Since both are avid swimmers, a 21m lap pool was one of the top priorities. They worked around the issue of space by placing it at the ground level and elevating everything else – including the living room and kitchen.

Although flanked by houses on both sides, the home is bright and well-ventilated, thanks to the four-storey air well that rises above the pool.

The bathrooms were also designed as open-concept – or open to the sky – with a veil of greenery for privacy.

Chee Yong and Rebecca highlighted the structural elements by leaving the walls as exposed brick or concrete and the floors as bare concrete screed – a choice that seems perfectly at one with nature.

“It keeps the expression of the house true to its form and function,” shares Rebecca.

They also chose natural materials such as rattan and teak for their furniture.

The home offers plenty of spaces for privacy, including cosy nooks that overlook the air well and pool, as well as a library.

At the same time, there’s also plenty of room for gatherings and conversations, including the roof terrace, the family room, and, of course, the dining room with a 3m-long suar wood table at the back of the house.

And while they have plenty of light and space, fully adjustable aluminium pivot screens along the front and at the rear ensure privacy and control the amount of sunlight coming through.