A Study in Contrasts

YWA Studio reimagines this semi-detached home in Singapore's quiet Bukit Purmei neighbourhood as a private retreat with a contemporary look

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Tucked away in Singapore's District 4, this semidetached house stands discreet yet commanding. With a refreshed design by Tan Yue Wei, founder and principal architect of YWA Studio, the 7,283 sq ft residence departed from its former classical identity to reemerge with a refined, contemporary spirit.

This project involved a full reconstruction of the property, overseen from start to finish by Tan’s multidisciplinary team, which undertook the architectural and structural works as well as the interior design for the home.

The brief was clear: to ensure privacy from passersby on the street, embrace a modern design sensibility, and feature a layout that would lend itself to generous entertaining and long-term liveability. The original pitched roof and many parts of the existing structure were removed, opening the interior to air, light and views of the tree canopy at the rear.

LIGHT AND DARK