Architecturally the lowered topography and resulting upturn along the lengthy boundary edge helps to delineate and suggest that the living space extends into the green. The perception is of greater space, yet it is private to the family through the deliberate use of slated boundary fencing and a tight row of bamboos. The fencing and landscaping conceal the change in level and the green ‘wall’ cools the filtered breeze and acts as a sunscreen to the 1st storey.
The second storey is the bedroom box, the rooms arranged in a row along the outer edge. Each room has generous private views out. The substantial heat gain from an afternoon of harsh tropical sun is mediated by the extensive use of timber screens beyond the openings. The strategy is not to fully block out but filter harsh light and heat. It vitally allows natural light and ventilation to still pass through. It enables the building to breath, airflow being essential to comfort within the tropics. The pivoted screens also double up to control visual privacy, and can be manually angled to adjust for individual preferences. The visually solid form of the 2nd storey is given texture and interest by the timber fins, alleviating what would be an oppressive block facing the public street.
Key to linking and encouraging full use of the house at all levels are the inboard corridors and stairs. The aesthetics are intentionally kept minimal and uncluttered. Numerous indirect skylights filter and bathe this multilevel space in light. The open thread stairs, slender handrails, stringers and frameless glass panels facilitate visual connections from the 1st to the top storey, making the perceptual space and volume larger, always inviting one to explore a different level. via homedsgn
