Cube Associate Design’s founder Sarah Tham on how to create spaces that live and breathe

One example is a residence on Swiss Club Lane, which illustrates Tham’s emphasis on spatial clarity, proportion and thoughtful detailing over decorative excess. The brief was to create a minimalist, mid-century inspired house with a lofty, open feel; a marriage of form and function. Tham responded with a less-is-more approach and a column-free concept supported by shear walls, displaying a willingness to rethink structure to achieve spatial freedom.

Read more: A breezy detached house for a family of five in Singapore’s District 11

Another notable residential project was organised to adapt to the family’s evolving lifestyle, with flexible spaces that could open for gatherings or close for privacy. It was divided into two wings linked by a glass corridor: the main residence on one side and an outhouse on the other that functions as a second living hall or a guest room with moveable walls. Built on a downhill plot along a north-west to south-east axis, natural light and views were carefully considered from the outset, befitting its name: The Serene House at the Plains.

At Soleil @ Sinaran, Tham returned to the drawing board to conceive a modern sanctuary for a well-travelled client and his young family. Through continuity, rhythm and natural materiality, the resulting design masters the intricate balance between sophistication and comfort; penthouse living and the warmth of home.

One of the key considerations was to ensure the integration of technology without visual clutter, which Tham achieved by flowing timber slats across the ceilings and walls to create cohesion while concealing services. Even bold and structurally and technically demanding features, such as a circular aquarium with live corals and marine fish, and a sky lounge on the 36th floor with a golf simulator and sauna, were tastefully executed without compromising on luxury and modernity.

In case you missed it: Inside this lofty yet liveable 36th-floor Novena penthouse with a golf simulator and sauna

Tham’s respect for purpose, people and legacy, as well as thoughtful evolution, also extends to institutional spaces. The renewal of Bedok Methodist Church’s sanctuary was guided by a vision to modernise while preserving heritage. The Cross and Light became architectural anchors alongside their spiritual and decorative significance. Set against restored stained glass, the cross is the focal point, with lighting and ceiling elements reinforcing
its geometry.

Technology and sustainability were integrated with equal care, balancing faith, function, and atmosphere. The original teak pews and restored stained glass coexist with upgraded acoustics, smart lighting, and efficient M&E systems, aided by the strategically positioned stage, AV screens and sound booth to ensure clear sightlines and a seamless flow of the service.

A similar kind of spatial planning and attention to context as well as the human experience is evident in the firm’s transformation of a pre-war shophouse located on Ann Siang Hill into a contemporary, interactive workspace.

The design creates a hidden “secret garden” within the city, offering employees spaces to relax, reflect, or collaborate. Timeless comfort was the design anchor, alongside the delicate balance of conserving historical elements while integrating modern interventions. Moveable walls, hidden doors and a deft mix of materials allow spaces to interact or be partitioned, maximising comfort while harmonising aesthetics.

Read more: A contemporary-style office inside a historic shophouse with a secret garden concept

The result is a workspace that feels vibrant and inspiring, one in which productivity, well-being and historical appreciation coexist naturally—signifying a bold and unconventional response to the client brief: “Don’t design a workspace for robots. No boring, typical workspace.”

Every project comes with its own challenges, which Tham says inspire her. “Working with constraints and transforming them into thoughtful, meaningful spaces” motivates her. It’s also why she finds it hard to name a favourite project. “I become deeply invested in every project I take on, so each one feels like a favourite while I’m working on it. Each presents a new opportunity to learn and create something meaningful,” she adds. “What excites me most is the process of discovery and problem-solving, so in many ways, my favourite project is always the next one.”

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