The clients are a couple with three young adult children. The reconstruction of the existing two-storey semi-detached house was meant to accommodate the family, for both the present and in the future when the children are grown. 

 

To maximize the potential of the land, a third storey was added to the existing two-storey semi-detached house, with a “houses within a house” concept. 

 

The parents occupy the third floor which is an open and convertible master bedroom and bathroom combination, with a semi-outdoor front terrace and fully outdoor rear garden.  The children are given a high degree of autonomy and independence on the second storey where an exterior spiral staircase takes them straight to the second floor. 

 

The house is also designed with natural ventilation and mitigation of the local tropical climate as a high priority. The openness of the façade and envelope encourages flow of wind to be utilized for cooling. The angled aluminium fins filter the hot afternoon sun from the west and the large roof cantilever provides shade and rain protection. 

 

The resulting language is one of a unique and modern local vernacular. The material and color palette is one of restrained elegance and artful weathering. It includes tropical Chengal wood, oxidized iron, concrete finishes and selected areas of natural marble. The interior spaces blends with the outdoor for an experience of living uniquely suited to an artistic and free-spirited family.