The brief from the clients was to have a 20m lap pool which spanned almost the entire length of the house. As the pool faced west and also a neighbouring house, it is covered by a series of aluminium screens which vary in density to allow light into the pool but minimise heat into the house. The aluminium screens are perforated and hung from the top to create a delicate mesh over the pool. This forms a ‘pool house’ enclosure which becomes a natural extension of the living space. The living, dining and dry kitchen area has a double volume height which matches the pool space. The timber stair has a unique structure of teak strips sandwiched together and seemingly floats towards the dry kitchen area. There it combines with it and becomes a sculptural element which then frames the view to the mezzanine level. It then continues to become the stairs to the 3rd level.

At the mezzanine level, the gym fittingly overlooks the pool to complete the activity area of the house. At the other end, an outdoor terrace sits over the foyer and overlooks the main entrance and the pool. The palette of the house is muted with grey tiles, stones and cabinets being paired with natural teak and chengai timber. Only the rust red of the aluminium screens stands out, as if to symbolize its active spirit.

Name: Pool House
Type: New build of 2 storey detached house with attic
Location: Lorong G Telok Kurau, Singapore
Site Area: 616 m2
Gross Floor Area: 697 m2
Status: Completed 2021
Architect: HYLA Architects
Principal Architect: Mr Han Loke Kwang
Assistant Architects: Tran Thi Thu Trang, Constans Tan, Thomas Ong
Main Contractor: : Emma Groups Construction Pte Ltd
Structural Engineer: GCE Consulting Engineers
Landscape: Gardens By the Bay
Interior: Graceful Décor Pte Ltd
Photographer: Derek Swalwell