Architects AD Lab, have sent us their latest project, a multi-storey house in Singapore.
The architect’s description:
On this site of under 1400ft2, the architects have managed to create a sensation of surprising openness and limitless space within a lush green environment, while still very comfortably accommodating all the functions of home.
Situated within the narrow streets and densely packed rows of terrace houses of Opera Estate, it is difficult to imagine that such an open and well-ventilated house could be achievable, but through clever design and the immersion of natural greenery throughout the internal and external spaces of the house, the feeling inside the home is of being in a boundless garden with a gentle constant breeze blowing through it.
To achieve this sense of spaciousness, the designers have tucked all the main service areas of the home into a part basement, leaving the ground floor as a vast open space with a central courtyard.
Within this triple volume courtyard grows a leafy ficus tree in a bubbling water feature which is bathed in a gentle light from the skylight above.
The center of the home, which is in many inter terrace houses a dark and uncomfortable space, is here transformed into a lush and pleasant internal garden.
The front and the back facades of the main 1st storey living spaces have been opened up to the maximum, using transparent roller shutters that disappear into the ceiling and allow the prevailing winds to flow through the house.
Surrounding this main living area are two external gardens at the front and back of the house.
The front garden is a quaint chill-out area that was planted on top of the car porch roof below, which creates a sensuous green backdrop to the living room.
The rear of the house is designed as a small swimming pool directly off the dining area that is nestled in front of a textural boundary wall embedded with plants and ventilation blocks.
These three main garden and courtyard spaces of the home allow the occupants to feel the movement of the natural light across the house throughout the day while shading them from it harsh impact.
Several levels of tiered opens spaces can be seen while looking above the central courtyard, each planted with trees and creeping plants that bring the eye up and diagonally through the house and enhance the long views through the various spaces and greenery to the blue skies beyond.
