Home Tour: 3-Storey intermediate terrace house designed for Singapore's hot climate
This stylish Industrial-style inter-terrace house we saw in 2017...
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Nestled in the heart of Singapore, this striking 3-storey intermediate terrace house epitomizes modern tropical living. Designed by the talented team at DP Architects, led by Principal Architect Jaye Tan, the terrace house design seamlessly blends innovative architecture with energy-efficient systems, creating a comfortable and sustainable oasis amidst the city's warm climate.
With high ceilings on the first floor, there is generous natural and cross ventilation, which helps keep the house cool.
Intermediate terrace house
The thoughtful inter-terrace house design starts with the first floor's soaring ceilings, maximizing natural ventilation and cross breezes to keep the interior cool and comfortable. Instead of confining walls, sliding doors and railings create an airy, open-concept space that encourages airflow throughout the home.
Integrating indoor and outdoor spaces
One of the key highlights of this intermediate terrace house design is its seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. On the first floor, expansive sliding glass doors effortlessly connect the living areas to the lush greenery outside, inviting the tropical surroundings into the heart of the home.
Made of a steel framework construction with lightweight metal composite, the raw and industrial look in the house is played down with the addition of timber flooring as well as furniture made of recycled wood.
Recycled wood furniture
Ascending to the second floor, the terrace house design embraces warmth and texture through the thoughtful use of timber flooring and recycled wood furniture. This natural element offers a cozy counterbalance to the home's industrial aesthetic, crafted from a steel framework and lightweight metal composite materials.
Instead of walls, the architect decided on using sliding doors and railings so the homeowners can keep the spaces open and allow airflow to create breezy and airy interior living spaces.
Open-concept house layout
Defying traditional architectural constraints, the intermediate terrace house embraces an open-concept layout, eschewing confining walls in favor of sliding doors and railings. This innovative approach not only creates a spacious and airy ambiance but also facilitates uninterrupted airflow throughout the home, ensuring optimal ventilation and comfort.
Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) panels clad the entire roof, where solar energy is harnessed.
Solar panelled roof
The crowning jewel of this intermediate terrace house is the third floor and rooftop terrace. Here, the architects have incorporated Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) panels across the entire roof, harnessing solar energy to power the home sustainably. The rooftop terrace offers a private outdoor haven, perfect for alfresco dining or simply enjoying the refreshing evening breeze.
Along the facade, shading devices and louvres keep the spaces bright and airy, while ensuring privacy and keeping direct sunlight from penetrating.
Louvred exterior
Complementing the terrace house design's interior brilliance are thoughtful exterior elements that harmonize with Singapore's tropical climate. Shading devices and louvres ensure ample natural light while maintaining privacy and minimizing the impact of direct sunlight. Additionally, the textured brick walls on two sides of the house add visual interest and depth to the overall aesthetic.
The brick walls on two sides of the house also add a textural look and visual interest to the space.
This 3-storey intermediate terrace house by DP Architects is a testament to the art of designing for Singapore's tropical climate. By masterfully integrating passive architectural strategies, energy-efficient systems, and thoughtful material choices, the architects have created a sustainable and comfortable living environment that harmonizes with its surroundings.