Formerly a conventional double-storey semi-detached home located in Bukit Timah, the homeowners decided to give it a new look in order to turn in into a modern nest for the family of three.
“Shaping Stack House was an ambitious endeavour to fit four levels of living space into the
typical two storey envelope control typology in Singapore,” explains architect Casey Chua, who is also director of ADX Architects, “Although the residents of the home comprise of a young family, the homeowners wanted this house to become a generational home in time to come. So not only did we have to create a lot of flexible living spaces, we also needed to create an iconic modern home that remains timeless in terms of its style, and also suited to the tropical climate.”
According to Casey, “Stack house comprises of horizontal spaces stacked upon each other and cantilevered slightly to create playful depth and expression. These stacked volumes are ‘balanced’ on a glass box that elevated the spaces at the second and attic levels. The second level space is distinctive in white paint finish while the cantilevered attic level catches the eye with its contrasting black paint finish.”
“As a home for the tropical climate in Singapore, the internal spaces are designed to encourage sunlight, natural breezes and seamless connection to the outdoors,” Casey points out. Aside from allowing for cross-ventilation within the first floor, the double-volume ceiling height and full-length sliding glass doors, plus the large-slab wood cladding on the door, make an impressive statement. The way the wood cladding extends from the door upwards and all the way across the cantilevered roof adds to the sense of awe. The straight lines running leading one from the gate towards the interior of the home also help to create a smooth visual flow from the outside to the living area within.
“Upon entry via the main door, the living and dining space feels effortlessly spacious and grand with a double-volume high ceiling that allows a view to the mezzanine. The tall and expansive glazing panels at the living and dining area brings in ample natural light into the interiors,” Casey says. To further accentuate the open concept, the design team proposed an open riser staircase design in order to maintain the visual flow.
Balusters that extend all the way up onto the ceiling make the high ceiling look less imposing. The use of black accents throughout the home also help to bring the various items in the home together. This way, they wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the sheer expanse of the space or look lost and disparate in their placements. It’s also a good tip for those who appreciate a clean and white theme or a minimalist design.
The living and dining area, together with the dry kitchen becomes a delightful and light-filled
space for social and entertainment activities.
A pool table and bar at the mezzanine extends the entertainment areas at the first level.
“In designing these public spaces, it was our desire to maintain a constant visual connection to the greenery outside. At the living and dining areas, there is a connection to the lush planting at the external elongated garden.” Casey says.
The white palette extends into the bedrooms, here the design team used grey dots and laminate to add depth and texture to the setting.
By extending the headboard across the length of the backwall, this bedroom looks cosier and more sophisticated.
The theme of simplicity and luminosity adds to the charm of this home.
Full-height sliding doors on the top level of the home allows the interiors to merge effortlessly with the vista beyond.