tale of a tree

This house by ArMo Design Studio takes its main design cue from an existing 13m-high tree; the result is a connected relationship with nature throughout the house.

- Text by Luo JingmeiPhotography by Derek Swalwell

It is typically easier to start designing from tabula rasa. But if there is a special feature on the site, considering it in the scheme can lead to more unique and personal narratives. This was the case for this house for a couple with young children, and the special feature is a tree at the corner of the site.

"The tree at the front of the house is a 13m-high Tabebuia rosea, also known as the Trumpet tree or Singapore Sakura. This tree was the sole one originally on the property," says Maria Arango, who founded ArMo Design Studio together with Diego Molina. This tree became the driver for the programmatic and formal aspects of the house. The clients wanted to maximise the Gross Floor Area (GFA) of the house for future proofing as well as to work within a current limited budget.

Needless to say, it was necessary to ensure careful preservation of the tree. The design team wanted to give it prominence from inside the house as well. There was also the need to elevate the ground level according to URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) guidelines, given that the site is in a flood-prone zone.

efficient layout that fuses nature

These manifold parameters resulted in an exposed basement level, with the first storey raised. The advantages of this were that the living and dining on the first storey have better views and ventilation. The swimming pool was raised to achieve the required 5m-perimeter protection zone around the tree, lining the house alongside the living room.