READ Architecture began our design process by asking how we thought a resort-style house would vary from a typical residential bungalow house. The notion of resort evokes a sense of escapism, where we leave the stresses and strains of life outside and enter a resort of calm sanctuary. We envision the dwelling spaces as very private with pockets of private communal spaces to facilitate small and large social gatherings for the family.
In response, we designed a serene sanctuary nestled in nature as a home retreat for our client and their guests to gather and commune undisturbed. At the driveway, there is space for 5 cars and the provision for 2 EV charging units. For safety purposes, the space planning demarcates a pedestrian zone from the vehicles.
Visible from the driveway, a feature wall separates the driveway from the sanctuary of the house. The wall provides privacy, with a single entrance signifying the way in.
Front of house view
Pedestrian entrance view
From the pedestrian entrance, visitors entering catch a glimpse of the sculpture garden, as a sneak preview of the experience to come. Beyond the feature wall, an intimate sculpture garden and swimming pool create an entrance feature that greets all who enter. Residents and visitors may enjoy basking by the swimming pool or admiring the sculptural art pieces.
Pool entrance view
The generously sized swimming pool promotes an active lifestyle amongst the residents. During hot weather, both proposed water features provide passive cooling to the living spaces, resulting in cooler interior temperatures. The living room and the dry kitchen enjoy views of the pool, and natural cross ventilation occurs when all windows are open.
When entering the house, it feels very spacious as the living and dining areas are perceived as one open-plan space. The dining area can accommodate 3 large dining tables, comfortably seating up to 30 people. The dining area and dry kitchen are also conceived as open-plan spaces for in-house private dining meals. Large gatherings can take place in the dining area, while smaller gatherings can be set around the dry kitchen island counter. We have also allocated a powder room for easy access for guests and first-storey users.
Tucked away are the service areas. The wet kitchen is behind the dry kitchen which ventilates out to the side yard. The household shelter can be used as storage space and is grouped with the laundry area that ventilates out to a service yard. The service yard is hidden from public view as it is behind the driveway feature wall and has a gate to separate it from the entrance pool deck. The maids’ room and attached bathroom are in the service area and separate from the guest rooms.
In the middle of the house, we introduced a covered double-volume courtyard with a garden. The courtyard embraces our tropicality and serves many functions. It creates a garden view for the dining area and also acts as a breakout space after large meal gatherings. It is a cool shaded space for both residents and guests to relax within.
Dining area courtyard view
The courtyard acts as a spatial buffer between the more public areas of the house and the guest rooms. To serve smaller groups of guests, we have provided a pantry and another living and dining space. These spaces may be shared with the games room users, who may get tea and drinks from the nearby pantry. The 4 guest en-suite rooms each have an outdoor terrace space where they enjoy views of the side gardens.
Second-storey lift foyer courtyard view
The courtyard is also a feature that creates a visual focal point as residents and visitors journey up to the second storey and attic. Circulating via stairs, users enjoy the view of the reflective pool with sculpture and garden backdrop. By lift, the lift doors open and users are greeted with a garden view, overlooking the double-volume central courtyard.
On the second storey, we have designed 5 suites that are future-proof to be accessible and handicap friendly. The suites are accessed via a generous corridor that is naturally ventilated when all windows are open. The suites face the side garden for privacy. The facade is designed for privacy whilst also allowing for natural light and ventilation via sliding windows.
Each suite can accommodate a king-size bed and wardrobe, with sufficient space for wheelchair manoeuvring. The suite is spacious enough to include a personal lounge sofa area and a writing desk. Each suite also has a naturally ventilated large bathroom that opens out into a private balcony space. The sheltered balcony space can also be reached via the bedroom and can be used rain or shine.
What would be a resort-style bungalow house design without entertainment amenities? Located on the second floor are a movie room and a private living room with a view that overlooks the pool.
Proceeding up the house, the attic floor is housed under a pitch roof structurethat creates a feature within the private event hall and entertainment living room. Both spaces have access to a generous outdoor terrace. The outdoor terrace balconies serve as a lovely pre-function space for the event hall or provide a space for rooftop barbecue dinners in good weather.
Private event hall view
The pitch roof structure creates an intimate yet lofty space for guests. It is spacious and can easily accommodate 30 people. The pitched roof is designed to support solar panels at an optimal angle to maximise the gains of solar energy as a sustainable source of power.
Front side view of house
Overall, the bungalow house design caters to a private resort lifestyle where the client may live and entertain. The design provides as much natural airflow and natural light as possible. Design features such as canopies and facade screens provide shading from the sun. In addition to providing relief from Singapore’s hot weather, water features and landscape elements create a serene atmosphere for occupants to unwind and rejuvenate within.