The Sail House was dreamt up as part of a larger vision, where the client decided to build 7 unique houses by 7 architects on a large plot of land.
All spaces within the house were carved out around the big existing Tembusu tree, to create views, as well as transitional spaces that revolved around nature. The cantilevered infinity pool gently arches over earth mounds, creating a private yet inviting entrance foyer.
A thin roof floats over the balcony to the master suite.
Designing two identical homes on a tight plot, we designed the living spaces around a lush central courtyard as a focal point of each house. To maximize views into the valley below and the stronger breezes at the roof level, we raised the whole pool and entertainment area up to the sky. Sliding pocket windows and doors were designed to seamlessly integrate the internal spaces with the nature beyond.
Completed in 2005, our main endeavour was to create a residence open to the landscape with a seamless integration between ‘inside’ and ‘outside’. Covered verandah spaces and green roof terraces overlooking the pool and garden were conceived as entertainment and relaxation zones to fully exploit the pleasure of living in the tropics. We made a concerted effort to make the house “human” both in scale and usage, with house form and detailing shaped around the owners’ anticipated activities over the years.
