Archifest 2016: Inside Formwerkz Architects' Ramp House
A masterfully-planned architectural element provides more running ground for an outdoor-loving family
An important decision had to be made at the very beginning of this project: whether to build a small bungalow on this plot of land or to keep to the original semi-detached typology that would offer a bigger buildable footprint. “When the client shared his dream of extending his childhood memories of running about in a garden to his two young daughters, the answer became obvious: whichever scheme that yields a maximum extent of gardens. Then came the question, how else can we have a longer stretch of external space to support two future marathon runners? The answer lies in an architectural element – the ramp, which became the driving force in developing the design of this house,” says architect Gwen Tan of Formwerkz Architects and Studio IF.
Once inside, the ramp, which wraps around three sides of the house, is revealed. It functions as roof eaves, acting as “additional sun shading layer as well as rain shield for the house, allowing the windows to be fully opened even during heavy downpours,” Tan says.
Trees are positioned along the west-facing facade, where there are large glass openings. They help block the tropical heat.
“White was chosen for this house predominantly to reflect heat away more effectively. The rest of the house is fairly monochromatic to keep the focus on the sense of space experienced around the ramp more than on the play of materials,” says Tan.
“White was chosen for this house predominantly to reflect heat away more effectively. The rest of the house is fairly monochromatic to keep the focus on the sense of space experienced around the ramp more than on the play of materials,” says Tan.
The lower part of the ramp is made from a fibreglass crate that allows for light and ventilation into the basement car porch and landscape.
To facilitate natural ventilation, special vertical sliding sash-less windows are introduced in many areas, especially in the double-volume dining area. These allow ventilation concurrently at low and high heights, while only manoeuvring them manually at the lower levels. “These windows are protected from rain by the ramp around it,” says Tan.
Large windows also permit natural light to bathe the spacious dining room, accentuating its clean palette and minimalist style. The thin metal frames of the pendant lights appear like an art installation, while the light wood tones of the dining chairs infuse just a tad of colour and warmth to the all-white space.
The bathtub in the master bath that ‘suspends’ over the ramp is screened by planters and timber blinds to provide privacy, while keeping the space well ventilated throughout the day.
“The staircase of the house intersects with the ramp on the second level, providing a passage to link the rooms,” says Tan.
The ramp trail ends on the rooftop with a 20-metre lap pool. “Typically rooftop pools are very neglected as they are often ‘disconnected’ visually to the rest of the house. Linking it directly to the garden below via a ramp helps make it a destination space, or a transitional space when the girls play catch,” explains Tan. Cleaning and maintaining the pool is also made easier, as equipment can be wheeled up without getting into the main space of the house.
Along the edge of the higher part of the ramp is a glass slot, which brings diffused daylight into the spaces below.
Along the edge of the higher part of the ramp is a glass slot, which brings diffused daylight into the spaces below.
“This house, though deceptively modern because of its lack of projected eaves, sun shading fins and balconies, is truly designed for the tropics. It seeks to offer a contemporary look to tropical architecture,” concludes Tan.
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Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of four (a couple and their two daughters) and their domestic helper
Location: King’s Road
Size: SGFA – 650.63 square meters (7,003 square feet) ; GFA – 511.38 square meters (5,504 square feet)
Project duration: 2 years
The ingenious design effectively addressed the overall brief of the clients: simple, practical and very much centred around the family. Apart from ample outdoor space and a lush yet easy to maintain garden, this three-bedroom bungalow has sufficient indoor space for art activities and dance practice, as well as plenty of natural ventilation opportunities.
From the street, the house looks like a box surrounded by verdant foliage.