A D lab: garden house on rienzi singapore

A D lab fills multi-tiered residence in singapore with trees and plants

architecture in singapore: singaporean studio A D lab have completed the residence ‘garden house on rienzi’ sited on a multi-terrace site of under 1400sqft in the city’s opera neighborhood. despite its compact plot, the architects have managed to create a sensation of openness and limitless space – all set within a lush green environment.

all images © masana kawano

rising at three-storeys, the home comfortably accommodates all the programs needed for the family’s day-to-day life. an environmental approach has been taken with the immersion of natural greenery throughout all spaces in the house and has established a sense of openness and natural ventilation. A D lab wanted to create the feeling of being encompassed by a boundless garden with gentle, constant breeze.

a large trees grows through the internal levels

the service areas of the home are tucked away into a part basement, leaving the ground floor open, with a central courtyard. a leafy ficus tree grows within this courtyard, bathed in gentle sunlight from the skylight above. the core of the home -the space with the least light- has been transformed into a flourishing internal garden. both front and back facades of the first storey living spaces have been opened up to the maximum, using transparent roller shutters, allow the prevailing winds to flow through the house.

the circulation core is open with the skylight permeating the spaces surrounding with natural light

the front garden atop the car porch roof creates a green backdrop for the living room, and a small pool resting against the rear boundary wall is embedded with plants and ventilation blocks. these gardens and courtyard spaces of the home allow the occupants to feel the movement of the natural light across the house throughout the day, while shading them from its harsh impact. these tiered opened spaces can be seen while looking through the central courtyard – each planted with trees and creepers that lead the eye through the house, enhancing the views of the greenery and towards the sky.

the living room looks out onto the terrace