The Next Level
Striking staircases are the focal point of a house crafted by Quod Architects to promote family bonding
Among the most interesting elements of this Singapore home are its staircases; especially the spiral beauty beside the car porch at the entrance. These sculptural steps are more than a visual focal point—the external staircase also offers the children an alternative route to their second-storey bedrooms.
Home to a couple and their three grown offspring, this semi-detached house was originally built in the sixties; the clients had appointed Quod Architects to transform it into a modern structure suited to the family’s current needs. The property was meant to promote family bonding, while offering the young adults their own personal space.
“We envisioned a breezy house that’s open to the natural environment since the owners love gardening, and encouraged interaction among the family members,” says Diong Fuhan, founder of Quod Architects. “We didn’t want something that was too enclosed, blocked out the sunlight, and retained a lot of heat. So, we conceptualised a house that gave the occupants the feeling of being outdoors, and maximised common family areas while providing privacy for the bedrooms.”
The team retained the main structure of the first and second storeys while improving the accessibility and spatial flow of the house through the use of multiple staircases. These include the wide steps that connect the ground floor to the basement kitchen and dining area, a landing that connects to an adjacent outdoor staircase, as well as the spiral stairway at the front of the house. “The wide staircase
is also a space where people can sit and socialise when there are large gatherings,” says Diong.
A generous amount of natural timber is used on the second storey, along with a rough textured paint finish that is applied to the indoor walls. “These are materials that are typically used outdoors; we brought them indoors to add a touch of ruggedness,” adds the designer.
Although the house was initially renovated for the family’s personal use, it won such praise from realtors that it is currently being rented out to tenants. The owners have since affectionately dubbed the property “the kampong house”, in a nod to the sense of community fostered by its unusual concept. “It takes a special kind of client to appreciate such a design; they are very proud and happy that they have such a unique house,” smiles Diong.
Quod Architects 19 Keppel Road
#06-02 Jit Poh Building Tel: 6235 1633 quodarchitects.com