A remarkable Good Class Bungalow in Singapore has captured attention for its masterful use of contrasting design elements that create a hidden sanctuary above the treetops. The striking residence, designed by Wallflower Architects in collaboration with interior design studio Massoneong and landscape architecture firm Salad Dressing, was created for a car enthusiast and showcases how opposing architectural elements can work together to enhance the tropical living experience.
The home, aptly named "House Above the Trees," presents visitors with a series of dramatic contrasts that define its character. According to Robin Tan, founder of Wallflower Architects, the design explores dualities of shade versus light, circular motifs versus orthogonal volumes, and intimate corners versus expansive spaces. These contrasting encounters allow both inhabitants and guests to fully experience what it means to dwell in the tropics, creating an environment where different atmospheres coexist harmoniously.
Situated on elevated ground, the residence serves as home to a family of five and maintains an air of mystery from street level. A lush landscaped curtain fronts the street, effectively hiding the building's true scale and sensual nature from passersby. Tan describes the design approach as creating "a secret slowly unveiling," where the initial impression gives way to unexpected discoveries as one moves through the space.
From the exterior, the Good Class Bungalow appears as a quiet stronghold, protected by stone walls and dense vegetation that create a sense of privacy and seclusion. However, this understated street presence belies the architectural drama that unfolds within. The design team intentionally created this contrast between the reserved exterior and the dynamic interior spaces, establishing a clear separation between the public and private realms.
Once inside, the architecture transforms into a sanctuary where natural elements play starring roles in the design narrative. Light pours dramatically into subterranean chambers, creating plays of shadow and illumination throughout the day. Water features and carefully positioned trees animate cavern-like spaces, bringing the tropical landscape indoors and blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior environments.
One of the most striking architectural features is a floating travertine form that rests elegantly on slender columns, demonstrating the designers' skill in creating visual lightness despite the substantial scale of the structure. This element exemplifies the home's overall design philosophy of achieving balance through contrast, where heavy materials are made to appear weightless through clever engineering and positioning.
Aerial views of the property reveal the careful orchestration of landscaped courtyards and the sophisticated balance between solid architectural planes and porous timber screens. The design successfully realizes its namesake concept, with the structure truly appearing to float above the lush tropical greenery that surrounds and supports it. The timber screens not only provide privacy and climate control but also create ever-changing patterns of light and shadow throughout the interior spaces.
The project stands as a testament to thoughtful tropical architecture that celebrates rather than fights against its environment. Through its masterful use of contrasts and careful integration with the landscape, the House Above the Trees demonstrates how contemporary design can create a true sanctuary that honors both the natural setting and the needs of modern family life.
