park + associates directs starck house towards a green, private sanctuary in singapore

local-based architecture practice park + associates pte lda has completed starck house, a 654-square-meter residence in singapore. situated in a typical singaporean landed housing estate built in the 1980s, the house is surrounded by other housing states that vary in altitude and activities.

‘with this fairly unusual confluence of building types, we began by questioning ourselves what context means to us,’ comments the practice. ‘more often than not, architecture participates in multiple contexts with layers of complexities. for a new element of architecture to be introduced successfully, there is an absolute need for a holistic consideration of the various contexts involved. for the sake of inclusivity and community conduciveness, our belief lies in that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. examining what it means to respond to site context eventually became the main driver of the scheme.’

all images by derek swalwell courtesy of park + associates pte lda

park + associates pte lda’s starck house was conceived using the site’s natural topography and mature trees at the back of the plot in such way that the living spaces turn away from the neighboring properties and face the back.  this results in an unobstructed view of the greenery which provides the residents of the state with a private sanctuary. the site’s topography also allowed for a basement nook that opens out to the green. combined with the outdoor swimming pool, the basement nook — hardly perceived as a basement — becomes the focal point of the program.

on the first floor, the design maximizes the porosity of the site, revealing the view towards the greenery at the back. designing for porosity was also a response to the site constraint, a strategy to make the site appear deeper than it actually is. the house is approached through a long driveway that is then confronted with a blank wall and a green expanse that is welcoming. besides enabling effective cross ventilation vital for our climate, the openness allows for borrowed views as well as daylight to filter into the living room.

project info:

name: starck house

architects: park + associates pte ltd
area: 7040.0 ft²
year: 2019
photographs: derek swalwell
manufacturers: cassina usa, fritz hansen, geberit, hansgrohe, poltrona frau, bonaldo, molto luce, herman miller, bravat
architect in charge: lim koon park
design team: christina thean, phachara atiratana, adrian abano gesmundo, siriphong saksurasub, mutiara herawati
civil & structural consultant: c p lim & partners llp
main contractor: choice builder pte. limited