located on a long, narrow lot in singaporeopen house lives up to its name with a porous layout that incorporates nature through various indoor plants, and a tall, thin tree which extends towards the ceiling. the house is designed by gwen tan, partner at local firm formwerkz architects, for herself and her family, with a succession of surfaces that filter light, air, and outside views, without blocking them entirely. 

formwerkz incorporates nature seamlessly in singapore residence through porous layout
photos by fabian ong and mark tan

 

 

formwerkz has combined multiple materials and textures for the front façade of the residence, from a completely opaque, timber wall at the entrance, to a plant-filled concrete porch, and a grid of louver panels at it’s upper part. inside, an open kitchen and living space enjoy views towards a wooded park located at the back side of the house, while on the third floor and attic levels, where the bedrooms of tan’s mother and mother-in-law are located, the house is fit with large, individual balconies.

formwerkz incorporates nature seamlessly in singapore residence through porous layout

 

located at the center of the house, a semi-outdoor pool with a patio connects to every other room through a circular opening, while it also creates a passive cooling system, as winds move past the louver facade and across the water. the neutral material palette of the house includes board formed concrete walls, ebonized ash joinery, and epoxy terrazzo flooring, which blend effortlessly with the prevailing nature. 

formwerkz incorporates nature seamlessly in singapore residence through porous layout

formwerkz incorporates nature seamlessly in singapore residence through porous layout

formwerkz incorporates nature seamlessly in singapore residence through porous layout

formwerkz incorporates nature seamlessly in singapore residence through porous layout

formwerkz incorporates nature seamlessly in singapore residence through porous layout formwerkz incorporates nature seamlessly in singapore residence through porous layout formwerkz incorporates nature seamlessly in singapore residence through porous layout