There’s plenty of greenery thanks to a lushly landscaped garden (“in land-scarce Singapore, it’s important to design a house with a garden,” said Tan), as well as a 30m-long swimming pool for the kids, who are good swimmers.

The distinct yet connected blocks provide the perfect mix of private and communal spaces, without scrimping on space and light.

The living room, for example, is spacious enough to accommodate a grand piano, and affords excellent vantage points of the front garden, the courtyard and the swimming pool.

See also: 10 Beautiful Homes You'll Be Inspired By

A long walkway on the second level, which the family has fondly nicknamed The Great Corridor, connects the master bedroom suite, the grandparents’ wing, and the children’s rooms.

“More than just a physical connector, it’s also a space where one can actually sit, take a moment, and take in views of the courtyard,” said Tan.

And then there’s the library, a breathtakingly dramatic cylindrical space wrapped around by books. An oculus allows sunlight not just to illuminate into the library, but also the rest of the house across several different levels.

“It was an opportunity for us to actually borrow from the memories of the past… This space is a microcosm of the Pantheon in Rome, in terms of its cylindrical form and how it brings light in”, Tan explained.

Indeed, throughout the house, the creative use of skylights and cantilevered steps help create a bright, breezy feel.

“The openness and the transparency of the spaces amongst the living room, the dining area, and the third block are essential, so that while there are guests here, there is also connectivity and transparency and communication with the other parts of the house,” said Tan, adding that the owners had also requested for a large kitchen as they enjoy entertaining.

“It’s wonderful to see the family using every element, whether through the courtyard, the pool, the gym room. This social space that families can really enjoy, and entertain their guests, or just celebrate their unity and their family bonds,” he said.

The house also hides several unexpected surprises, too—there’s a hidden wine cellar in the kitchen, plus a secret doorway and concealed storage in the library.

“I think the surprise element is important, because it makes the house interesting. I think it has a lot of layers—not just spaces, but a lot of layers of stories to tell and spaces that unfold as you continue to inhabit and discover the house,” he said.

See also: How To Design Rooms Made For Your Family

Access is a collaboration between Tatler Singapore and CNA Luxury.

Watch all the episodes of “Remarkable Living” season one and two.

Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8 | Episode 9 | Episode 10