House with screens

The existing semi-detached house was a 30 year old house that had stood the test of time. Our clients approached us for a reconstruction of the existing house - with a intent to cater for their family consisting of the couple and their 2 young children.

From the start, our brief was not to maximize the buildable area. The family appreciated the outdoors and the greenery in front of the house was to be preserved. It was a play area the kids would most enjoy on a elevated land a few steps above the car porch.

In rethinking the use of the spaces, we sought to make the indoor spaces functional for our client's purpose while enhancing them with a connection with the outdoors.

The blurring of boundaries begins with the entrance. A timber patio space almost half the size of the living room was proposed to allow the living room to extend outside. A textured featured wall continues the dialogue from the inside to the outside.

The living room is clean and modern, with warm palette of matt finished marble floors and timber inspired furniture. Stepping up to the dining area, the space for dining is situated next to another outdoor timber deck area made visible by full height aluminum glass doors. The existing "walled-up" stairs alongside the party wall was opened up with a vertical trellis that acts as a subtle privacy screen whilst still allowing the skylight from the above to usher sunshine to the 1st storey. Indeed, as one approach the stairs on their way up to the 2nd storey, the sun caresses the horizontal timber slats at the skylight and brings the outdoors inside with its movement of shadows.

At the 2nd storey, the raised ceiling sets the tone for a spacious family lounge area. We further enriched this space by designing a generous planter (which the Owners had a free-hand choosing the plant mix) that is accessible by large sliding alumnium glass doors. The planter is visible from the common bath to the family area and stretches to peak into the master bathroom. The planter and large glazing brought ample light and greenery to these spaces at the 2nd storey.

The master bedroom is located in the front of the house. We designed the balcony space in front of the large bedroom with a more sensitive touch akin to a "sky patio" with a series of sliding timber screens. The Owners were able to adjust their placement in accordance to their preferences for lighting and privacy.

Site Area: 357 m2
Built-Up Area: 360 m2

Mr & Mrs Chew

ADX Architects
Principal Architect: Casey Chua

Contractor: Bs Construction Pte Ltd