This detached house was converted from it’s previous semi-detached status in order to re-locate its carpark from the front to the rear. The rear fronts a road and is 1 storey below the main level of the site, thus providing basement access. Besides the topography, another major challenge was the orientation as the front had a westerly aspect. The two side walls are constructed in off form concrete with the front and rear elevations entirely sheathed in an intricate aluminium screen. The screen is made of interlocking aluminium flat bars which allow for maximum views out whilst providing total shading from the sun. Internally the design theme is carried through with a fine mesh that screens the staircase and divides the living from the dining and dry kitchen. As the house was formerly a semi-detached house, one side faces a blank wall. A koi pond runs the entire length on this side with a unique ‘hanging’ garden feature. At the rear an infinity edge pool fronts a deep terrace with the upper floors cantilevering over to provide shade and privacy.

Name: The Intricate Veil
Type: 2 storey detached house with attic, basement and swimming pool
Location: Goldhill View, Singapore
Site Area: 460 m2
Gross Floor Area: 704 m2
Status: Completed 2022
Architect: HYLA Architects
Principal Architect: Mr Han Loke Kwang
Assistant Architects: Nicholas Gomes, Wesley Fong, Ulrich Chia, Thomas Ong, Juperi
Main Contractor: : V-Tech Construction Pte Ltd
Structural Engineer: GCE Consulting Engineers
Landscape: Green Forest Landscape Pte Ltd
Interior: Hiap Chuan Wood Industries Pte Ltd
Photographer: Derek Swalwell