In Singapore it appears to be standard practice when refurbishing a house to pull it down and start again in order to create a larger footprint. In this case the client did not need the extra space but wanted to rationalise and update the space, so that the patchwork of hacienda style additions made to the original 1970s property, became one cohesive entity.
The client’s first priority was to bring in more natural light to the main living area. So at ground level, the living, dining and kitchen became an open plan space, while on the upper floor the layout remained largely intact.
We created a new external envelope for the upper level to improve significantly the appearance and used as the reference point the furthest projection of the original bay windows. The finish is a simple dark grey render with either deep set windows or projecting window boxes with adjustable louvres, to provide protection from the sun. At ground level, the brick clad skin is punctuated with extensive glazing looking out over the front and side gardens.
Separating the two levels is a deep canopy to provide both a carport over the driveway and to shield the pathways from the sun and tropical rain.
Designed in collaboration with Millet Architects
Photography: Guo Jie Khoo