The Thoughtful Transformation of Tosca Terrace

Balancing Connection and Privacy through Thoughtful Design

The genius of this architectural design lies in its ability to meet seemingly opposite demands—openness and seclusion, transparency and shelter. The upper floors feature family spaces and a study with carefully planned visual links to the double-height living and dining areas below. This creates an uplifting sense of flow without sacrificing function or privacy. Above, strategically placed skylights usher daylight deep into the home’s interior, brightening even the ground floor while keeping sightlines staggered and intimate. For adaptability, flexible screening options—including blinds and curtains—let the family shape each space to suit their daily routines. These elements ensure that private corners and communal zones can coexist harmoniously, responding to the changing needs of family life. On the outside, the house wears a sleek, modern facade. Yet inside, the spatial arrangement offers a richness of experience—light, views, and movement choreographed with quiet sophistication.

Breathing New Life into a Cherished Home

Unlike new builds that begin from scratch, the brief for Tosca Terrace called for a more nuanced approach. The original house, home to the same family for more than two decades, carried memories too valuable to discard. Its pitched roof and compartmentalised floors were typical of its time—but these also posed challenges in meeting modern living needs. The team was tasked with retaining significant parts of the existing structure, adding new floors to maximise height and space, while carefully avoiding full demolition. This strategy not only reduced material wastage but also made the project a sustainable construction solution—a growing priority in today's environmentally conscious market. The family’s wish was clear: to transform the house into a warm, connected space that encouraged presence and interaction, but with pockets of privacy when needed. All this had to be achieved while shielding the home from the noise and visibility of the busy street it faced, and enhancing natural ventilation and daylight throughout.

Sustainable Strategies for a Changing Climate

One of the project's highlights is its blend of sustainable construction methods with smart environmental design. Rather than discarding the old in favour of the new, the house embraces adaptive reuse, integrating parts of the original structure into the rebuild. This approach reduces demolition waste and preserves the home’s unique character—a rare and responsible stance in today’s design landscape. To handle the tropical heat, the facade is fitted with operable screens—crafted from wood or aluminium—designed to reduce solar heat gain on the east and west faces. These not only shade the home but also offer a dynamic element that can be adjusted manually or electronically, depending on the sun's position or the family’s preferences.

Lush greenery also plays a part. Planters line key areas, shielding glass surfaces from harsh light while cooling the air naturally. And in a nod to local tradition, the design includes monsoon windows—clever openings tucked beneath main windows that allow fresh air to circulate even during heavy rains, maintaining ventilation without sacrificing comfort.

A Blueprint for Modern Family Living

Tosca Terrace stands as a thoughtful model for how design and build projects can deliver both modern comforts and sustainable principles. It’s a home that respects its past while preparing confidently for the future—a quiet revolution in how homes can be reconstructed, rather than replaced.

This collaboration between architects and builders shows that with careful planning, sensitivity, and technical skill, any home can be transformed into a timeless space where family life continues to flourish for decades to come.