LIGHT HOUSE
COMPLETED
FUNCTION: Single Family Dwelling
SITE AREA: 539 sqm
FLOOR AREA: 466 sqm
LOCATION: Jalan Naga Sari, Singapore
Sitting in a landlocked site bounded by higher neighbouring developments, the Light House was structured as a U-shaped courtyard formed by 3 stacked volumes with inward-looking views. Given the constraints posed by the narrow terrain and lack of privacy, compounded by the presence of surrounding buildings, we adopted a stacking approach and flipped the orientation of the house to create a sophisticated residence on the slender land, while ensuring optimal utilization of the available space.
Inhabited by a close-knit family of 5, the house was designed to facilitate views between the individual spaces, with the master bedroom perched at the highest point.
The initial impression upon viewing the bungalow is its elongated structure, particularly the 22-meter-long aisle leading to the entrance, which is only 4.6 meters wide. Typically, such a slender walkway would be designed as a driveway. However we opted to create a garden path with granite steps that would serve as both a walkway and driveway.
This dual-use pathway resembles an Italian walkway for pedestrians, while the two parallel rows of granite are designed to accommodate vehicles. With the backyards of all seven neighbours facing the site, the site deprived of a frontage much less a view out.
Our design strategy was nonetheless to create a frontage and view for the house in two ways. The design concept for this architectural project was not only derived from the constraints posed by the site, but also from an interpretation of the owner’s family lifestyle. Firstly, to push the envelope of the house to the setbacks and creating a void in the centre of the site. This forms a courtyard where the views of the rooms are directed towards.
The private bedrooms are arranged around the courtyard level is raised to match the adjacent plot levels thus allowing the entire house to be raised. And the attic level to view over the neighbouring houses which are on slightly lower ground.
The family consists of five individuals, including a professional couple who had lived in the UK for several years, and their three teenage sons. They required a spacious gathering area where they could enjoy music and barbecues together while also having enough personal space to move around independently. The outdoor sunken BBQ and seating area, which spans an area of 172 m2, is the most distinctive feature of the house’s exterior. It exudes a resort-style ambiance, providing a space where one can connect with nature and even enjoy the rain. Although the barbecue area is located outdoors, it is sheltered by the main building’s master bedroom above, thereby enabling family members to gather outdoors.
The study and studio room have been strategically positioned to overlook the garden, thereby allowing for an enhanced visual connection to the outdoors. This placement not only provides a pleasant and peaceful view for occupants but also facilitates optimal utilization of natural light, which can contribute to an overall comfortable and bright atmosphere within the interior spaces.
The three main building of the residence have been arranged in a U-shaped configuration, which has resulted in the creation of several independent roof terraces. These individual spaces have been designed to cater to the specific needs and preferences of different family members and provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, while also ensuring the maintenance of privacy. The spaces are linked by a sun-drenched panoramic spiral staircase that is surround by double-glazed windows, thereby providing a visual connection to the outdoors while also enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the interior spaces. Within the interior space of the house, the spiral staircase serves as the central focal point.
A large chandelier suspended above the staircase has been chosen with careful consideration, with the aim of creating a lantern-like effect that illuminates the surrounding landscape. The overhang of the tallest volume provides shade for the outdoor garden and is one of the most distinctive features of the house. The design of this overhang not only serves a functional purpose but also adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the building, thereby contributing to its unique identity.
Adjacent to the spiral staircase lies the open-plan living, dining, and dry kitchen areas. The kitchen, in particular, serves as a central gathering space for the family, who spend a significant amount of time in this area. The side cabinets have been designed in an English-style Shaker design, painted in deep mold green and steel blues hues. The same large beige and gray homogenous tiles have been used throughout the space, creating a cohesive visual aesthetic. The furniture selection process was carried out in consultation with the clients, as it is crucial to ensure that the chosen pieces complement the color scheme and overall mood of the space, while also providing optimal functionality and comfort for everyday use.
The placement of master bedroom has been strategically located at the highest point of the stacked buildings, akin to an observation deck of a lighthouse, providing an unobstructed view of the surrounding area. This placement not only offers a gorgeous view but also helps to maximize the available space in a house that was originally limited by terrain and surrounding buildings, thereby helping to stretch the house enough. The master bedroom acts as a sanctuary, providing a peaceful and serene environment for occupants to rest and rejuvenate. Additionally, the placement of the bedroom at the highest point of the building provides an unobstructed views of the surrounding area, allowing occupants to enjoy the natural beauty of nature and serves as a constant reminder the value of taking the time to slow down and appreciate it.
Image Gallery
CREDITS
PHOTOGRAPHY: KHOO GUO JIE