Nestled in a quiet neighbourhood just off the busy Upper Thomson Road, 5 Gardenia Road sits snuggly in front of a small hill within the Adelphi Park Estate. Designed with the modern Singaporean family in mind, the aim for the pair of semi-detached houses was to combine both functionality and aesthetical qualities, as well as to provide an escape from the hectic urban life. 

The exterior of the house encapsulates the idea of an understated contemporary modernist language – one free of excessive ornaments, but enliven with plants within and surrounding the property. Behind its unassuming façade is a double volume living space that welcomes the occupants as they step into the house. Along with tall glass sliding doors to the side, the space appears to expand outwards, allowing the occupants to not feel oppressed even when they are indoors.

In contrast, a cosier environment awaits as one ventures upstairs. The dimensions of the spaces are tailored to a more comfortable and relatable human scale to create the “hygge” quality that people feel when they think of home. Even though it takes up the entire attic floor, the master bedroom was also envisioned in a similar way. The seamless transition between the master bath, master bedroom and the roof terrace with the use of glass adds a touch of luxury and spaciousness for the owners, while allowing the space to feel cosy at the same time.