Stacko: A 3 Generation House

Passive Cooling Design and Open-Concept Living

A slight cantilevered approach was then adopted to shield against incident rays from the mid-day sun, effectively reducing the need for mechanical cooling in the ground floor public spaces, while establishing visual tension between the storeys. Its austere facade, however, is complemented by a timber screen with groove lines on white-wash paint.

The rectangular plot boundary presented the perfect opportunity to apply Le Corbusier’s cubism principles, evoking a sense of rigidity and beauty with orthogonal elements. Stylistically reflected on the elevations and plans, the profile is not unlike a cube sitting atop the other, complementing one another plainly.

Rudimentary space planning also suggests envisioning living and dining spaces as a single entity to not only promote social living and interconnectivity but permit cross-ventilation to occur through to the utility corridor at an acceptable ceiling height to distance ratio. Additionally, a void is introduced directly above to promote interaction of users between different levels.

The overall design and detailing took 14 months from the date of the first proposal till the overall renovation from August 2013 to October 2014 in Singapore. The project achieves its crescendo with a second void above the double-winder staircase, bringing in warmth to the house when necessary yet ensuing stack ventilation by means of direct vertical pressure. With a reorganized private interior space, circulation between rooms is linked via an ambulatory sky-bridge adjacent to the aforementioned void, establishing a stimulatory environment suited for the family.

This design was awarded Silver in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2016. The Silver A' Design Award is rewarded to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.