Big And Bold

The blend of architectural features, earthy tones and rich texture results in a stunning abode exuding understated grace and laid-back charm.

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When Lim Hong Lian, founder and senior partner of LTW Designworks, began designing the bungalow which he and his wife Christine Lim now reside in, his brief was clear. Taking inspiration from the site’s natural surroundings of lush greenery and unobstructed views of the Singapore skyline, he created an open-planned “tropical home” where boundaries between the indoors and outdoors are blurred.

Stepping in, the house emanates a relaxed, resort-like ambience. As the site is on a sloped land, Hong Lian designed the living space to be on the leeward side of the house to maintain privacy, while maximising the flow of natural air. “It rests along the side of the hill and is almost hidden from the outside,” he shares.

He adds: “The open-planned design creates a comfortable micro-climate for the home, especially during the night, when heat from the ground leads to an increase in indoor temperature. I’ve incorporated several water features around the house, including the swimming pool and pond, which help cool the interior spaces.”

How did you achieve the look that you wanted?

To realise the concept of a “tropical home” with a unique industrial quality, I opened up the spaces and exposed various elements, such as the balustrade of the staircase and the ceiling.