We are pleased to bring you a modern urban home remodel project in Singapore by design firm ONG&ONG.

The last in a row of conservation houses on Blair Road in Singapore, number 59 sits on an irregularly wide, trapezium-shaped site. The original house had a central courtyard, offering the possibility of creating a unique space within. The result is a lush swimming pool and garden space overlooked by bedrooms upstairs and a lower living room through floor to ceiling glass.

The second level balcony continues the unifying theme of light and shade. Wooden louvers shield the bedrooms and can be opened or closed completely. When closed, they provide privacy while allowing some light; when open, they allow an unobstructed view of the pool deck and garden below.

The pool deck is a unique creation, made of three individually mobile wooden slabs. Each is controlled independently by a motorized pulley and winch system. This gives freedom of opening or closing any combination of the three at once.

With the pool completely covered and all sliding doors open, the internal and external spaces merge, creating a lush, ideal space for entertaining.

Entering the home over this black tile floor, through rich wood shades we see the inner courtyard pool area, with main living room on right behind full height glass panels.

Living room sits in an open space shared with dining area, with natural wood framed glass patio entry at left. Black sofa and pair of camel toned chairs sit on a thick area rug over hardwood flooring, with metal and black wood coffee table at center.

Glancing outward toward the patio space, we see the pool revealed, with all 3 of the hinged metal and hardwood lids retracted upwards.

The living room is surrounded by a raised wood platform concealing storage, and acting as a landing for the metal and glass staircase with floating natural wood steps.

The cozy, minimalist kitchen space is defined by the contrast between black tile flooring and white countertops. Island features dining space over a pair of metal and good stools, while the patio with circular wicker seating is seen through sliding glass panel.

This cozy sitting area on the upper floor stands beside another set of sliding glass and wood panels, with contemporary chairs facing over a familiar black square coffee table. Upward facing wall sconces hang below natural wood exposed beams.

Bedroom in all white with dark hardwood flooring features a pair of natural wood shelves built into the wall, with windows opening onto the covered patio hall in green.

The enclosed patio features an intricately patterned tile floor and exposed beam ceiling, with arched openings facing the front lawn. Rooms on this side of the home feature two-panel windows and doors opening directly onto the patio.

Concrete tile patio overlooks the pool and hardwood surround leading into the living room. Small garden is seen at the far end, near the front entrance, while wooden louvers are seen above, shading the bedrooms.

Viewed from the opposite end, we see the three immense metal and hardwood pool cover panels in the raised position, with bamboo copse standing atop brick exterior wall.

Seen in the closed position, the pool deck creates a raised hardwood platform, extending the courtyard’s livable space.

The exterior of the home on this side features a mixture of natural wood and white throughout, with the upper level louvers and lower level glass panels creating a warming contrast.

Primary bath is awash in white marble walls over rich, dark hardwood flooring. Pedestal tub at right stands across from black floating vanity with a pair of vessel sinks. Glass door shower stands next to shaded white frame window.

The pedestal tub stands next to window and door opening onto the upper level enclosed patio space.

At night, we see the inner courtyard illuminated by bi-directional sconces between the exterior glass panels, plus a row of candles placed next to the pool. The seating area at far end appears to “float” upon the water.