Former architecture firm colleagues Candace Teo, Chen Kian Khiong, and Wong Ker How reunited to design a warm, inviting home in Singapore. Their friendship and shared design sensibilities crafted a house built for living and family gatherings rather than mere display.
- A friendly collaboration transformed design challenges into a joyful process.
- Natural materials and light prioritize comfort and timelessness.
- Indoor and outdoor spaces blend to emphasize family life and gatherings.
What happened
Years after working together at a leading architecture firm, three former colleagues—Candace Teo, Chen Kian Khiong, and Wong Ker How—came together to design a home in Singapore’s Bukit Timah district. Leveraging their easy rapport and complementary expertise, Chen focused on architecture while Wong handled interiors, with Candace overseeing the project as the homeowner and former manager at the firm. Their collaborative process was informal and organic, allowing the design to develop naturally during construction.
The result is a residence that balances aesthetic appeal with livability. The house features an L-shaped layout with a swimming pool positioned as a focal point, framed by floor-to-ceiling glass walls that bring the outdoors into view. Natural light floods spaces organized around a triple-volume atrium, which promotes airflow and visual openness. Materials like earth-toned stone, timber, marble, and travertine were selected for their durability and timelessness, ensuring the home will age gracefully.
Why it feels good
The house prioritizes comfort and connection above all, reflecting the homeowners’ desire for a welcoming family environment. This feeling is reinforced by the natural materials and soft earth tones that create a calming atmosphere. Bright white interiors accented with warm textures invite gatherings and casual everyday living, rather than formal display. Natural light and cross-ventilation throughout the home further enhance the sense of ease and well-being.
The design fosters an intuitive flow through interconnected rooms grouped around the central atrium. Expansive glazing and sliding doors provide seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas, giving residents the freedom to enjoy the pool and terraces. Elements like curved forms and rooftop gardens add softness and tranquility, making the home not just a shelter but a haven tailored carefully around the family’s lifestyle.
What to enjoy or watch next
Those inspired by this harmonious collaboration between architecture and interiors can explore similar projects by Freight Architects and ASOLIDPLAN. Freight Architects, co-founded by Chen Kian Khiong, has earned recognition for its thoughtful landed homes, including an award-winning design in 2025. Meanwhile, ASOLIDPLAN, founded by Wong Ker How, is known for its textured intimate spaces and marked a presence with a feature in the book Shophouses of Singapore.
For a deeper appreciation of Singapore’s architectural character, enthusiasts might enjoy following the emerging trends of blending indoor and outdoor spaces with sustainability in mind. As urban living evolves, the principles applied in this Bukit Timah house—natural light, air flow, and timeless material choices—are becoming hallmarks of homes designed for long-term comfort and community connection.