A striking new semi-detached home in Singapore showcases how thoughtful architecture can transform a compact urban plot into a spacious multi-generational residence. The 7,000-square-foot property, designed by Super Assembly, was commissioned by a bachelor who requested a six-bedroom home capable of accommodating extended family members in the future.
Known as the "In-Between House," this innovative residence took approximately two years to complete and stands on land that previously housed a semi-detached home owned by the client's family for generations. The challenging brief required fitting substantial living space onto a compact rectangular plot in a neighborhood typically filled with two-story dwellings.
The architectural firm approached this challenge by creating a cleverly layered structure that unfolds through multiple volumes connected by carefully planned interstitial spaces. These in-between areas are enhanced by strategic architectural cuts that allow natural light and air to flow throughout the home, creating a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor environments.
From the street, the home presents itself as a clean-lined two-story structure clad in warm terracotta materials, maintaining harmony with the neighborhood's aesthetic while concealing the complexity within. However, an exterior view reveals the building's true nature as four distinct volumes, with the spaces between them serving as integral design elements rather than mere transitions.
One of the most striking features is a full-grown tree that takes center stage in the home's double-volume living space, emphasizing the design's commitment to bringing nature indoors. The architects incorporated pockets of greenery throughout the property that blur the traditional boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.
The design philosophy centers on celebrating what the architects call "interstitial moments" – the transitional spaces that often go unnoticed in conventional homes. These areas are activated through diagonal sight lines that encourage interaction between different levels and family members, supporting the home's intended function as a multi-generational gathering place.
Built with long-term flexibility in mind, the residence provides a spatial framework that can adapt as the owner's family circumstances change over time. The design anticipates future needs while addressing current requirements, demonstrating how forward-thinking architecture can serve evolving family dynamics in Singapore's dense urban environment.
