Three neighboring houses in an elevated, sloping area of Jalan Kampong Chantek have been designed with a common design language, yet with very different spatial distributions and internal configurations. The most important aspect of these three houses is that they respect and highlight the existing natural landscape whilst forming a bond with the surrounding environment and minimising any imposition of new elements within the site.
This particular house is composed of three volumes that are positioned in such a way that they interact with each other, yet also maintain a fair amount of distance so that each block may be viewed as an independent entity. The three sections are gathered around a central courtyard, and are linked to each other by covered passages. Akin to the image of three boulders in a Zen garden, their positioning is meaningful yet equally strategic both in terms of functionality and performance. A Frangipani tree floats in the middle of the central swimming pool, thus forming a dramatic silhouette against the light refracting in the water as well as the shadows cast by the tree branches and the timber trellises on the second floor.
The language of the basic volumes mostly makes use of simple geometric shapes that follow a clean and modern aesthetic. Equilibrium is struck between the man-made spaces and the natural areas through the choice of materials. Simple shapes form a contrast against the complexity of the organic ones, and these new basic shapes are characterised by the use of key raw-finished materials, such as fair-faced concrete, stone, mild steel, tropical wood and clear glass. The dialogue between the components of this palette reflects a sense of warmth and immediacy with nature. Seemingly porous and organic, the building's skin has a raw texture that contrasts nicely with the smoother finishes used in the interior. This harmonious combination of rough and smooth materials is a refreshingly interesting concept for the modern family home.
Fare-faced concrete was introduced in the house to achieve a variety of textures, while connecting canopies made of steel frames create playful shadows on the ground as light streams into the house. French limestone remains the predominant material for flooring in common areas, while wooden trellises that adorn windows control the intensity of light coming into the house, and help shield off tropical heat in the afternoon.
In terms of the programmatic configuration of the building, flexibility of space was the strategy used to allow the house to be adapted to suit a broader spectrum of users. A series of multipurpose indoor and outdoor areas have been planned as well.
Water Courtyard
The water courtyard is the meeting point for the three volumes. Moving water, a feature tree, shaded timber decks and a lush garden compose this gorgeous and relaxing scene. This space is an open core, the very heart of the house, which binds together the three distinct blocks. A cross-ventilation strategy was applied throughout the building to ensure that the house has adequate wind circulation to cool the various spaces naturally. The water courtyard is also an additional source of natural cooling. As a result, electrical energy consumption is reduced without compromising on the optimal conditions for thermal comfort.
Social Area Block
Comparatively shorter than the other two blocks, this unit is for social activities within the house, such as cooking, eating and entertaining. At the same time, this block floats over the car park and connects directly to the service area, which sits underneath the building. On the roof level is an open-air barbecue terrace that serves as an additional recreational area for lounging or for entertaining guests.
Children's Block
In between the social area block and the master block, this volume hosts three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and multipurpose areas that are directly accessible from the central courtyard.
Master Block
The master block sits on the rear section of the site, which is also its highest point from where it overlooks the whole house. This volume is intersected by a reflective pond with a floating island that serves as a second lounge area with direct view of the house's main features. On the second level is a private living area, master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and integrated luxury bathroom from where you can enjoy the best views of the surrounding. Since this is the highest point of the house, it is also the most well illuminated and well ventilated as a result.
Lead Architects: Diego Andres Molina Alvarez, Maria Fernanda Arango Garces
Photography: Aaron Pocock
Furniture: Courtesy of SPACE
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