How This Architect Transformed a Split-Level Home Into a Serene Retreat | Hidden Moving Wall
How do you solve not one but two design challenges—integrating split levels seamlessly while merging an existing structure with a new extension? The challenges for this split level home lie in achieving harmony, where old and new blend seamlessly and every space flows with purpose.
Effective space planning has completely transformed the way the family experiences the home — from this blank canvas to this.
“I guess in essence, to actually say the concept of the house is, in terms of the architectural sense, is the connectivity or the binding of the spaces together. So, the spaces all relate to each other in terms of views, light, and also spaciousness,” shared the architect, Fabian Tan from Fabian Tan Architects.
My name is Alex Lee and I am from Design Seed. Today, we take you inside a stunning minimalist home by Fabian Tan Architect, where a cramped split level layout is transformed. Here, architecture celebrates fluidity, where every space feels connected.
The house enters directly into a foyer space, acting as a quiet pause before revealing the home. A private workspace is tucked away on one side, overlooking the front garden—creating a sanctuary for focus away from the busier areas of the home.
A huge benefit of split level homes is they offer privacy and efficient use of space by creating distinct zones in the home. This helps optimise functionality.
“The essence of the site or the spirit of the site is naturally split level. So there is a split level of one and a half meters from the lower ground to the upper ground. So the lower ground section, the whole front section was maintained, whereas the rear portion of the section of the house is renovated,” Fabian says.
“I think the main challenge of the house was to actually try to combine the old and the new together to seemingly be as a singular entity, to look as though it’s an entire new house.
As you can see from the entrance itself, it’s on an angle and that portion wasn’t even changed. So we maintained most portions of the house. Even the staircase position wasn’t changed. It was just reedited, opened up.”
“The back portion of the house—I mean, the clients wanted to have a double volume space. So we create this double volume space on the rear portion of the house. But there is a building behind that’s quite close to the house. So we wanted to maintain that privacy, but also to have a very open concept.”
“So the strategy was to open up the lower ends of the living spaces to open to the back into a koi pond and an elevated planter and rock garden, which is to shield the privacy but also to create a very lush enclave at the rear.”
“Also, from the elevated planter, there’s a coping that hides the waterfall feature that trickles into the koi pond. And also this coping transitions into a seating area towards the deck area at the back that is connected to the kitchen.”
One of the main advantages of a split level home is the ability to embrace the landscape of various levels, offering unique views. A unique aspect of this double volume living area is the set of unique pivoting doors along the wall. A small slit allows sunlight to peek in, creating curiosity around its function.
These pivoting doors, designed by the architect Fabian Tan, can be angled open in different configurations to maximize ventilation and light—making the most of the home’s connection to its surroundings.
Different landscapes are intentionally crafted. On one side, a vertical opening frames the sky and the front garden. On the other is a horizontal landscape of a calm koi pond. As the upper view looked directly towards a neighbor’s house, the pivoting doors were added to maintain privacy.
Many split level homes have closed off spaces which can create a cramped and segmented interior. By combining the living and dining area in an open floor plan, this enhances the flow that creates a welcoming space.
“The clients wanted something that’s very simple and easy to use in terms of the kitchen. So what we created is this island marble top that’s open up to the dining room. But I guess in terms of practicality, it’s a single volume where bedrooms on the corridor are above it. The island top is cladded with a Carrara marble, while the timber tones of the cabinet exudes a kind of warm hue to the space. So you have the warm and the cold elements that balance each other out.”
When designing a split level home, prioritize natural light by including large windows and open layouts. Use open staircases to enhance the sense of flow and elegance. A useful space planning tip is to think about how each space will function and flow into the next. In this home, the living area flows into a dedicated lounge on the side, extending the social possibilities of the space.
“Part of the features and the material of the kitchens have been brought over to match the bar lounge area where you can prepare drinks. And we also found an opportunity to fuse the old elements, which is the angled wall, together with the new elements to form kind of like openings in mid landings.”
The lounge overlooks a lush green view—perfect for entertaining guests, yet equally inviting when you just want to unwind privately.
“The actual marble shelf above the countertop, like, fuses into a floor at the mid landing of the staircase. This also brings light into the staircase. So it’s kind of like the parts of the architectural furniture and the elements of the architecture fuse together, you know.”
On the first floor, an open study overlooks the living area. Keeping spaces open reinforces the visual and spatial connection between the different levels of the house. It also maximizes the natural light streaming into the spaces.
That was the original portion of the house. So we’ve opened up the family room on to overlook into the living spaces. And also on one side of the family room is to overlook into the double volume deck. In essence, there is—you can see—where that connectivity happens, you know, between the spaces.
To maintain the home’s minimalist aesthetic, the bedrooms are designed with a focus on function and tranquility. Transitioning to wood flooring for the first floor adds warmth and distinguishes the private spaces from the more open communal areas below.
This simple bathroom design is an example of how space planning can elevate a space. If you want to include a freestanding bathtub in your bathroom, make it a focal point by placing it centrally or near a feature window. This creates a luxurious feel.
But don’t forget—always ensure there’s enough clearance around the bathtub for easy movement and cleaning. Investing in thoughtful space planning creates a functional, comforting bathroom.
“When you walk into the walk-in wardrobe, you will notice there’s a slit on top of the built-in cabinets that bring in some light into the bathroom area.”
“Architecture sometimes is not just one singular element or one singular feature. It’s a series of things that relate to each other—objects, dynamic relationships like humans, or it can be beings or it can be animals or it can be pets or it can be nature—and this all relates to each other in one harmonious symbiosis we call architecture. I guess every detail is intentional towards creating a serene retreat within the home.”
By carefully integrating the relationship between spaces, Fabian Tan has created a sanctuary that is both functional and poetic—a home where light and architecture work in perfect harmony.
If you enjoyed this article, don’t miss this Zen family home designed for serene living by Nu Infinity!
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