In the VUe House, the kitchen/dining room overlooks a splendid Balinese-style water court.

The principal living space opens out to a grassy court.

Brenda Ang graduated from the School of Architecture at the National University of Singapore in 1994. Like Mok Wei Wei, Randy Chan and Chang Yong Ter, whose work is also published in this book, the influential academic Pinna Indorf mentored her in her final year. She credits Associate Professor Indorf and the author of this book with exposing her to different cultures and encouraging her to assimilate them with an open mind. Louis Khan and Balkrishna V. Doshi are architects whose work she aspires to emulate, and she also follows with interest the output of Jean Nouvel, Rem Koolhaas and Norman Foster.

Ang worked with several companies, including DP Architects, after completing her studies and gained experience on projects such as the Laguna Golf Club and the homes for directors of multinational companies in addition to resorts in Indonesia and China. In 2002, she moved on to set up LAB Architects with Bob Aw under the umbrella of the multi-disciplinary firm AEP Design (S) Pte Ltd.

The VUe House is one of a series of remarkably assured designs by this relatively young architect. The house is a large dwelling but the architect has skilfully welded together rich and contrasting milieus as settings for everyday life, and in the process imparted a sense of intimacy. Elements of an older house on the site have been incorporated into the plan.

The house has a coherent ‘E’-shaped plan on a site that descends sharply from east to west. The principal spine, connecting all parts of the house, is arranged parallel to the southern boundary and projects northwards. Attached to the spine is a central core with parallel east and west wings. Several flat-roofed elements in the plan have green roofs.

The plan is arranged to create visual connections between the various parts of the dwelling. There are different viewpoints from which to perceive the house as it gradually unfolds. The façade facing the public road is relatively impermeable, while the private, north-facing elevation is more open and transparent. Despite the expanse of glass on the northern elevation, the house is cool internally.

The house form embraces two large courts of contrasting character. The eastern court, at the upper level, is landscaped with turf and plants. It is an open extension of the living/reception space and allows family and guests to spill out into the garden in the evening.

In complete contrast, the lower court at the western end of the site is a magical space filled with water and lush vegetation. Timber decks, pergolas and pavilions encompass a glittering blue-green swimming pool and a smaller child’s pool with gushing fountains, waterfalls and koi ponds, reminiscent of a Balinese water court. There is an element of surprise as one moves from the upper court to the lower level. Forest reserve land on the western boundary appears to extend the length of the garden.

The two-storey living area is a surprisingly intimate space.

Dinner guests look over a Balinese-style water court.

At the heart of the house is a state-of-the-art open-plan kitchen. The owner is happiest when entertaining on a grand scale, and guests are invited to join him at a splendid U-shaped table that surrounds the purpose-designed cooking range. Thus seated, they are able to witness the preparation of their meal and to converse with the ‘chef’. From this vantage point he is also able to survey the entrance to the house, the reception area and the patio of his son’s dwelling across the western water court. The house is keyless and fully biometric, with automated lighting, security, sound and music. A centrally located elevator ensures that the house caters for access for the elderly.

Projecting north from the kitchen is a glass pavilion for informal family dining. From this vantage point there are views down to the water court and back across the garden court to the living area. The living room itself is a high-ceilinged space overlooked on two sides by a broad gallery at second storey. Double-height windows look north to the landscaped court, and at the very centre of the room is a modern, eye-catching chandelier. The architect has done well to create an intimate atmosphere within such a large volume while composing a series of shifting viewpoints. An open staircase on the south side of the room creates a dramatic vertical link to the upper level where the family room is located.

Located at the western extremity of the site is the semi-independent dwelling of one of the owner’s sons. Physically connected to the main house via the gym, or accessed across a turfed roof garden, privacy is achieved. At the same time, the son is closely linked to his parents and in visual contact. The ancillary dwelling has direct access to the water court and the poolside pavilion.

The house is one of several featured in this book that skilfully accommodate an extended family. It is a trend that appears to be flourishing in Singapore where land costs are rising all the time and where bringing a family together on one site makes sound economic sense, in addition to the benefit of strengthening family ties.

Ang is now much in demand. LAB Architects have completed a master plan for a town in Oman consisting of condominium apartments, villas, retail premises, and theme parks. She is also working in Brunei and China on both commercial and residential projects.

First storey plan indicating an ‘E’-shaped plan with two north-facing courtyards.

At the heart of the plan is the owner’s pride and joy–a cooking range surrounded on three sides by seating for ten dinner guests.

A waterfall, numerous fountains and pavilions create a resort-like ambience.

An annex occupied by the owner’s son is attached to the main house and shares the pool.

The interplay of light and shadow on the main staircase, an open-to-sky bathroom and the dining room patio.

The public façade is relatively closed, with little evidence of the openness of the interior.

Second storey plan.

Detail of the family dining pavilion overlooking the water court

The entrance lobby viewed from the portico.

An exquisite circular staircase in the son’s annex gives access to the mezzanine floor.