Nevertheless, a resort-like atmosphere still pervades the home – from the grotto-like water feature in the garden and the skylit master bathroom to the airy living and dining spaces, and the serene master bedroom.
A MEETING OF MINDS
When I visited one morning in mid-January, fresh breezes wafted through the living spaces. That was partly due to the home’s elevated plot, which looks out over surrounding low-rise residences and a swathe of parkland beyond.
“We enjoyed a good synergy,” said Quek, the project’s lead architect. “The client brought in a lot of ideas in terms of the colour schemes, the materiality, the feel of the space. We simply created good double-volume spaces that she could dress up.”
Quek also appreciated the collaborative nature of the relationship. “They were very open to suggestions and willing to try different things,” he said. At the same time, because of that rapport, the couple did not take everything at face value and would sometimes propose alternatives of their own.
It was also a plus that the main contractor, Arsea Group, was working with RT+Q for the first time. More established builders, Quek said, often come with preconceived notions about construction methods – what he calls “baggage”. With newer builders, however, “There’s a naivety to their processes, which gave us room to experiment.”
The resulting dwelling is a synthesis of ideas between architect, client and builder. One challenge was the trapezoidal plot, which RT+Q addressed with an angular footprint that gives the house a wide frontage tapering towards the rear.