A 10,000 sq ft bungalow for a family of three, with a simple mission: to be well-shaded, well-ventilated and have a swimming pool. That was the brief given to Timur Designs for this house on Branksome Road, by a client who loves to swim. In their design, the architects chose not to fuss on the ostentatious, but to focus on meeting the client’s needs with a clear, straightforward, yet stylish approach.

Besides requesting for the property to be well-ventilated, the client also wished to keep the house open even when it rains. The architects at Timur Designs thus achieved this masterly by extending the upper floor beyond the space occupied by ground floor.

This overhang made for an effective shade and shelter, while concealed sliding doors gave the option to keep things open and airy.

Movable louvres also allowed for ventilation and shelter, instead of the conventional wall – allowing the house to “breathe” through its “skin”.

To further accent the open design concept, the living room and outdoor dining are intentionally made more spacious.

Yet, a fine balance needs to be struck to uphold the sanctity of a home’s sense of intimacy. If overdone, the design may appear insipid – an extreme that Timur did not want to, and did not, explore.

A 25m swimming pool accompanies the house to allow for water activities – be it family bonding or a leisurely swim for their avid swimmer of a client.

A simple exterior also allowed more emphasis to be placed upon the interior. Self-designed furniture, rugs and artwork provide that touch of finesse while solid teak wood, used throughout the house, resonates with homeliness and warmth.