When the homeowner of this 5,263 property approached STUDIO WILLS + Architects to design a home for the family of four, the key requirement set forth was to find a way to maximise the permissible building volume of the land stipulated by planning requirements. While this made absolute sense when living in land-scarce Singapore, it also meant that the design team (comprising William Ng and Wu Shan Yat) faced the challenge of creating a home that didn’t just look like a big ugly box.
At the same time, the family also asked for a 3-metre wide lap pool to be created on one side of the home. While this took up space on the ground level, the design team decided to extend the upper floors outwards so that they could still carve out more space above the pool. These extensions also allowed the design team to create more openings to allow for ventilation and light to fill the interiors.
The thoughtful design team was also concerned that the expansive space might be too overwhelming for the small family of four, so in order to prevent the interiors from feeling too cold and empty, the team proposed a concept to fragmentise the spaces. This created various layers and elevations in the building, forming the look of a wave-like silhouette. The tilted roof planes also help to block out the heat of the afternoon sun, while allowing light to enter the interiors.
The light streaming in from the windows along the tilted roof planes help to brighten up family areas below, such as this space in the attic.
To add warmth to the spacious home, the design team also utilised a black and white colour theme.
Black accent walls help to bring the living and dining spaces together, while the open-riser staircase creates the impression of a luxe and sophisticated space.
The pool is connected to the home’s interior and blends seamlessly into overall design of the house.
Aside from the indoor family areas on the top floor, there is also an outdoor roof terrace offering spectacular views of the neighbourhood.
A motorised blind ensures that the area can be closed off from prying eyes of the neighbours when necessary.
The dance studio provides a professional space where the family can indulge in their favourite pasttime.
Thanks to the unique fragmentation of the spaces, there are plenty of window openings allowing natural light to stream in during the day and glimpses of the sky in the evenings.
At night, the indoor lighting shines through the gaps in the layers, creating a mesmerising effect along the façade.
A floor-to-ceiling sliding door, which can be concealed within a pocket, helps to close off and open up the dining area.
By keeping the colour palette simple and unintrusive, focus is kept on the outstanding architecture.
Coated in dark colours, the home’s exterior stands out prominently from its neighbours.
Photos Beton Brut