The use of raw concrete for this multi-generational good class bungalow in Old Holland Road creates a unique architectural expression not commonly seen here.
Businessman Michael Mun, his wife and three sons have been living in this property for over two decades, during which the family grew in size, with the sons starting their own families.
“Despite the size of the land, the old house had a built-up area of only about 6,000 sqf and just five bedrooms. The layout was also not ideal and natural ventilation and light were limited,” says Mun. This prompted him to redevelop the home to better accommodate the needs of the extended household.
The living room is a double volume, light-filled space where family members can spend time together.
The multi-generational family home project was undertaken by design architect Inte Architects, in collaboration with Kung & Tan Architects as the project architect and Qualified Person (QP). In his brief to the architects, Mun requested a north-south oriented house, with good natural cross-ventilation and ample room for his grandchildren to play in. “I wanted a simple and modern design,” he added.
Pushing the two blocks towards the front and rear not only maximises the pool area in between, but also allows ample natural light to penetrate the internal corridors and rooms.
Mun loves food and he enjoys cooking, which explains the fully equipped industrial-scale kitchen. He used to cook for the extended family every weekend, before his business trips became more frequent.
An oversized dining table was customised to meet the needs of the large extended family, who regularly have meals together.
Inspired by the works of Belgian architect Juliaan Lampens, which feature the extensive use of off-form concrete, Chan Loo Siang, design principal of Inte Architects, proposed a scheme comprising two concrete boxes connected by a link bridge overlooking a pool in between. “I chose concrete for its sense of permanence and solidity that conveys a massiveness and robustness, but in a fluid and malleable way,” says Chan. “I love that it appears brutal, yet softens under natural lighting,” he adds.
Much though has also been put into the design of the circulation, which responds to both the brief and the site. The house sits on a sloping terrain, with a 4.5m difference in level between the main entrance and the deck towards the rear. Chan turned this constraint into an opportunity and conceived a circulation that weaves together both the horizontal and vertical axes. A series of corridors, walkways, decks, link bridges, platforms and balconies makes linkages on the horizontal plane.
During his free time, Mun relaxes by listening to music in the entertainment and family room.
His greatest joy lies in having a new home amid a familiar setting — one that is large enough to accommodate three generations comfortably, where they can spend time together as a family while respecting everyone’s need for privacy.
A version of this story was first published in Home & Decor Singapore
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