![A modern house with plenty of greenery and water features that help keep the home cool.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/modern-house-with-plants-121223-149-01.jpg)
Guz Architects has shared photos of a modern home they designed in Singapore, that was conceived as a multigenerational family house arranged around a large garden and an old rain tree which was protected and preserved.
![A modern house with plenty of greenery and water features that help keep the home cool.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/modern-house-with-plants-121223-149-02.jpg)
The architects included passive cooling measures, which were integrated into the design of the house with large overhanging roofs to protect from sun and rain in Singapore’s hot humid climate.
![A modern house with plenty of greenery and water features that help keep the home cool.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/modern-house-with-plants-121223-149-03.jpg)
Ponds and pools were also integrated into the design as were roof gardens, all to help passively cool the house.
![A modern house with plenty of greenery and water features that help keep the home cool.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/modern-house-with-plants-121223-149-04.jpg)
Cross ventilation and the main circulation areas have been left unglazed so that the gentle breezes can drift through the house and prevent the build-up of heat.
![A modern house with plenty of greenery and water features that help keep the home cool.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/modern-house-with-plants-121223-149-05.jpg)
The very large roof overhangs offer a practical solution to keeping the driving rain out, as well as the early morning, and late afternoon sun.
![A modern house with plenty of greenery and water features that help keep the home cool.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/modern-house-with-plants-121223-149-06.jpg)
Inside the home, warm earthy materials were used to make the house feel more homely.
![A modern house with plenty of greenery and water features that help keep the home cool.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/modern-house-with-plants-spiral-stairs-121223-149-07.jpg)
The water features are also present on the home’s upper floor, while the large expansive roof is covered with solar panels that largely power the house during the day.
![A modern house with plenty of greenery and water features that help keep the home cool.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/modern-house-with-plants-121223-149-08.jpg)