The Pods

The aim is to design a residential space along the alleyway while still providing a pathway for public circulation to pass through. The residence aims to be a flexible, multipurpose space which accommodates a large variety of uses in the same limited space, utilising mezzanine levels and opening up the space between spaces, creating a home for a family to work, live and play in.

Site analysis

Location: 1 Keong Saik Rd

Situated in an alleyway between shophouses and Neil Road Park, the site is long and narrow in profile with a direct connection to the adjacent greenery outdoors.

Client profile

Needs

Designated family space, to bond over cooking and sharing meals
Separate show kitchen for Lily
Flexible spaces for various uses
Pull Jay & Claire into Charlie & Lily’s world

Issues

Playing with privacy in an open public space

Encourage regular family interaction

Accommodate a variety of functions in the same limited space

Strategies

Indoor outdoor connections

Spatial experience
- Lead private to common spaces, and use different vertical planes to interact between levels indoor

Flexible space
- Use sliding panels, semi partitions,mezzanines

Spatial planning

Encourage regular family interaction by intentionally designing circulation paths to cross. Organising adjacent spaces to guide users from personal & enclosed spaces to open, public spaces.

The use of polycarbonate allows different degrees of privacy between spaces without sacrificing natural sunlight
Using a fabric canopy for the rooftop dining area allows users to feel directly connected to the greenery outside, as if they are looking down from a treetop house.
Wood tones were used to create a simple, warm, embracing feel

View from dining area

The dining area was strategically placed in direct sight of the work area upstairs. This is to allow the father to be distracted by the noise and movements of other family members during meal times, to remind him to take breaks. Placing the work area in the highest corner also still provides a private, conducive work environment to focus when needed.

Show kitchen

The kitchen is a dedicated space for Lily to film her cooking videos. The curved polycarbonate windows allow plenty of natural lighting, while still ensuring privacy from the public walking past. The curved countertop is also angled to ensure enough space for a camera set-up.

Communal family nooks

These spaces act as places of interaction in between main dining, kitchen and sleeping areas. Having various smaller living areas provide the freedom to choose & customise usage. The mother can also have ample space for her freelance work without sacrificing dedicated family space too.

Charlie & Lily's pods

As Charlie and Lily both have active lifestyles, their bedrooms would have minimal usage other than sleeping purposes. Having pods instead of conventional bedrooms frees up more space for dynamic activity together. The pods also adds a touch of fun to the spatial layout.