Unfolding Drama

This home comprises an Escher-like labyrinth of spaces. Think different levels, heights and proportions, twisting and turning, expanding and contracting as you move through them. LYNN TAN experiences the architectural choreography that heightens the spatial spectacle.

- Lynn Tan

When the homeowners purchased this property a few years ago, a cost analysis showed that it made more sense to demolish the old house and build a new one. Even though the existing home was still in fairly good condition, starting from scratch would allow the young family to build a home designed according to their lifestyle and needs.

The project, which took about 20 months, is a collaboration between the established Formwerkz Architects and the younger Super Assembly, whose principal architect, Iskandar Idris, worked at Formwerkz Architects before going out on his own.

“As colleagues, we enjoyed the dynamics of working together on a project, so this was no different. Although I was the qualified person (QP) for this project, we were both fully involved in all aspects, from conception to completion”, says Alan Tay, one of Formwerkz Architects’ founding partners.

Having moved from a three-bedroom condominium, the owners were adamant that their new detached home didn't feel like just another bigger apartment. “I did not want overly large spaces. Instead, I wanted many smaller spaces my family and I could gravitate to as we engaged in different activities in the course of a day,” says the man of the house.

With this brief in mind, the architects went about conceptualising a home made up of an assemblage of programmes that are not immediately apparent, but which gradually reveal themselves as you progress through the spaces. “It is a home with many nooks and crannies. It can accommodate large family gatherings spread over different spaces and rooms,” says Iskandar.