Green and Serene

This corner terrace house in Yio Chu Kang, one of two projects by Create Architecture in our Selections this issue, embraces its history and verdant surroundings with a beautifully resolved hanging-garden concept

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There is a saying in Singapore that buildings are not allowed to get old. This often refers to the local tendency to replace aging structures with new developments, fuelled by the city-state’s rapid pace of urbanisation. However, Singapore has also emerged as a leader in sustainable practices, blending modernity with mindfulness of the environment. And few habits align as closely with sustainability as reusing and repurposing what you already have—houses included. Thus, we are witnessing a growing number of adaptive reuse projects, alongside Addition and Alteration (A&A) initiatives that breathe new life into old structures, allowing them to meet the demands of modern living while preserving their character as well as the greater environment.

One such example is a corner terrace house occupying an asymmetrical corner plot in Singapore’s Yio Chu Kang neighbourhood. This project, undertaken by Create Architecture, led by Tan Bing Hui, is a case study in how thoughtful design can transform existing structures into contemporary homes. By capitalising on the lush greenery to the east and south of the site, the design team has created living spaces that seamlessly integrate with their environment.