Holland Park, Singapore, Republic of Singapore | 2016

Architects: Chang Yong Ter
Client: The Lee Family
Photographers: Albert Lim K.S.

The dream of a house was more than a dwelling place for a multi-generation family; it was also a sanctuary for nature and for fellowship. The owner, who became grandparents during the course of this project, wanted an ecological-friendly house where grandchildren could live with nature, where it also serves as a communal space for the gathering of friends.

Both within and without, the biblical symbol of the cross is being embraced in space - on plan as well as in elevation/section, where nature and light take centre stage. Encompassing this space are the communal areas on the ground level, and the bed rooms on the upper level. The scent and sight of nature in daylight forms the backdrop where the rituals of everyday living unfold through these spaces. A central axis of light and water features connects the dining area at the rear to the front porch. Here, the front elevation is an extrusion of the cross section, anchoring the cross in light. This is flanked by fragmented facades of cuboids that offer filtered daylight for the spaces within. The basement is the entry level, where the driveway is directed and daylit from this central light axis. At every turn, visitors are greeted with pockets of nature and orchestrated daylight. The basement consists of a library, small office/study spaces, a causal gathering corner, a rainwater harvesting tank, and car lots equipped with electric chargers. The roof deck is dedicated for an edible garden, partially sheltered with glazed panels composed of photovoltaic cells. This offers an ideal environment for plants that thrive in full sunlight, as well as those that require some shade.

This is a house that enlivens the moment to moment, where children grow to witness the rhythmic flow of nature, and where home is an extended social space for the larger community of friends.