Project details

The conservation of 2 & 4 Sam Leong Road involved the restoration of two pre-war shophouses, addressing structural and aesthetic challenges caused by MRT tunneling-related ground settlement. This project preserved the buildings’ heritage character while ensuring their structural integrity and safety.

Foundation & Structural Works

  • Construction of a robust foundation system designed to support the residence’s seamless integration with the surrounding natural terrain.
  • Development of the structural framework using exposed raw concrete finishes, intentionally embracing surface imperfections in line with the wabi-sabi architectural philosophy.
  • Incorporation of unplastered raw brick wall elements to achieve a natural, timeless, and textural visual character.
  • Installation of a slim mesh entry gate leading to the pool deck courtyard, ensuring security while maintaining minimal visual obstruction.

Exterior & Landscape Enhancements

  • Design of a courtyard-style residence that harmonizes with the surrounding Bukit Timah forest landscape.
  • Strategic tree planting near the dining zone to provide natural shading while strengthening the indoor-outdoor spatial connection.
  • Construction of a saltwater heated swimming pool with exposed raw concrete finishing, producing a distinctive green-tinted water effect.
  • Integration of a transparent sliding roof system over the courtyard pool deck to enable controlled daylight entry and natural ventilation.
  • Installation of a durable metal roof and gate system designed to balance functional performance with architectural consistency.

Interior & Architectural Design

  • Comprehensive application of the wabi-sabi design philosophy, celebrating organic textures, handcrafted detailing, and understated beauty.
  • Preservation and honest expression of raw construction materials, avoiding artificial or machine-perfect finishing treatments.
  • Design emphasis on patience and natural evolution, allowing materials and landscape elements to mature gracefully over time.