A terrace house brought together by light

This four-storey terrace house shows how carefully considered spatial planning can support both connection and retreat within a multigenerational household. Home to a young couple, their twin children and extended family members, the residence was conceived by LA Design as a warm, enduring family home that feels refined and luxurious without losing sight of comfort and practicality.

Spanning four levels including the attic, the home occupies a long and narrow terrace footprint. Rather than allowing the architecture to feel disconnected, LA Design’s Suzanne Ong approached the project as a layered living environment, carefully planning each level while maintaining a cohesive architectural language throughout. 

The homeowners wanted a home that could support the many layers of family life while avoiding the formality often associated with large landed residences. Frequent hosting, children’s play, quiet moments of retreat and everyday routines all needed to sit comfortably together. Equally important was the desire for interiors that felt timeless rather than trend-driven, with an emphasis on quality materials, integrated functionality and thoughtful detailing. 

“Rather than seeking a home that felt purely decorative, the owners wanted a residence that reflected the way their family truly lives,” says Suzanne.

One of the most significant architectural interventions is the introduction of a dramatic vertical airwell. Extending from the attic all the way down to the dining area on the first floor, the feature transforms what could have been a series of compartmentalised levels into a connected spatial experience. Natural light filters through the volume, introducing a sense of openness and height rarely found in terrace houses.

“The key challenge was to prevent the house from feeling narrow, segmented, or disconnected across its multiple levels,” comments Suzanne. “Instead, the design sought to introduce a stronger sense of openness, continuity, and arrival within the existing proportions of the site.”

The first level serves as the social heart of the residence. The living room, dining area, dry kitchen, hosting pantry, staircase and lift lobby flow together as a continuous sequence. Sightlines extend through the spaces, reinforcing a sense of connection while allowing the home to function effortlessly during gatherings and celebrations. Practical elements such as storage rooms, helper’s areas and service functions are carefully concealed within continuous wall treatments, preserving the calm visual language of the interiors. 

Within the living room, a travertine-inspired feature wall introduces subtle texture and warmth. Dark fluted panels frame the composition, while a reeded glass display cabinet showcases curated objects. Furnishings from Minotti, including the Connery sofa, Diagram coffee table and Vivienne lounge chair, lend a sense of quiet sophistication through their sculptural forms.

The dining area sits directly beneath the airwell and acts as the emotional centre of the home. A dramatic feature combining stone, timber detailing, metallic accents and integrated lighting rises vertically through the house. Despite its architectural presence, the space remains inviting and relaxed, supporting both everyday family meals and larger celebrations. 

Adjacent to the dining space, the dry kitchen functions less as a traditional kitchen and more as an elegant hosting pantry. Marble surfaces, warm timber cabinetry and black glass-fronted storage create a refined backdrop for entertaining, while concealing the service areas.

On the upper floors, the master suite is conceived as a private retreat, where deep neutral tones, soft lighting and brushed metallic accents create a sense of calm. A curved full-height feature subtly separates the sleeping area from an integrated study nook, while concealed access to the walk-in wardrobe allows the room to remain visually uncluttered. 

Particular attention was also given to the twins’ bedroom. Rather than relying on colourful themes that might quickly date, the room uses natural timber finishes, textured wallpaper and soft upholstery to create a subtly playful environment with a gentle, cocooning quality.

The play area is anchored by a central arched settee framed by open display shelves. Drawing on Montessori principles, the arrangement keeps selected books and toys visible and close at hand, encouraging moments of independent play and exploration.

Throughout the residence, selected materials contribute to an atmosphere that feels layered and enduring. The home demonstrates how luxury can be expressed through thoughtful planning, refined detailing and a deep understanding of how multigenerational families can co-exist and live together. 

LA Design Studio
www.ladesignstudio.com.sg
www.instagram.com/ladesignstudio.sg               

Photography by Marcus Lim

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