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The intention of this project is to recapture the charm of bygone times and the romance of the old homestead. The design draws inspiration from the vernacular residential typologies related to the site. We were confident that this approach would be able to address a particular sense of architectural nostalgia and contribute to the site’s narrative.

The black-and-white bungalow is a romantic icon of vernacular architecture in Singapore. Typically located on sprawling grounds with rich flora, these dwellings have come to represent a resort-like way of life. The design sought to capture the architectural essence of black-and-white bungalows as a means to manifest the past in the present. 

We noticed that both black-and-white bungalows and shophouses share a common architectural feature – the semi outdoor space. The extroverted verandah and the introverted courtyard of the respective typologies were the centre of domestic life in their respective typology. 

We used these two concepts to guide the composition of the building, organising the apartment units around a central courtyard while creating a continuous raised verandah across every unit that interfaces with the outdoor space.

The common corridors that connect the apartments with the central courtyard are reminiscent of the former five footways. Also, the black and white theme is a contemporary homage to the colours of the black-and-white bungalow.

Parallel to the conceptualisation of the project was a debate on an appropriate form of multi-unit apartment development in Mount Sophia. In the recent property boom, many swanky new developments have sprouted in the Mount Sophia area. As a contrast, the scheme sought to mark its presence in a confident and quiet manner.

By creating an architectural tapestry of architectural elements that recreates the feel of a time gone by for a generation in Singapore, the development seeks to reconnect to a simpler life – a new form of tropical living.

Project Year | Completed 2015

Location | Sophia Road, Singapore

Photographer | Edward Hendricks

Expertise | Architecture

Awards
2017 BCA Construction Excellence Awards
2015 BCA BIM Awards, Gold Award
2014 BCA Green Mark Awards, Green Mark Gold Award

The intention of this project is to recapture the charm of bygone times and the romance of the old homestead. The design draws inspiration from the vernacular residential typologies related to the site. We were confident that this approach would be able to address a particular sense of architectural nostalgia and contribute to the site’s narrative.

The black-and-white bungalow is a romantic icon of vernacular architecture in Singapore. Typically located on sprawling grounds with rich flora, these dwellings have come to represent a resort-like way of life. The design sought to capture the architectural essence of black-and-white bungalows as a means to manifest the past in the present. 

We noticed that both black-and-white bungalows and shophouses share a common architectural feature – the semi outdoor space. The extroverted verandah and the introverted courtyard of the respective typologies were the centre of domestic life in their respective typology. 

We used these two concepts to guide the composition of the building, organising the apartment units around a central courtyard while creating a continuous raised verandah across every unit that interfaces with the outdoor space.

The common corridors that connect the apartments with the central courtyard are reminiscent of the former five footways. Also, the black and white theme is a contemporary homage to the colours of the black-and-white bungalow.

Parallel to the conceptualisation of the project was a debate on an appropriate form of multi-unit apartment development in Mount Sophia. In the recent property boom, many swanky new developments have sprouted in the Mount Sophia area. As a contrast, the scheme sought to mark its presence in a confident and quiet manner.

By creating an architectural tapestry of architectural elements that recreates the feel of a time gone by for a generation in Singapore, the development seeks to reconnect to a simpler life – a new form of tropical living.