An Architect's 1950s Garden Home Inspired by Tadao Ando in Singapore

Preserving Period Charm

• 💡 The 1957 house was remodeled rather than rebuilt, valuing its original structure and craftsmanship over new construction.
• 🛠️ Key original elements like timber rafters, mosaic floor tiles, and ventilation blocks were carefully preserved and exposed.

Embracing Natural Elements

• 🌬️ Positioned between two cul-de-sacs, the home benefits from uninterrupted monsoon winds, providing natural, year-round ventilation.
• 🌱 An extension to the periphery created a central courtyard, offering visual relief and the soothing sound of rustling leaves.

Inspiration from Japanese Architecture

• 🧠 The architect drew inspiration from Tadao Ando's Azuma House for its inward-looking design and unsheltered courtyard, embracing direct interaction with nature.
• 🏡 Ryue Nishizawa's Moriyama House influenced the design's blurring of indoor and outdoor spaces, contrasting with typical Singaporean private boundaries.

Living with Nature's Whims

• ☔ The open courtyard design intentionally exposes residents to the weather, prompting a recalibration of daily rituals like dashing through rain or using an umbrella.
• ✨ An openable aluminum louvre wall at the back expands the living space, fostering organic interaction with the surroundings and back alley.

Advocating for Sustainable Living

• 🌍 The house serves as an experiment to reconnect with nature, challenging the detachment from the environment caused by excessive control.
• 💚 The architect aims to inspire others to re-embrace and love Singapore's tropical climate through thoughtful, sustainable design.