Completed in 2017 by HYLA Architects, A Tale of Two Courts is a modern house located in Wan Tho Avenue, Singapore. Designed around two courtyards, the major concern of this house for its occupants is privacy.
Site
This house sits on a long site that has a public footpath running along the site’s boundary. There is also a high-rise high-density public housing development that was under construction at the rear.
In this project, privacy is a major concern for the house’s occupants.
Courtyards
It is a house that is designed around two courtyards.
The first courtyard is enclosed on three sides and open to the sky. The dry kitchen, dining, and main living look into this courtyard.
The second courtyard is fully enclosed, making it more private. Private study and other ancillary spaces can be found around this courtyard. This courtyard is also covered with a glass roof with a timber pergola. Between this roof and timber, there are side openings that make the courtyard well-ventilated.
Materials
In the middle of the courtyard, there is a high volume low speed fan that can ensure a steady breeze. Sand-colored face brick is the main material that clads the whole house. This brick pairs with the timber form concrete used in the ceiling and beams.
A Tale of Two Courts Gallery
Photographer: Derek Swalwell