A courtyard on two levels sits in the centre of this semi-detached house designed by HYLA Architects in Singapore. On the first level, a frangipani tree sits in the middle of a pond, framed by a timber clad box. The double volume living room and the dining room wraps around this courtyard.
The second storey level of the courtyard lies over the dining area and in front of the master bedroom. The full height glass facade facing the courtyard is screened by interlocking vertical and horizontal timber members. The courtyard offers the house a lot of privacy as well as letting in light into the centre of the house. It also acts as a buffer against noise from a major road a distance away.
all images © DEREL SWALWELL