House Tour: Two-storey bunker-like home in Sunset Way is an exercise in industrial-style conservation by Ipli Architects
By Young Lim -
What happens when you need more space in your home but you can’t bear to tear it down and build it back up from scratch? That was the dilemma faced by this homeowner, who was in love with the structure and ‘bones’ of the existing structure on the property.
The timber beams, red bricks and wooden flooring were all in excellent condition and it compelled the homeowner to retain these elements while creating extensions around the original building, which was built in the sixties, to make the home larger.
When the homeowner approached the team at Ipli Architects for a solution, the firm proposed a bold move to wrap the existing structure with new walls made of board-stamped reinforced concrete. The new façade would be cast in cement while offering the grainy look of wood.
Hidden within the grey-coloured textured cement walls are glimpses of the red-bricked foundations of the original building. This coming together of the past and present creates an interesting contrast both in materials and styles.
Through the use of natural details and texture, the architect also ensured that all the attention is on the home itself instead of the accessories or furniture.
Beyond the verandah on the upper floor lies a bed of tall lalang grass, which shields the rooms from view of outsiders. The large openings and oversized windows are in line with the architect firm's signature style, which is to create natural cross-ventilation within the home in place of relying on air-conditioning.
The various floors of the home are positioned around a central stairway. Warm wood panelling stand out from the neutral colour palette.
While the architect admits that this raw and industrial look may not be suitable for all families, this treatment allows the building to age beautifully over time and merge with the surrounding landscape and vegetation.
The large sliding doors help to compartmentalise the spaces when necessary, but can also be left open to allow the spaces to merge.
The original brick fence surrounding the property was also maintained, providing a clue to the property's history and heritage.
Architect Yip Yuen Hong/ Ipli Architects. Photos Jeremy San.