Gardens Grow Inside and Out of This Wild Singapore Home

Singapore’s tropical weather can sometimes be unbearable with extreme heat, glare, and humidity—which is why many residents construct air-conditioned boxes to hide in. But thoughtful architecture with sufficient shade and cross ventilation can provide comfort even on the hottest days—as this house by Yew Architects demonstrates.

A couple with three young sons wanted to build a home that embraced an elevated site, which faces a nature reserve with a wild and lush landscape. "We invited Tay Yew to visit our site, and we shared our ideals of living close to nature, and of creating an environment where we could raise our children meaningfully," says the wife, who has known the firm’s founder since they were classmates in junior college.

Lockdowns during the Covid pandemic also informed the couple’s goals for the project. "Amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, wellness became a central focus for us, and we found ourselves reading about the health benefits of living close to the forest," she explains. "As a family, we enjoy trekking every weekend, so the idea of staying in this part of central Singapore that has easy access to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve felt especially appealing."