Singapore, Singapore

OPEN TO LIGHT AND LANDSCAPE

The architecture of this private home in Singapore plays with extreme contrasts of seclusion and transparency in the façade areas. To the visitor entering via its street-facing side, House X appears to be mysteriously locked away. The seclusion only unravels as you walk around the courtyard into a spectacular landscape panorama. Figuratively speaking, the design’s juxtaposition of dark and light subscribes to the yin-yang principle of Chinese philosophy. In order to make experiencing the landscape as varied and climate-related as possible for the inhabitants, the façades have been fitted throughout with the Schüco ASS 43.NI sliding systems, Schüco ASS 50.NI lift-and-slide systems and Schüco ASS 70 FD folding sliding systems.

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

Both the floor plan and configuration of the building structures mirror the diamond shape of the hillside plot. The main part of the building, which houses numerous guest bedrooms, defines the line from which all of the other seemingly informally arranged forms and functional areas unfold. The panorama, compared by the architects to old Chinese landscape paintings, is treated democratically. Each individual room and each zone on the first two floors look out onto the spectacular view. The living spaces and sleeping quarters for the clients are clearly highlighted in terms of size, material and construction as two russet “boxes”, clad on the inside with antique teak panels and fitted outside with rust-coloured Corten steel planking. The communal, dining and fitness areas in the basement of the building, as well as roofed terraces, face the outdoor facilities, most notably a large, diamond-shaped pool.

THREE DIFFERENT SCHUCO SLIDING SYSTEMS

All of the living and dining areas, as well as every one of the many guest bedrooms, look onto the outdoor facilities and the adjoining natural environment. As instructed by the clients, the architects wanted to maximise this transparent design approach for the panorama side of the project and allow it to be adjusted to the climate and position of the sun. This is why they chose sliding systems from Schüco. Narrow profile widths even with room-height, unbroken units as well as easy-to-use and robust fittings technology are what prompted the decision, according to Red Bean Architects. It was predominantly the Schüco ASS 43.NI sliding systems and the Schüco ASS 50.NI lift-and-slide systems that were used. Where a generous room opening without fixed units was desired, the Schüco ASS 70 FD folding sliding systems were installed.

PROTECTION AGAINST SINGAPORE’S AFTERNOON SUN

The afternoon sun in Singapore is particularly strong and notoriously unforgiving. This had to be considered in the structural design of all of the façades facing west and south-west. Hence all the Schüco sliding systems have been fitted with sun shading insulating glazing, which markedly reduces heat gain. Cantilevered, vertical sun shading blades made from aluminium and internal sun shading louvre blades also protect the adjoining rooms from overheating without foregoing the desired transparency.

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Short information

• Building category  –  Living
• Products               –  Windows, Doors, Sliding systems, Security
• Series                    –  AWS 50.NI, ADS 65, ASS 43.NI, ASS 50.NI, ASS 70 FD
• Architects.           –  Red Bean Architects
• Picture credit.     –  studio periphery