SINGAPORE
CLOVER WAY, SINGAPORE
Completed in 2023
The initial objective of this reconstruction project was simple - to maximise the gross floor area of an existing 2-storey + attic inter-terrace house. Through extensive collaboration with the owners, this soon evolved as we tackled further challenges of working with an up-sloping terrain on a narrow 46m-long site, and incorporating accessible features for this family home.
As a family grows, so do its spatial needs. Apart from increasing the number of existing rooms from four to seven to accommodate this family of 7, we also designed an entertainment room to be included at the attic level, meant to host and welcome guests, and provide additional recreational space for the family. Personal spaces are designed to adapt and grow with individual lifestyles, while still balancing the need for everyone to remain connected.
The extensive length of the site presented a unique opportunity for us to create distinct zones within the home for this purpose.
After several design iterations, we planned out two indoor airwells, one of which was used to create an indoor garden. This brings in an abundance of natural light into the family room that was also intentionally positioned right at the front of the house, to be set slightly apart from the rest of the home. This green space acts as the first focal point up front, connecting the interiors with nature, and promoting relaxation and serenity.
The other indoor airwell is strategically placed further in, as the central focal point in the home. We played with different levels while designing the structure of the house, creating an interestingly dynamic visual that can be seen from the first level, all the way up to the elevated ceiling. This single architectural element adds a little touch of grandeur to a homely space, and sets the tone for all functional and aesthetic details that run through the house.
Constructing an accessible barrier-free house quickly became one of the top needs for this project, encouraging us to critically think through what needs to be curated, to enable this home to be a wheelchair-friendly space. For the entrance, we achieved a gentle ramp that starts from the car porch, leading into the indoor garden. This path then leads into the main dining hall and the rest of the house, that can be accessed by a private home lift.
By critically evaluating the design challenges of this site, we successfully realized the shared vision we had with the owners, creating a family home with individual spaces that uplift and inspire.