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Architects: Scott Brownrigg
- Area: 468 m²
- Year: 2020
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Photographs:Khoo Guo Jie
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Manufacturers: Gessi, JUNG, Jonite, Assa Abloy, Grohe, Kawajun, Mitsubishi
Text description provided by the architects. Stunning private residence, The Strata House at No. 6 Begonia Terrace in Singapore has completed. Guided by the owners’ aspirations Scott Brownrigg have designed a 468 sq m 3-storey semi-detached home that delivers timeless, contemporary family accommodation suited to its tropical context and to reflect the owner’s desire for spaces with his children at home
Constrained by its location on a narrow, corner rectilinear plot, the design concept optimises the site footprint. Accessibility both into the house and around the first-floor living, dining, and guest room spaces was a key consideration. A ramp from the vestibule at ground level allowing entry into the house and connection to the first floor.
Raymond Hoe, Director of the Singapore studio and responsible for the design said: “The design is inspired by a play on horizontal strata that slits and peels in two from a common datum plane. This defines the second storey semi-private spaces that include the family foyer which visually connects to the first storey living areas. Forming a series of pragmatic spaces that are conducive to encouraging family time together.”
The layering of varying heights creates an internal space that connects the family in a fun way and weaves around the central steel staircase. The staircase is the protagonist, connecting the vertical levels, allowing for cross-ventilation and becoming a feature metallic patterned screen to diffuse the triple volume daylight from the third level roof skylight.
These interesting internal spaces and their detailing are light in their architectural expression. Created with a palette of materials that include an off-formed concrete texture, timber grain, and an industrial steel matte lustre, which provides a backdrop for the daylight and creates a play of shadows. This palette extends through to the internal furnishings with bespoke furniture and cabinetry. The internal environment blurs the boundaries with the surrounding outdoor landscape, which is accessed via the double-height main living areas.
With close proximity to its neighbours, and to ensure privacy, a continuous metallic aluminium roof defines its form, with no openings on the front elevation with an optimum amount of glazing to the side. This is wrapped with an ‘architectural veil’ to complete the contemporary expression.
This ‘architectural veil’ screens the full height glazed views from the second-floor master and children’s bedrooms, and third-floor ensuite bedroom with a horizontal stratum of aluminium louvres rotated at angles to absorb the heat from the eastern sun to allow thermal conduction; creating air movement into the rooms.
