The Lush Life

Foma Architects designs a verdant home surrounded by an abundance of green views

- Luo Jingmei

A luxuriant garden is not only beautiful to look at; it can also conjure up a sense of calm, especially in Singapore’s concrete jungle. This is especially important for homes, in which residents seek comfort and calm while spending time with their loved ones.

Designed by Foma Architects, this 9,838sqft corner terrace house in the western part of Singapore embodies this verdant concept. “Being horticulture enthusiasts, the owners requested to have a house with spaces that cater to religious and social gatherings, as well as gardening,” says Tan Chun Hao, principal of Foma Architects, who established the firm in 2012 with his partner Terence Tan. “Therefore, we amalgamated both quality living spaces and greenery all around the house.”

CREATING SHELTER

From the main gate, the structure is seen as a monolithic block that peels a little from its wall partition, bringing natural light into the deep plan. The property employs different ways of addressing its east-west facing direction. The screens protect the interiors from extreme heat and glare, and the hermetic, marble-clad wall insulates heat.

The architect made the front of this abode opaque in order to slowly reveal its various spaces. “The entrance of the house is designed as a solid frontage clad in black granite in a natural split finish. The intention is to create a little surprise after one has entered the main door, to see the central garden,” says Tan.

SHADES OF GREEN