ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. House At Hillside in Singapore by Nota Design GroupOctober 20th, 2012 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Nota Design Group Brief: This house is a half a century old single storey terrace house. Concept: There are 3 main agendas: to be cost effective, to be a sustainable design, to create a symbiosis of Art and Design. Layout:Total built-in area – 147 sqm. Old dividing walls that enclosed the small living room was demolished and replaced by 2 sets of new full-height pivot panels, creating good cross ventilation across the house. Flat ceiling was removed to expose the high pitch ceiling, keeping the house cool. Front wall was hacked to create front patio. The 2 bedrooms were retained. A doorway was hacked at the central air well, allowing good ventilation into the master bedroom.
Materials and colours: Cement-screed wall replaces the need for expensive wall cladding. The attic home office is cladded with inexpensive plywood. The attic window at kitchen is given the same plywood treatment to give one the illusion of a floating “pod”. At the other end, the patio is characterized by well-aged balau wood trellis which are the old flat ceiling structure. The chenghai wood floor was also recycled from another house. Environmentally- friendly wall plaster, paint and laminates were used in the house. Built- ins: The Honey-comb shelve forms the centre-piece of the living, integrating the TV, air-con, display and bookshelf into a single plane. High wardrobes and shelves were created in the house to provide vertical storage, compensating for the lack of floor spaces. The space under the stairs houses the water heater tanks and pull-out cabinet system which expand the kitchen storage capability. The rear door and the 2 bathroom doors were replaced with inexpensive marine-plywood doors. Furniture and accessories: Old Indonesian teakwood log, cultivation trough and lumber are adaptively- reused as patio long bench, planter and dining table top respectively. The steel plant stand is also modified from a pair of car brake drums. Electro – Mechanical: Ceiling fans are installed in the main areas as they induce air flow. Air-con system is installed as a back-up. Energy efficient LED light fittings are used throughout the house. Greenery: The patio is designed like an covered outdoor area. Thus, being in the patio allows one to enjoy the greenery and fresh air without worrying about the heat or the rain. One corner of the patio is reserved for a mini herbs garden.This is a small test bed to demonstrate that everyone can play a part in urban agriculture. Granite “well” at the rear lane collects grey water for washing and plant-watering. Art: Design provided the space for Art, while Art enhances the overall value of the Design. Wall murals, paintings and sculptures are carefully integrated throughout the entire house. Contact Nota Design Group
Tags: Singapore Category: House |