A family home defined by its giant roof

Tucked within Singapore’s eastern neighbourhoods, this reconstructed intermediate terrace house presents a quietly striking profile. Defined by a dramatically extended roof and an inward-looking courtyard, the home reinterprets the terrace typology to create a light-filled sanctuary for a growing family. The project, aptly named Giant Roof House, expands the original 2,493-square-foot dwelling to approximately 3,112 square feet, transforming it into a three-storey residence shaped around shared family routines.

Purchased in its untouched state, the house still retained dated electrical fittings that had likely remained since the 1970s. After spending four years in a rented home, the owners decided to transform the property into their long-term residence. With three children and a desire to remain close to their school in the east, the renovation became an opportunity to reconfigure the house into a space that could grow with the family over time.

Rather than demolishing the structure entirely, design team helmed by Lee Hui Lian (OMG Atelier) and Torrance Goh (FARM) retained much of the original framework. The first- and second-storey slabs were largely preserved, allowing the reconstruction to build upon the existing architectural bones. At the front, the house was extended forward by six metres and built up to three storeys, creating additional living space.

Central to the redesign is an internal courtyard, a feature that anchors the spatial experience of the home. The dining room, powder room and bedrooms above all open onto this planted void, allowing daylight and greenery to filter through multiple levels of the house. On the second storey, the courtyard also connects to a family lounge and shared study, encouraging interaction and communal living. 

Despite the addition of an extra floor, the house was designed to feel modest and intimate. This effect begins at the entrance. “The house is designed to feel like a humble single-storey dwelling,” explain Lee Hui Lian and Torrance Goh. “As such, the car porch roof extends quite low, accentuating the intimate experience of moving through the garden before entering the living room.”

Above, the defining architectural gesture reveals itself in the form of the oversized roof that gives the house its name. The broad canopy acts as a protective layer against the intense western sun that faces the front of the property. Beyond shading, the roof also functions as a secondary environmental skin, shielding the interior verandah and allowing windows to remain open even during rain.

The home’s spatial planning reflects the rhythms of family life. Communal areas such as the living room, dining space and second-storey family area provide places for daily gathering, while the top floor houses a private master suite that offers a quiet retreat from the activity below. “Lying in bed and looking out to the sky is always a favourite,” says homeowner Selene, describing the master bedroom.

Greenery plays a central role in the experience of the house. The courtyard and surrounding gardens introduce moments of calm throughout the interior. A planter-lined balcony outside the master bedroom offers views of greenery and open sky, providing a tranquil outlook that softens the pace of everyday life. 

Material choices throughout the house are restrained and practical. Microcement flooring in the living and dining areas establishes a continuous, understated base, while tiles from Hafary and Rice Fields are used across the kitchen, balconies and bathrooms. Bedrooms on the upper levels are finished with vinyl flooring, bringing warmth and durability into these private spaces. 

Subtle gestures of reuse add character and continuity to the design. Existing door and window grilles were salvaged and repurposed as boundary fencing and decorative filters for the skylight. Original gates were retained, while the stone lions that once stood on the gate pillars now appear playfully within the garden landscape. 

The house demonstrates how thoughtful reconstruction can transform a dated terrace property into a contemporary family home. Beneath its expansive roof, the dwelling offers shade, greenery and light, creating a setting where everyday moments of family life can unfold naturally. “Just the other day, I remarked to the husband that when I get home from work each day, I feel grateful to be living in this beautiful space we call home,” says Selene. “Our kids grow up so fast and I do hope that when they are older and have their own circle of friends, they will want to have their friends hang out at our home too.”

OMG Atelier
www.omga.sg

FARM
www.farm.sg

Photography by Ong Chan Hao

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