GABLE END HOUSES @ LYNWOOD GROVE
Architectural + Interior Design
8 400 sq ft_02 units of Detached Bungalows
Located on a prominent corner site within an established landed residential neighbourhood, Gable End Houses is a pair of detached residences that reinterpret the familiar pitched-roof house form through a contemporary tropical architectural language.
The development comprises two detached bungalows carefully masterplanned to maximise privacy, natural ventilation and landscape integration. The architectural composition balances solid and transparent elements, pairing full-height glazed living spaces with timber-screened upper levels that provide shade, privacy and visual texture.
Responding sensitively to the surrounding streetscape, the houses are arranged to create generous outdoor living environments centred around landscaped gardens and swimming pools. The result is a residential development that combines architectural clarity, environmental responsiveness and contemporary family living.
The project was awarded the Gold Award for Residential Design at the 2013 IAI Asia Pacific Design Awards, recognising its innovative approach to tropical residential architecture.
Corner Facing Facade-The paired gable-end volumes establish a distinctive architectural identity while responding sensitively to the corner site and surrounding neighbourhood.
View Along Lynwood Grove-Timber screening, landscaped terraces and carefully articulated building forms create a cohesive streetscape presence along Lynwood Grove.
Front Elevation-Two detached residences unified by a contemporary gable-end architectural language and carefully integrated landscape setting.
ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION & CLIMATE RESPONSE
The architectural identity of the project is shaped by a contemporary interpretation of the traditional gable-end house form. Simple pitched volumes are expressed as distinct architectural elements, creating a recognisable residential character while maintaining a refined and restrained aesthetic.
A key feature of the design is the use of layered timber screening that wraps the upper levels of the houses. Beyond its visual presence, the screening functions as an environmental device that moderates solar heat gain, enhances privacy and filters natural daylight. The changing quality of light and shadow throughout the day introduces depth and richness to the building façades.
The relationship between architecture and landscape is carefully considered throughout the development. Living spaces open towards swimming pools and gardens, allowing outdoor environments to become natural extensions of the interior. This arrangement promotes cross-ventilation, strengthens the connection with nature and enhances the experience of tropical living.
The combination of sculpted building forms, environmental responsiveness and integrated landscape design creates an architectural language that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in its climatic context.
Front Deck & Pool Area-The swimming pool, timber deck and landscaped terraces form a seamless outdoor living environment connected directly to the main interior spaces.
MASTERPLANNING & FRONT ELEVATION
MU Architects masterplanned the site to accommodate two detached residences that share a common architectural language while maintaining a strong sense of individuality and privacy. Building orientation, spatial separation and landscape integration were carefully considered to maximise natural ventilation, daylight access and residential comfort.
Responding to the site's terrain, both houses are provided with basement carpark access, allowing the primary living spaces to remain elevated above street level. This strategy minimises the visual impact of vehicular functions while strengthening the connection between the architecture and the surrounding landscape.
The front elevation is defined by a contemporary interpretation of the traditional gable-end house form. Solid upper volumes are wrapped with timber screening elements that provide privacy and solar protection, while the lower levels remain open and transparent through extensive glazing. The composition balances architectural expression with environmental performance, creating a distinctive streetscape presence that remains sensitive to its residential context.
Timber Screened Gable Volume （left) - Layered timber screening provides privacy, solar protection and visual depth while defining the architectural character of the residence.
Pool Court & Landscape Connection ( right) - Living spaces open directly onto landscaped gardens and swimming pools, reinforcing the relationship between architecture and the tropical environment.
OUTDOOR LIVING & POOLSIDE EXPERIENCE
The outdoor living areas are conceived as an extension of the home's primary interior spaces, creating a seamless relationship between architecture, landscape and everyday family life. Carefully positioned terraces, timber decks and swimming pools form a continuous sequence of outdoor rooms that enhance both functionality and spatial experience.
Full-height glazing dissolves the boundary between inside and outside, allowing the living spaces to open directly onto the pool terrace and landscaped gardens. The resulting transparency strengthens visual connections across the site while maximising natural daylight and cross-ventilation throughout the home.
The swimming pool is integrated into the architectural composition rather than treated as a separate recreational element. Positioned alongside the main living spaces, it contributes to the overall sense of openness, reflecting natural light into the interior while creating a calm and refreshing environment within the residence.
Together, the pool, deck and landscaped outdoor spaces establish a contemporary tropical living environment that encourages relaxation, social interaction and a strong connection to nature.
OPEN-PLAN LIVING & SPATIAL CONTINUITY
The main living spaces are designed as open and flexible environments that foster a seamless relationship between architecture, landscape and daily living. Large sliding glass panels dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, allowing the living areas to extend naturally towards the pool terrace and surrounding gardens.
Natural light enters the home from multiple directions, creating bright and airy interiors throughout the day. The generous glazing frames views towards the landscape while enhancing visual connections across the site, reinforcing a strong sense of openness and spatial continuity.
A restrained material palette of stone flooring, timber wall finishes and carefully detailed architectural surfaces provides a calm backdrop for everyday living. The simplicity of the interior architecture allows natural light, landscape and proportion to become the defining features of the space.
The result is a contemporary living environment where interior and exterior spaces operate as a single integrated experience, encouraging interaction, relaxation and a close connection to the surrounding tropical landscape.
Main Living Space-Full-height glazing, open-plan living areas and uninterrupted views towards the pool create a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces.
PRIVATE RETREAT & UPPER LEVEL LIVING
The upper level is conceived as a quiet residential retreat, providing a sense of privacy and calm away from the more active communal spaces below. Carefully designed circulation areas are naturally illuminated through skylights and strategically positioned openings, creating bright and welcoming transitional spaces throughout the day.
Within the bedrooms, the distinctive gable roof geometry generates generous interior volumes and enhances the spatial character of each room. Large openings frame views towards the surrounding landscape while allowing natural light and ventilation to penetrate deep into the living spaces.
A restrained palette of timber flooring, white walls and simple architectural detailing reinforces the sense of warmth and serenity. Outdoor terraces and landscaped planters extend the living environment beyond the building envelope, strengthening the connection between the private spaces and nature.
Together, the upper-level spaces complete the architectural journey of the house, offering a calm and comfortable environment that balances privacy, daylight and contemporary residential living.
Upper-Level Stair & Master Bedroom 02-Natural daylight, generous openings and the expressive gable roof form create a calm and light-filled private living environment.