Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: An Architecture of Gaps and Fragments Forms This Home
Far from its original flat and non-descript look, this dwelling presents a more engaging solution to livable spaces
“[House] #5 was a study in the making of tropical living spaces, in a dense urban environment, that is at once open (engaging with the environment) yet private (away from the prying eyes of its immediate neighbours which are no more than a few metres away),” says William Ng, principal architect of Studio Wills + Architects.
In order to accommodate a three-metre-wide lap pool along the side garden, the structure had to be pushed back by an additional one metre beyond the two-metre setback line. It was considered undesirable because it would result in a reduced building footprint, says Ng. To resolve this, the upper levels were shifted to the original two-metre setback line, to maximise the buildable areas.
The one-metre shift was also adopted in the section and elevation. This created multiple gaps between walls and roof planes, to boost light and ventilation. “Roof planes were tilted away from the western sun, sheltering the interior spaces from the tropical heat, to receive the rising morning sun and look to the distance, while escaping the prying eyes of the immediate neighbours,” says Ng.
Furthermore, alternating shades of grey were chosen for the exterior. Dark grey was used to minimise the glare of sun on its neighbours, while light grey enhanced the spatial layering through the house.
Furthermore, alternating shades of grey were chosen for the exterior. Dark grey was used to minimise the glare of sun on its neighbours, while light grey enhanced the spatial layering through the house.
Past the car porch and the entry patio is the living area. Bordered by glass sliding doors to the lap pool on one side and a glass partition by the patio, this area is a serene setting that receives plenty of natural light. A long sectional sofa anchored by a cushy area rug makes for an elegant yet laidback setting, whether for spending quality time as a family, or for entertaining friends.
Sofa: B&B Italia by Space Furniture; coffee table: Inhabitant
Sofa: B&B Italia by Space Furniture; coffee table: Inhabitant
The lift lobby and staircase serve as partial division on the first level. An art niche was created with a unique wall covering made of mica (mineral) and glass beads.
Lift: Meyer Engineering; wall covering: Goodrich Global
Lift: Meyer Engineering; wall covering: Goodrich Global
The streamlined design is further emphasised in the open-concept dining-kitchen area. As in the living area, this space is lined with laminate panelling with 2-millimetre grooves at 300-millimetre intervals. A neutral colour scheme also plays up the spaciousness.
Sliding doors that hide away within a pocket in the wall create an open connection to the side garden.
Kitchen island: Caesarstone; appliances: Liebherr, Fhiaba, Miele, and Bosch
Sliding doors that hide away within a pocket in the wall create an open connection to the side garden.
Kitchen island: Caesarstone; appliances: Liebherr, Fhiaba, Miele, and Bosch
Heading up through the dark open-riser staircase is a treat in itself, as the calming water feature beckons beneath it.
The master suite occupies about a third of the upper level. “Gaps in between solid gable end walls, facing its immediate neighbours, ensure privacy,” says Ng.
Nestled in the centre of the house is the double-volume indoor terrace, which is the “heart” of the private zone on the second and attic levels. The artificial grass creates a refreshing contrast against the subdued palette. Motorised roller blinds maintain privacy, with the distinct shadows cast by the light enhance the meditative atmosphere in this room.
Daybed: OHMM
Daybed: OHMM
“The bathroom’s design reflects the concept of layering – light-coloured materials for one zone and dark-coloured materials for the shower cubicle, with daylight from a gap enlivening the end wall,” says Ng.
Tiles: Rice Fields; sanitaryware: Toto from W Atelier
Tiles: Rice Fields; sanitaryware: Toto from W Atelier
The second clerestory window filters light into the stairwell. On the attic level is the family/entertainment room, which is a study in warm woods and greys. Beyond it is the outdoor terrace, where the family enjoys a commanding view of the neighbourhood.
An all-white kitchenette adds practical function to the entertainment room. Sunlight from the first clerestory window also illuminates this space.
A bridge links the family room and the dance studio. To the left is the double-volume gallery, bathed in natural light, and to the right is the indoor terrace below.
The dance studio, illuminated by the third clerestory window, was created for the two teenage daughters, who dance ballet.
Notice how the gaps and glass windows create a difference in mood between day and night. “The opacity of the house, perceived in the day, belies the transparency of the house as the sun sets,” says Ng.
Notice how the gaps and glass windows create a difference in mood between day and night. “The opacity of the house, perceived in the day, belies the transparency of the house as the sun sets,” says Ng.
At night, light from the interior peeks through the gaps, illuminating the outdoor areas. It clearly affirms the efficient fragmentation of the spaces, and highlights the modern minimalist style that effectively envelops this home in a tranquil ambience.
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What do you find most striking about this home? Share in the Comments below.
What do you find most striking about this home? Share in the Comments below.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of four
Location: Frankel Avenue
Size: Land: 359 square metres (3,866 square feet), GFA: 490 square metres (5,274 square feet)
Project duration: 16 months
Ng and co-designer Wu Shan Yat responded to the clients’ brief of maximising the permissible building volume for this semi-detached house, emphasising practical space planning to create standard communal spaces, a lap pool, and six rooms. Since the house had the potential of being oversized for a family of four, they adopted a “strategy of fragmentation”, that is, breaking up the large volume into “comprehensible parts”.