Siglap Plain

Land area: 349sqm Built-up area: 448 sqm The unique combination of raw off-form concrete and finely crafted solid teak screens from Bali veils and protects the house from its harsh urban environment without compromising on views, natural light and ventilation. Solid boundary walls and landscaping mitigate the traffic noise from the main road while providing an intriguing visual delight to bus drivers, passengers and passersby. The grand double volume living room, surrounded by a mezzanine study, library and corridors improves connection between occupants and gives the living space a dynamic interactive quality. At ground level, the internal spaces of the house blends easily with the outdoor decks, gardens and swimming pool, which also provides passive cooling to the house. The master bedroom located in the attic enjoys the comfort of deep overhangs, plenty of natural light and long distant views, not typical of such a dense urban site. The mezzanine study area and library benefit from the natural light and the view of the outdoor greenery through the glass shelve wall. Dark stained plywood was used for the fixed interiors as an economical option blending in with the more costly solid hardwoods used elsewhere. The construction detailing and materials used for the house are such as to fit Owner’s style making good use of his extensive existing furniture collection. The house was designed not for specific furnishings but rather to be flexible and ‘neutral’ enough allowing the interiors to evolve over time, if needed. For example the outdoor timber bench, recycled from old railway sleepers, blends quit well with the raw concrete and other timber textures of the house.