Question: We are roofing over the airwell in our townhouse. The area there is lower and floods. We plan to tile over the garden there. what can we do with the space?

Answer: A green lung in the middle of a townhouse (which only has windows at the front and back) is necessary for good ventilation and light. Why not try to improve the drainage in the airwell, if that is causing the problem?

If that cannot be done, try to preserve the natural light coming in from above at least. Ask your contractor to use corrugated perspex sheeting for the roofing. This clear material provides a watertight interface with clay roof tiles, yet lets in sunlight.

Make the best use of this bright space by creating a flexible seating area there with big floor cushions and a low coffee table. Add a green touch with a tall ficus or money plant, which can grow quite well indoors.

As the area is lower than the rest of the living room, it may look lost. Elevating it with a contrasting flooring can turn it into the stunning new focus of your home. In this shophouse airwell (below), the owner raised the floor with a timber deck. Now, it’s a serene space to enjoy tea and cakes.

Photography Alan Lee/K
Studio design Desmond Tan