Home tour: A semi-detached home in Singapore’s District 15

Designed by Create Architecture, this semi-detached home in Singapore’s District 15 integrates greenery and light for a serene family retreat that offers greater functional flexibility

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Singapore’s Siglap neighbourhood, this visually stunning residence, which is simultaneously modern yet rustic, occupies a 3,500 sq ft plot and boasts a generous built-up area of 7,900 sq ft.

Developed by Brand New Land, the project embodies the developer’s commitment to crafting thoughtful, family-oriented homes that harmonise with nature and respond to the evolving needs of contemporary family life in a post-pandemic world.

Tasked with realising this vision was Create Architecture, whose design seamlessly integrates abundant natural light with lush greenery, creating a serene environment ideal for rest, entertainment and connection. Led by Xu Naiyan and Nicholas Teoh, the team skilfully navigated the challenge of flooding the home with natural light while ensuring privacy.

Each room offers delightful views of either the garden or the courtyard, blending indoor and outdoor spaces to create an intimate yet expansive abode ideal for relaxation and lively gatherings.

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Above The side corridor of the site has been nicely utilised for a lap pool

The side corridor of the site has been nicely utilised for a lap pool

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A key principle behind the design was to create a spacious, flexible layout that would accommodate family gatherings and social events. Instead of a traditional open-plan layout, the home is structured around strategic courtyards and light wells that allow natural light to flood the rooms and ensure excellent cross-ventilation.

These features create a sense of openness rarely seen in city homes, while the courtyards allow the outdoors to permeate the interior.

A standout feature is the second-storey open-to-the-sky courtyard, where a tree and circular planter stand beside a tea deck, forming a tranquil heart at the centre of the home. Surrounding rooms and corridors, including those on the attic floor, overlook this courtyard, allowing each area to benefit from views of the central greenery.

This thoughtful arrangement promotes natural cooling and also serves to enhance the connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, demonstrating the principles of sustainable, climatically responsive architecture that is both functional and calming.

Above The master bathroom incorporates a double-sink vanity and a bathtub under a skylight

The master bathroom incorporates a double-sink vanity and a bathtub under a skylight

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The façade of this home at Yarrow Gardens conveys a rustic modernity, seamlessly blending contemporary design with natural materials. Create Architecture opted for a palette of masonry and timber, giving the home a welcoming, organic presence that complements its natural surroundings.

The combination of earthy textures and tones imparts a sense of grounded elegance, distinguishing it from conventional modern homes and creating a timeless warmth.

The landscaping, which extends the home’s porous indoor-outdoor concept, features a circular planter wrapped with a granite bench at the car porch terrace, welcoming guests with greenery before they even enter the house.

Inside, every detail has been carefully considered, including a Roman-inspired balcony and corridor overlooking the living and dining areas. These architectural elements channel a sense of grandeur, while custom woodwork and soft lighting create a cohesive, inviting interior.

Above A mature tree presides over the courtyard

Above Plants bring life and personality to the home

A mature tree presides over the courtyard

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The semi-detached home has a total of seven bedrooms, each boasting thoughtful design elements that promote relaxation and privacy, and an ensuite bathroom that serves as a personal sanctuary for its users.

The strategic layout of spaces and the careful positioning of rooms address the need for privacy, ensuring private areas are shielded while communal spaces remain open and inviting.

A standout design highlight is the master bathroom, which features a skylight above the bathtub and shower area, filling the space with soft, natural light. This design choice enhances the bathing experience and reinforces the home’s connection to nature.

The double-volume living room, embraced by the swimming pool and jacuzzi, adds a touch of luxury and provides an ideal space for repose. Each room’s view of the courtyard or garden, combined with the flexible spaces and nature-inspired design, creates a harmonious setting for family life, as beautiful as it is functional.