A contemporary re-interpretation of the traditional courtyard bungalow, the living spaces and circulation were designed around a central landscaped courtyard at verandahs and roof gardens with wonderful views of the jungle beyond. We aimed at keeping the plan and spaces as open as possible to integrate the built spaces with nature.
In this large private residence, we attempted to induce a human scale by stratifying the landscape into two levels. While, gardens raised to the second storey impact lush views to the adjoining bedroom spaces, landscaped courtyards at the first storey level provide light, greenery and ventilation. A swimming pool is at the heart of the formal and informal entertainment spaces and can even be viewed from the basement theatre through a dramatic underwater window.
The L shape plan house was based on the concept of permeability. This was achieved by designing a sequence of open air rooms and gardens that maximized the transparency and encouraged natural ventilation. This is also seen at the entrance where there is an open water courtyard which acts as a cooling element for the building. The use of a split rattan wall along the corridor along the upper floor allows air to pass through as well as acting as a library and a gallery for the inhabitants.
Sun House is a project which demonstrates how architecture immerses itself into nature. Situated onto an irregular landscape, the building took on the design of an L shape. With the project designed in this manner, this allowed the building to make use of the vast green landscape surrounding the house making the focal point the pond and the luscious greenery. We were able to create an open courtyard which was private but still with a feeling of openness with good views and airflow. The use of ponds and a pool act as cooling elements for the building.
The house is laid out around a central water court that forms the focal point of the project. Lushly planted roof gardens surround this and add to the effect that nature is evident in every part of the house.
This project also demonstrates how technology, planning and design can be applied sensitively to generate a comfortable, luxurious, yet sustainable family home.
Our main endeavour was to create a residence with seamless integration of the surrounding nature and therefore water had to play a key role in achieving that. Â
This project was awarded an ‘Honourable Mention’ in the 2010 Singapore Institute of Architects Design awards.
Set in a gently forested neighbourhood, the L-plan of the two-storey living pavilion is mirrored by an L-shaped shelf of roof gardens that both frame and shelter a shallow water courtyard dotted with tree-filled islands. The courtyard is wrapped by a raised swimming pool contained within a transparent acrylic lip and a swathe of lawn that slopes gently away from the house. As with the Rebecca House, an elliptical skylight is cut through the roof gardens so that the sun and rain can nurture the frangipani planted in the island below. Each of the indoor/outdoor rooms and spaces is refreshed and reinvigorated by the cooling breezes that blow across the pools and water gardens.
