A New Lifeline | Tessera House by Fabian Tan Architect

A new bloodline finds safe refuge at Tessera House, where elegant geometry, unfiltered nature and sustainable design unite to draw new lines, and colour outside of them.

Words by Monisha Sivanesan | Images courtesy of Bricksbegin

Nestled in an affluent neighbourhood in Bukit Tunku, a newly built double-story bungalow described as a singular rectangular block stands tall and proud. Fortunately for the man who led its transformation a.k.a Fabian Tan of the eponymous Fabian Tan Architect, the journey to materialising Tessera House went somewhat smoother than expected; minimal creative restrictions were placed on him and the team for it just so happens that the highly trusting client was a former schoolmate who desired his own family home. Too much artistic freedom though led to a difficulty in zooming in on one particular idea. Nevertheless, the solution was found in the relatively flat setting itself, where inspiration initially came from the large, level stretch of the property’s garden.

The wide expanse that ensued from the demolition of the original dilapidated bungalow allowed the new house to be built at the front near the street, so it could be orientated to the garden in the rear. Ergo, the extent of the garden was prioritised while still permitting ample functional space for say, five bedrooms on the first floor, a guest bedroom on the ground floor and a porch that accommodates three cars. Activating all sides of the bungalow, the designers made the most out of the enlarged space and opened it up to nature in an almost exaggerated fashion. By doing so, they satisfied the clients who emphasised the importance of utilising every space, including the outside and above. Speaking of which, this spatial activation was also achieved through intermediary elevated deck spaces that frame the periphery of the house and highlight selected architectural functions.

Overall, long lines—both horizontal and vertical—extend confidently throughout the geometric playground, allowing the resulting volumes and planes to create varying layers of depth. Consequently, the eyes are constantly drawn onward and outward, where every turn locks in on a striking visual interest. Even the framing that came into the picture, pun intended, is most discernible in particular areas like the entrance overlooking the Japanese zen garden; it’s the very same entrance that welcomes guests into the concrete-finished living spaces which face a cohesively shaped rectangular swimming pool and another garden with a mature ‘rambutan’ fruit tree. From complementary to contrasting, white terrazzo, fair-face concrete and white oak timber are just some of the thematically fitting materials found inside, imbuing a seamless effect all around.

The most game-changing feature inside is the mechanically controlled black-panelled sliding window, measuring a whopping 4×10m above the double-height living room. When closed, it creates a dark ambiance but with slivers of light filtering in through the slim openings in a cross-shaped formation. When open however, the full belt of glass ushers the exterior space indoors; it creates a stark contrast as intended—an unobstructed view that extends the spatial perception through the literal framing of nature as an artistic centrepiece. A close second would be the open staircase constructed with dramatic diagonals, blending sleekly into the first floor where the bedrooms and open study area are situated. Ascending it further will lead one to an open ‘activated’ rooftop deck suited for entertaining and enjoying the panoramic neighbourhood views.

Considering how much the home’s natural setting played a part in its simple yet impactful design, it would have been a wasted opportunity if Fabian had forgotten to instil some sustainable measures into it—luckily for the environment, he did not. The generous windows and unobstructed interior layout both assisted greatly when it came to embracing plenty of natural light and ventilation. Furthermore, lightweight concrete blocks were employed for the walls on account of their comparatively low thermal mass. Besides that, the property is the proud owner of solar electricity panels, a solar water heater and a rainwater harvesting tank. And on that note, Tessera House can be summarised as the following: like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it redefines itself with sophisticated lines, indoor-outdoor mingling and eco-friendly initiatives, serving as an ideal compound between the technical marvels of man and the organic energy of nature.

For more information, head to

Fabian Tan Architect | www.fabian-tan.com