The Almost Detached home was conceived with the idea to balance light and privacy in the tropics.
Although the building appears to share a form not unlike the typical semi-detached house, the internal living spaces are arranged such that they are offset from the party wall. This effects a relief space in between which in turn carves out a natural and unhindered passageway for light and wind.
Cross-ventilation and natural lighting are important to domestic ambience. The key to the design instinctively becomes the integration of natural light and ventilation. Most windows span entire walls, allowing the breeze to flow through rooms, creating a natural affinity between rooms and patios.
The pattern and proportion of the facade’s second skin was carefully and thoughtfully put together through various iterations as a means to optimise privacy yet achieving a consistent average of 300 lux* throughout each room.
The party wall is finished with an undulating Marmorino wall texture, serving as a strong visual anchor throughout the house. The intricate patterns formed by shadows from the external fenestration dance along the undulating wall finish throughout the day, introducing an ever-changing visual rhythm to the otherwise concrete space.
*Average across 1 year of study period from 8am - 5pm.