Affectionately named the Forgetting Time House, this 14,000 sq ft home was designed to take you back to that blissful mindset of early childhood when time had no meaning. Created by Architecture + Design, this concept is all about balance. The design alternates between areas of openness and enclosure, lightness and solidity. All in the hope that the homeowners may become more present, in a state of easy timelessness. A massive courtyard has been created as a place to slow down and be mindful, to throw out the schedule. The courtyard connects the living spaces with its uplifting green landscape. A swimming pool glitters in the bright sunshine of Singapore.
The home is located in Bukit Timah, nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. The boundary wall design draws a solid, protective perimeter around the property.
Trees from the garden appear over the top of the boundary wall, merging the site with the larger landscape.
A wide wooden gate gives vehicle entry into the sanctuary of home, and locks out the rest of the world.
An expansive porte-cochère spans the full length of the building, sheltering the grand entrance to the home. A border of elegant foliage glows emerald in the exterior uplights.
Once inside the inner sanctum, a peaceful modern courtyard unfolds. A majestic Frangipani tree grows at its center, creating an inspiring focal point. Days spent under the breezy veranda, out of the tropical sun, are meant for sweet memories and dreams.
A perfect lawn blankets the ground beneath the mature tree. The grass creates a soft place to lie down in the shade and while away the hours with a good book, or to be amongst the children as they play.
A shallow swimming pool stretches from one side of the courtyard to the other, tiled in a fresh aqua mosaic. Lights from the house reflect upon the water at night, creating a river of warmth.
A canopy over the terrace connects the separated volumes of the home. Wood cladding is installed along the underside of the concrete structure, adding a rich tone. The resulting design is open and freeing yet comfortingly enveloping.
The wide, central courtyard design infuses outdoor greenery into the surrounding interior volumes. The courtyard fills the living spaces with an influx of natural daylight and provides an open skyscape.
Spending time amongst flora and fauna makes outside pressures slip away. Frantic movement slows and the rambling mind is finally quiet.
Retractable doors on both sides of the living room allows a blissful breeze to flow through. Life meanders inside and out with no barriers. A rich and restrained materials palette offers warmth and tactility with an underlying simplicity.
The beige sofas are understated, whilst a woven living room rug, ceramic side tables, and wall art add vibrant color. A wooden coffee table and a tufted bench complete the furniture arrangement.
Frangipani trees and shrubs make a lush border around the home, providing shade to a paved pathway.
The home concept was formed as a retreat, somewhat influenced by the peaceful nature of retirement locations.
The architectural timber sun-screens make a rich backdrop for the green courtyard elements.
Gray travertine stone makes a cool border around the pool and lawn area.
An imposing stone planter is sunken deep into the swimming pool design.
The dining room is a spot for entertaining family and friends. A large wooden dining table commands the center of the space, with a modern light fitting situated above it.
Modern dining chairs seat up to eight people at the round dining table. A wooden buffet and a traditional console table stand on either side of the room to assist with serving.
The house and gardens are carefully crafted to feel unplugged from outer influences, where the inhabitants can forget time.
A narrow ledge allows the homeowner to pad barefoot outside on their way to the next room. The kitchen has a fresh, white decor scheme, with crisp gloss white units and a central island. A ceiling fan whirs above a small dining spot, keeping it comfortably cool.
In the home entryway, a console table adds a traditional aesthetic.
Rugged, textural wall panels tie in with the outer perimeter of the home.
The wide porte-cochère covers the whole driveway, creating cool parking for multiple cars.
The second-level of the home maintains a connection with the relaxing courtyard through timber sun-screens. This screening device offers a stylistic juxtaposition of solid and void elements, making upper rooms feel cocooned whilst connected to the environment.
The modern architecture and green landscape are harmoniously interwoven.
A open-tread travertine staircase ascends through the home, flanked by timber sun-screens on either side. The staircase leads to a private study, which is shielded by the rooftop terrace. The discreet workspace enjoys the best of the enlivening greenery.
An outdoor sofa fashions an external living space, where the homeowners can gaze up at the stars after dark. Spotlights shine down upon the relaxation spot, allowing family members and friends the chat long into the night.
Up on the roof terrace, troubles drift away on wispy white clouds. Quiet places slow down time and evoke carefree memories.
“What did you do as a child that created timelessness that made you forget time? There lies the myth to live by” Joseph Campbell.
