Layered living in a multigenerational house

Set along Cheow Keng Road in the east, this corner terrace house by Create Architecture has been reimagined as a light-filled multigenerational home that balances openness with privacy. Known as Fan House, the project transforms a once dark and inward-looking residence into a layered living space that supports the evolving needs of an extended family. Completed over two and a half years, the home demonstrates how adaptive reuse can extend the life of an existing structure while introducing a contemporary spatial experience. 

“The home is envisioned as a place for family bonding and daily interaction, with a strong emphasis on wellness and shared living,” says the firm’s principal architect Xu Naiyan. “In this project, we had to create a multigenerational home that accommodates different generations under one roof while maintaining individuality and privacy for each member, alongside open, light-filled communal spaces for interaction.”

Rather than starting from scratch, the design retains the original first and second storey structural slabs, allowing the new architecture to build upon its existing framework. This decision anchors the project in its original footprint while enabling vertical expansion. New volumes are layered above, increasing the home to five levels and accommodating nine bedrooms, along with a variety of shared and private spaces. The result is a house that feels both grounded and expansive, shaped by continuity rather than replacement. 

The original house was constrained by its inward-facing layout, with limited access to daylight and natural ventilation. In response, the reconfiguration introduces a series of spatial interventions that bring light and ventilation deep into the interior. These gestures transform the once enclosed interior into an environment that feels open, breathable, and interconnected. 

Naiyan outlines the spatial strategy behind the reconfiguration: “Double height communal spaces, a central courtyard and a mezzanine create openness and visual connectivity, while private rooms are arranged on upper levels to support rest and privacy.”

At the ground level, the design accommodates both independence and shared living. A self-contained apartment provides a private space for the grandparents, while a communal lounge with a bar counter creates an informal setting for interaction. Adjacent to this, a secluded outdoor jacuzzi is tucked within high walls and greenery, offering a quiet retreat that contrasts with the density of the surrounding neighbourhood. 

The second storey forms the social heart of the home. Here, a generous double-height living and dining space unfolds, anchored by a dry kitchen and a large circular dining table designed for family gatherings. The space extends visually into the central courtyard, where greenery softens the architectural edges and reinforces a connection to nature. Above, a mezzanine level overlooks the living area, maintaining a sense of continuity while providing quieter zones for rest and reflection. 

A restrained modern tropical palette combines marble, travertine, timber, and subtle gold accents, layered with integrated greenery to create a tactile and calming environment. A backlit glass block wall introduces a distinctive moment within the interior, acting as both a divider and a luminous feature that diffuses light while revealing warm-toned shelving behind. 

Private spaces are arranged across the upper levels, ensuring each family member has a sense of retreat within the larger household. The attic master suite is conceived as a sanctuary, complete with a lounge area, a reading corner, and a spa-like bathroom. Here, a bathtub positioned beneath the open sky introduces an outdoor bathing experience, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior. 

By working within the constraints of the existing structure while introducing new spatial layers, Fan House sets out a clear strategy for multigenerational living. Light and privacy, openness and enclosure are calibrated against one another, resulting in a home that adapts to different needs while maintaining a strong sense of connection.

Create Architecture
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