House Tour: An adaptable home design for a multi-generational family unit by Formwerkz Architects
By Young Lim -
While most westerners prefer to live apart from their parents at a certain point in their lives, it is typical in Asian cultures for extended families to want to stay together instead. For this growing family of five (two parents and three siblings), the new home they envisioned had to be able to evolve as the family expands in the future. Each family member also had their individual takes on colour preferences and lifestyle patterns, so it was crucial to create spaces where each person can find their own way to express themselves.
The homeowners turned to Formwerkz Architects to propose a solution that would encompass all their needs. What the team offered was an adaptable format comprising two blocks separated by a pool on the ground floor and connected with living areas above it.
There is a two-storey block, designed for the parents of the family, as well as a three-storey block dedicated to the main living spaces as well as the bedrooms of the other family members. Open corridors connect the rooms on the second floor of one block to the roof terrace of the opposite block.
A water feature as well as open lawn on the roof helps to add a sense of tranquility to the spaces.
On the ground floor the two blocks are separated by a pool and a green wall, this offers privacy to the family members as well as create an inviting outdoor area.
Louvered screens cover the façade of the three-storey block, allowing light to pass through while still providing ample privacy in the rooms.
The connecting room above the pool is decked in screed concrete walls, evoking a chic industrial feel to the modern space.
In the evenings, the living spaces come alive with the family members gathering around the ground floor.
The raw industrial look of the walls and ceiling contrasts interestingly with the warm wood cladding.
An undulating landscaping design on the roof terrance adds personality to the stylish home.
Photos courtesy of Formwerkz Architects.