Harmonizing the

Architect Lim Hong Lian’s residence in Singapore harmoniously connects the interior with the exterior while maintaining a high level of privacy and security.

In the up-market Bukit Timah (Tin Hill) area of Singapore, the 700-squaremeter house was positioned strategically after considering the geographic and environmental conditions of the site.

As an architect and designer for his own residence, Lim said the interior of his home takes full advantage of the views and the city skyline. It rests along the side of the hill, almost hidden from the outside. Its orientation also achieves a cooling effect as it allows a natural flow of air in all of the main living areas.

The Singaporean native began his design career in London working in the hospitality industry. He founded his own company in 1991 which quickly became the design studio of choice for the worlds’ leading luxury hoteliers and hospitality operators, such as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

“I wanted to design a house that my family and guests can appreciate it from different angles. The open-plan layout and the layers of transparency allowed this to happen,” Lim said.

The mezzanine “bridge” on the staircase leading to the third floor bedrooms are designed with thin steel rods and clear panels, giving an illusion of being suspended in midair.

“For this house, I’ve particularly considered the outside environment and the site’s topography, and based my design decisions on these factors,” he added.

Lim wanted to create a “tropical home” and the site’s natural surroundings became his primary inspiration. The design blurs the boundaries between the indoor and the outdoor to create a relaxed and resort-like ambience.

As it is on a hill, he chose the leeward side in order to maximize the natural light and air.

The open-plan design creates a comfortable micro-climate for the home, especially during the night when heat from the ground leads to an increase in indoor temperature.

He also incorporated several water features around the house, including a swimming pool and pond, which also helps to cool down the interior spaces.

“To realize the concept of a ‘tropical home’ with a unique industrial quality, I’ve opened up the spaces and exposed various part and made area partitions so as not to interfere with the flow of the spaces. All the materials were chosen to produce a natural and rustic look that is pleasing to the eye,” Lim said.

“These materials age nicely together and create visual harmony with the overall design scheme, while the water features strike a contrast with the heavy metal exterior, and add a peaceful, zenlike feature to the living space.”

Iron, stone and timber are the three major materials used in the house. Together, these materials and textures contribute to a visually soothing, earthy-color tone.

He’s used a special type of marble to complement the color palette and to give the interior walls a subtle layering effect, as seen in the bathroom and corridors. The marble is shipped from Italy where the particular landscape is rich in volcanic minerals and gaseous cavities.

The three-story elevation of the living room and overhanging transparent staircase allow the architectural complexities of the interiors to be visible from the main living areas.

“Comfort was our main consideration when sourcing furniture and accessories,” Lim said. “We’ve selected large