Wallflower Architecture + Design

Sun Cap House

Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim

SUN CAP HOUSE

Wallflower Architecture + Design

YEAR
2010

LOCATION
Singapore

CATEGORY
Houses

Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim

Text description provided by architect.

Although the site was devoid of any development during the inception of the project, it was foreseen that the future built environment would be dense with neighbouring residences barely metres away on either side.

Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim

The tropical sunlight falling on this resort island could also be harsh and intense but the proximity to the sea also blesses it with breezes that tend to channel through the waterways that are unique to the cove.

Most properties along the waterway which also affords them best view, and the narrow rectangular project site was no different.

In response to the projected urban density and the site’s local environment, the home is designed with a thick, nine metre high wall that forms the entrance façade which wraps around to continue along the sides.

Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim

Like the pulling back of a curtain to reveal the view, the walls terminate as it approaches the waterway where thereafter an inner enclosing structure of paneled glass continues, projecting toward a pool and garden.

The massive, enveloping entrance and side walls are essentially a thermal and privacy filter.

The wall occludes views from inquisitive neighbours but encourage the passage of breezes that find their way through the house rather than around it by deliberate vertical slotting dividing the enclosing wall into free-standing segments.

Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim

The slotting also helps to filter natural light into the house and soften the impact of the harsh sunlight.

The secondary glass paneled enclosure within but set away from the enveloping walls is designed to slide away so that the impression of width does not terminate at the glass line but are extended to the tall side walls.

Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim

The impression of space however goes even further, for the slots in the walls reveal landscaping that extends beyond.

The walls are parallel to but do not meet the eaves of the roof; a metre wide gap invites sunlight to wash down onto planting and greenery that thrive on either side of the wall blurring the distinction of an ‘inside’ ‘outside’ demarcation.

Though a vertical surface, the rough plastered texturing of the wall catches light streaming in from the gap above and diffuses it into the living spaces. Perhaps the spatial experience is best described as akin to being held in the loving cradle of two cupped, open hands.

Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim


Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim


Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim
Sun Cap House
© Albert Lim


Sun Cap House
elevation
Sun Cap House
section


Sun Cap House
Plan
Sun Cap House
Plan

Wallflower Architecture + Design
T +65 6297 6883
Wallflower Architecture + Design
7500A Beach Rd, #15-303, 199591, Singapore