SUMPTUOUS FUTUREPROOFING

This Good Class Bungalow in Upper Thomson by Studio If and Formwerkz Architects is designed as a sophisticated ecosystem of multigenerational living that balances luxury, longevity and connection

- Asih Jenie

Some houses are built to impress. Others, to shelter. But this 20,979 sq ft Good Class Bungalow in the Upper Thomson district—dubbed the House on the Hill— was designed to live; to host, to evolve, and to grow alongside the multigenerational family that it houses.

The homeowners knew exactly whom to trust with such a significant brief. Having previously collaborated with interior design firm Studio If and architectural firm Formwerkz, they turned to the duo once again to craft a residence that would develop with their family. The house needed to balance shared spaces for lively gatherings with private retreats for each generation, all while maintaining a fluid flow between functionality and comfort.

“We always felt like a flat, horizontal space enables people to connect, and yet offers opportunities for privacy. The house was designed in layers, where the most public layer is in the basement,” says Gwen Tan, founder of Studio If.

LEGACY OF FORESIGHT

At its heart, this home is a love letter to family— one designed to adapt across generations. Every detail has been mapped out, not only for the present but also for the years to come, ensuring it remains relevant as the family expands and their needs evolve.

The first storey is where connections flourish. The living and dining pavilions flow into a spectacular pool terrace, seamlessly integrating the indoor and outdoor spaces. Designed with passive cooling strategies, the layout ensures cross-ventilation which keeps the spaces naturally cool, even in Singapore's tropical climate.