetry, designed to support the well-being of its inhabitants while celebrating the enduring beauty of the natural world.
Singapore design architect for tropical modern landed houses and residential projects
