When Lim Hong Lian, founder and senior partner of LTW Designworks, began designing the two-storey bungalow in Bukit Timah which he and his wife Christine Lim now reside in, his brief was clear. Taking inspiration from the site’s natural surroundings of lush greenery and unobstructed views of the Singapore skyline, he created an open-planned “tropical home” where boundaries between the indoors and outdoors are blurred.

The three-storey elevation of the living room and overhanging transparent staircase allow the architectural complexities of the interiors to be visible from the main living areas. Recycled teak wood from old houses in Indonesia is used for the floors and ceilings in the upper levels.

(Photo: Edmon Leong)

He wanted the house to react and change with its surroundings as time progresses; the patina of the iron changes after prolonged outdoor exposure and natural oxidation, and serves as a protection to the metal layer underneath.

The full-height feature wall in the living room consists of wooden cubes stacked at different angles. The result is an abstract pattern of varying images when viewed from different parts of the house.

(Photo: Edmon Leong)

Hong Lian commissioned Dragon Pace, an art studio in Beijing, to create the two-storey-high textured feature wall constructed from pine wood blocks. Individual pieces were put together at varying angles to create an undulating effect. Vertical lines from the feature wall counterbalance the horizontal planes of the pond and swimming pool.

(Photo: Edmon Leong)

The water feature strikes a contrast with the exterior treatment of the home, and adds a touch of zen to living space.

Plants cast shadows against the facade at different times of the day to create a constantly changing work of art.

(Photo: Edmon Leong)

The homeowners’ collection of unique knick-knacks and souvenirs collected during their travels is displayed on various sideboards around the home.

The couple often host dinners and parties; many of the home’s spaces are designed for entertaining guests, including this outdoor dining area next to the kitchen.

The design of the home takes advantage of the natural surrounding, including the bedroom, where lots of natural light and ventilation flood in.

In the bathroom, the unpolished travertine marble surface is non-slip and gives a textural sensation, while adding a touch of luxury to the intimate space.