In the Singapore culture of all things new and instant, architecture balances delicately ? often precariously ? over history, built resources, and sustainability. There is little hesitation to demolish existing buildings to make way for new erections, especially in the context of private houses where new erection is often a non-decision, but an obvious answer.
The client?s design brief was to demolish the existing house for new dream house; exemplifies the aspiration of many typical house owners.
The design of this house begins by convincing the client to redefine his concept of a dream house.
The existing house was built in the 80?s, adopting prevailing ?postmodern revivalist style?. Notwithstanding the house was not the best architectural example of that era nor aesthetically outstanding, it has recorded the architectural history of the 80s? and was structurally well-built. Demolishing it is like erasing a period of Singapore architectural history and a waste of built resource.
The architect analysed the client?s lifestyle and requirements in detail and presented an alternative design concept without total demolition. The client is an avid collector of Singapore paintings and appreciates the concept of time, evolution of styles and history in his arts collection. The idea of embracing the existing house as history of the site, supplemented with a contemporary addition to exaggerate the notion of time resonates with the client?s deeper interest. The design was adopted.
This HOUSE presents a design shift to the above cultural context.
The stylistic and spatial evolution of the Singapore House is BRIDGED through a contemporary insert. The House brings out the layering of time, and draws out the solidity of the old alongside the transparency of the new. The architecture solution-specific to this site- is one of sustainability through addition, retention and update, without need for total demolition and rebuilding.
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