HYLA Architects

Outside In House

Outside In House
© Derek Swalwell

Outside In House

Hyla Architects

ARCHITECTS
Hyla Architects

AREA
778 m²

YEAR
2021

PHOTOGRAPHS
Derek Swalwell

LEAD ARCHITECT
Han Loke Kwang

ENGINEERING
Gce Consulting Engineers

LOCATION
Singapore

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR
Nyee Phoe Flower Garden Pte Ltd

CATEGORY
Houses

MAIN CONTRACTOR
Emma Groups Construction Pte Ltd

INTERIOR
Graceful Décor Pte Ltd

MANUFACTURERS
Autodesk, Chaos Group, Bretz, Kawajun, Made & Make, Phylux, Trimble Navigation, Wantai

This house for a family of five sits on high ground with the rear having the view but facing west. The front faces east on a typical residential street.

Outside In House
© Derek Swalwell
Outside In House
© Derek Swalwell

The design strategy was to place the living areas as well as the main bedrooms facing west to take advantage of the view.

These spaces have deep overhangs or operable timber screens to protect them from the afternoon sun.

In front, a 15 m high forecourt with a koi pond and feature tree acts as the buffer to the public street frontage. 

Outside In House
© Derek Swalwell
Outside In House
© Derek Swalwell
Outside In House
© Derek Swalwell

This space is covered, yet outdoors as there are openings on various sides.

It is enclosed yet permanently and effectively ventilated.

And it is private from the outside world yet serves as the public space for the house where most of the circulation takes place.

Outside In House
© Derek Swalwell
Outside In House
© Derek Swalwell
Outside In House
© Derek Swalwell

At the rear, the pool deck is sheltered by the mezzanine study above which then acts as the shield for the double-volume living-dining space.

This study is in turn protected by a rotating timber screen with each blade made up of 8 pieces of timber.

Outside In House
© Derek Swalwell
Outside In House
© Derek Swalwell

To span the entire width of the house the floor is suspended from the top floor, via a pair of deep beams which also serve as a planter for the master bedroom.

Throughout the house, nature is introduced and emphasizes the duality of the spaces. Are you inside, or outside? Why not both?

Outside In House
© Derek Swalwell


Outside In House
Sections
Outside In House
Elevations


Outside In House
Plan - 1st and mezzanine floor
Outside In House
Plan - 2nd and attic floor
Outside In House
Plan - Basement floor

HYLA Architects
T +65 6324 2488
HYLA Architects
47 Ann Siang Rd, 069720, Singapore