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Issue 63 - Kitchen & Bathroom Issue

Issue 63

Kitchen & Bathroom Issue

Habitus 63 is arguably the most aspirational issue of the year with Kitchens & Bathrooms to dream about. Whether a family hub, an entertainer’s paradise or somewhere to grad a quick meal, how we live in and spend time in the kitchen is a very personal question that requires thought and an abundance of resources. Always the aspirational eye candy of design, we have some truly lovely kitchens from Greg Natale, YSG, Splinter Society, Sally Caroline and Studio Johnston. Bathrooms are just as important with Greg Natale, Studio Tate, YSG and Those Architects sharing some fabulous insights

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This is anything but boxed in
OtherStephen Crafti

This is anything but boxed in

Other

Habitus House of the Year 2022 Nominee

Photography

Finnbar Fallon

Architecture

L Architects

Designed with a contemporary gridded form, the aptly named Living Grid House by L Architects deals with Singapore’s tropical climate in a clever manner.


Sentosa Cove is one of Singapore’s most coveted neighbourhoods, set in verdant streetscapes and providing a sanctuary-like environment for the residents who live here. It’s also an area where one can find impressive contemporary architecture, like this striking home designed by L Architects.

The two-storey home doesn’t have to rely on a high front fence to keep prying eyes at bay. It features a distinctive grid-like façade, with a series of 800 by 800-millimetre cuboids shielding the home’s generous glazing – something that can be problematic with Singapore’s tropical climate.

Living Grid House

So rather than shrouding the house with established trees, there’s a grid of window boxes, well endowed with ferns and tropical plants that screen the sunlight. This structure, which is illuminated at night, is self-watering and also provides drainage, and is an alternative to the green wall, introduced into our lives by Patrick Blanc.

It was seen as a device for protecting not only the living areas at ground level, but also the two bedrooms on the first floor, designed to align with the eaves of this house. “A space is more than a sum of its parts. It has the potential to enhance the way we live and go beyond what we are familiar with,” says architect Lim Shing Hui, director of L Architects.

Living Grid House

Although there’s a permanent green veil across the home’s façade, the design is considerably more than a clever idea across the façade, one that includes a porte-cochere that creates a striation of sunlight across the entrance.

The open plan kitchen and living areas are as considered, with generous timber joinery and thoughtful detailing, including a marble chopping board that forms part of the kitchen’s island bench. And while the spaces are open and fluid, there’s a slight change of level between the dining and living area, creating a certain ‘70s vibe.

Living Grid House

However, whether the owners are relaxing in the living areas or greeting the day (there are blinds in bedrooms and bathrooms for additional privacy and sun control), there’s a sense of living with nature, far from the bustle of central Singapore.

Living Grid House
Living Grid House

Project details

Architecture & interiors – L Architects
Photography – Finbarr Fallon

We think you might like this article about a house of many stories.


About the Author

Stephen Crafti

Tags

ArchitectureHabitus House of the Year 2022Home ArchitectureL ArchitectsLim Shing HuiLiving Grid HouseSentosa Cove


Related Projects
Issue 63 - Kitchen & Bathroom Issue

Issue 63

Kitchen & Bathroom Issue

Habitus 63 is arguably the most aspirational issue of the year with Kitchens & Bathrooms to dream about. Whether a family hub, an entertainer’s paradise or somewhere to grad a quick meal, how we live in and spend time in the kitchen is a very personal question that requires thought and an abundance of resources. Always the aspirational eye candy of design, we have some truly lovely kitchens from Greg Natale, YSG, Splinter Society, Sally Caroline and Studio Johnston. Bathrooms are just as important with Greg Natale, Studio Tate, YSG and Those Architects sharing some fabulous insights

Order Issue