Universal Design For HDB Living: SkyVille @ Dawson
Three flats in the award-winning SkyVille @ Dawson demonstrate the flexibility that universal design offers
The Building & Construction Authority (BCA) recently announced winners of the BCA Universal Design Mark Award 2016, with SkyVille @ Dawson earning top marks for residential design. SkyVille @ Dawson is a Housing & Development Board project designed by WOHA. In addition to the overall site design and architecture, the development features flexible floor plans that are column- and beam-free for easy adaptation throughout the lifecycle. Window operation is also more accessible to wheelchair users.
Photo courtesy of WOHA / Patrick Bingham-Hall
He says: “For this year’s winning projects, many developers, building owners and architects have gone the extra mile in appreciating what their end-users require from the early stages of design, which is truly commendable. It would definitely be more difficult and less meaningful if friendly features are incorporated as an after-thought.”
He says: “For this year’s winning projects, many developers, building owners and architects have gone the extra mile in appreciating what their end-users require from the early stages of design, which is truly commendable. It would definitely be more difficult and less meaningful if friendly features are incorporated as an after-thought.”
From these three homes at SkyVille @ Dawson, each designed by a different interior designer according to its owners specifications, it’s easy to see from an aesthetic view the flexibility intended by WOHA.
Of course, Universal Design is more than just flexible floor plans.
Of course, Universal Design is more than just flexible floor plans.
Such friendly features as mentioned by Teo include wider galley kitchens that are wheelchair-accessible.
Wood floors, used by Space Concepts Design in the bedroom – whether they’re real wood or engineered, or laminates – are not only visually warm, but child- and elderly-friendly too.
How to future-proof your home
How to future-proof your home
Textured floor tiles help to prevent slipping – also child- and elderly-friendly.
See more of this project
See more of this project
House #2: Interiors by ProjectGuru
This flat by ProjectGuru shows off SkyVille @ Dawson’s open, flexible plan. Again, the interior designer has taken advantage of the flexibility to customise the layout and room designs.
This flat by ProjectGuru shows off SkyVille @ Dawson’s open, flexible plan. Again, the interior designer has taken advantage of the flexibility to customise the layout and room designs.
The master bedroom, for example, enjoys a platform design separating it from the walk-in wardrobe.
House #3: Interiors by Thaddeus Interior Associates
With SkyVille @ Dawson’s flexible floor plan, Thaddeus Interior Associates designed a foyer with shoe storage, eschewing a more spacious dining space.
Make an entrance with shoe storage
Make an entrance with shoe storage
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As BCA’s citation states: “SkyVille @ Dawson is a new generation public housing project that adopts UD holistically, to create an inclusive environment for residents of all ages and abilities to live comfortably and independently. The development features a wide variety of community spaces and multi-generational facilities that are seamlessly linked to each other, as well as neighbouring developments, such as the Alexandra Canal linear park. Within the units, the interior is also designed to provide residents with the flexibility to configure their homes to different lifestyle needs.”
As BCA’s citation states: “SkyVille @ Dawson is a new generation public housing project that adopts UD holistically, to create an inclusive environment for residents of all ages and abilities to live comfortably and independently. The development features a wide variety of community spaces and multi-generational facilities that are seamlessly linked to each other, as well as neighbouring developments, such as the Alexandra Canal linear park. Within the units, the interior is also designed to provide residents with the flexibility to configure their homes to different lifestyle needs.”
Photo courtesy of WOHA / Patrick Bingham-Hall
Says Dr Cheong Koon Hean, Chief Executive Officer of the Housing & Development Board: “Since 2006, HDB has been adopting the Universal Design principles in all our housing projects. This is to allow HDB residents of different abilities and ages to live comfortably and age-in-place in HDB estates.” She adds: “We are encouraged that several HDB developments have been recognised for our efforts in adopting the UD approach. We are particularly honoured that our new generation public housing project, SkyVille @ Dawson, has clinched the Platinum Award. It is an affirmation of our efforts in creating well-designed homes and inclusive living environment for all to enjoy.”
TELL US
Do you live in a house that has universal design? What do you like most about it? Share your experiences in the Comments.
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Says Dr Cheong Koon Hean, Chief Executive Officer of the Housing & Development Board: “Since 2006, HDB has been adopting the Universal Design principles in all our housing projects. This is to allow HDB residents of different abilities and ages to live comfortably and age-in-place in HDB estates.” She adds: “We are encouraged that several HDB developments have been recognised for our efforts in adopting the UD approach. We are particularly honoured that our new generation public housing project, SkyVille @ Dawson, has clinched the Platinum Award. It is an affirmation of our efforts in creating well-designed homes and inclusive living environment for all to enjoy.”
TELL US
Do you live in a house that has universal design? What do you like most about it? Share your experiences in the Comments.
MORE
How to Future-Proof Your Renovation
Future-Proof Your Bathroom Design for Your Golden Years
Photo courtesy of WOHA / Patrick Bingham-Hall