The architect designed a three-story residence that minimises ground contact and positioned the building at the centre of the site to allow visual connections to the existing tree from both the front and rear gardens. On the ground floor, the service areas are placed along one boundary, freeing up the rest of the space for an everyday living and dining area in an open-plan layout that seamlessly connects to the swimming pool in front and the garden at the back. Large openings on both sides of the house enable natural ventilation along the site’s longitudinal axis, enhancing airflow and spatial continuity.
Façade & Solar Protection
The front façade faces southwest, the site’s warmest orientation; thus, the cantilevered volumes on each floor provide deep overhangs that shade the lower levels. These overhangs are clad with wood-grain aluminium, offering durability and weather resistance while filtering sunlight and allowing ventilation, ensuring interior spaces remain bright yet comfortable.
Passive Design
Sustainability is at the heart of the project. The house adopts Passive Design principles to reduce energy consumption. The central living area can transform into a semi-outdoor space, allowing natural airflow and ventilation without relying on air conditioning. Each bedroom is designed with openings on two sides to facilitate cross ventilation, reducing heat buildup and enhancing indoor comfort naturally.
Maintenance Considerations
Maintenance considerations were also integrated into the design. Steel grating walkways are installed to provide safe access for cleaning exterior glass surfaces at higher levels. At the rear of the house, a separate service staircase connects all floors, allowing maintenance personnel to access the garden and rooftop solar panels without entering the main living spaces—enhancing both privacy and convenience for the residents.
One of the key design requirements was that every bedroom must have a view of the swimming pool and the preserved tree. The architect therefore extended the bedroom masses on the second and third floors outward, aligning them with the natural elements to frame specific views and create a sense of closeness to nature.
