Home Tour: A retired art gallerist’s Bukit Timah bungalow with a million-dollar view of the jungle

In the realm of extraordinary residential design, this Bukit Timah bungalow transcends the conventional definition of a million-dollar view. While most homeowners might dream of city skylines or oceanic panoramas, the owner of this remarkable Bukit Timah house sees beauty in something far more primal and untamed: an uninterrupted view of lush, vibrant jungle.

A retired art gallerist with a deep connection to nature, the homeowner had long coveted this specific plot of land. Having lived several houses away, he seized the opportunity the moment the property became available.

“The jungle has special significance to me,” he reflects, connecting the land to memories of his childhood in a Punggol kampong surrounded by verdant greenery.

Home surrounded by nature

Though he hasn’t personally explored the adjacent jungle, the wildlife has certainly made itself at home. Birds, monkeys, squirrels, and chameleons regularly visit this Bukit Timah bungalow, transforming the property into a living, breathing ecosystem where architecture and nature coexist in harmonious dialogue.

Architect Brenda Ang of Lab Architects was tasked with a compelling brief: design a 2-storey bungalow with a basement and attic that maximizes the jungle view. Her most successful intervention is evident in the column-less dining room, where expansive glass sliding doors dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, offering an unobstructed panorama of greenery.

“On rainy mornings, I can witness the mist in the jungle,” the owner shares, “and there’s an indescribable simple pleasure in sitting here, listening to the rain.” When the dining room perspective feels limiting, he can ascend via a glass lift or retreat to the master bedroom’s attic terrace, each vantage point offering a unique perspective of the surrounding wilderness.

Timeless interior design

The homeowner’s vision extended beyond mere view preservation. He challenged Ang to create a home that would “look timeless, like a piece of art,” viewing architects as creative artists rather than mere technical professionals. The over 18,000 sq ft Bukit Timah house is a testament to this philosophy.

Massive yet intimate, the structure is softened by strategic design elements. Warm teak wood adds richness to the exterior, while water features like a koi pond and lap pool introduce fluidity. Meticulously manicured stone gardens and pine trees specially imported from Guangzhou complete the composition, creating a visual masterpiece that is as breathtaking from a distance as it is up close.

Wine Cellar

The owner is also a collector of French wines, with a floor-to-ceiling wine fridge on display in the living room.

The bedrooms on the second floor belong to his two adult children and his mother-in-law.

His own bedroom is in the sprawling attic, with little nooks for tea appreciation, prayers and meditation and for watching TV. Of course, there’s more artwork here, including his favourite Chinese ink paintings.

Apart from designing sufficient large white walls for the artworks, Ms Ang also added spaces for the family to enjoy the outdoors. The bedrooms have large balconies, while deep overhanging roofs provide some shade and keep out the rain while letting fresh air into the rooms even during a downpour.

Vertical green wall

The basement also houses a large reception area with a vertical green wall for a pop of colour, which doubles as a mini art gallery. On the walls are pieces by Singapore’s pioneer artists, including Chen Wen Hsi, Lee Man Fong and Liu Kang.

Ms Ang says she wanted to create an element of surprise when driving into the expansive car park and entering the house on the basement level. “You don’t expect to see a mini art gallery and a green wall,” she says.

East and west furniture styles

The owner boasts a large variety of art, and for the living room, he wanted a look that was a mix of East and West, traditional and modern as evident in his choice of artworks on display and the furniture. The living room features both antique rosewood Chinese chairs that the owner inherited from his grandparents, as well as modern pieces from Hermes.

Dining in an art gallery

After a lifetime of work, the owner has created more than just a house – he has crafted a sanctuary that celebrates nature, art, and personal history. “I finally have the chance to fully enjoy nature,” he says simply, embodying the profound connection between human habitat and the wild world beyond.

This Bukit Timah bungalow stands as a remarkable testament to thoughtful design, proving that a home can be simultaneously a personal museum, a family dwelling, and a bridge to the natural world.

This article was first published in the Business Times in 2019.