Inspired by the pentagonal shape of a ski lodge, this striking house is one of three interconnected homes built on the same compound. Here's how it aces minimalist style, with a touch of that enviable holiday vibe
Four years ago, the married owners of this bungalow moved into their new nest with their baby boy. Since then, many of life’s special moments have passed within this bright and airy abode at Third Avenue, making home a really sweet home—with the bonus of being a stone’s throw away from their extended family.
Inspired by the pentagonal shape of a ski lodge, this striking house is one of three interconnected homes built on the same compound. “It was a shared decision to stay close to one another—to enjoy elements of communal living while having the privacy of our own residence,” explains the wife, whose family shares the property with her sister’s family and their parents.
The families looked to architecture firm RT+Q to design an ideal environment for harmonious multigenerational living. The brief was to construct three abodes, distinct from one another, that would be interconnected through communal spaces such as a co-working zone, a play area for the children and a pool. The family opted for abodes inspired by European winter lodges in terms of proportions and style, situated within a tropical context. “Balinese style was really not my thing—and all three families came to the consensus that it wasn’t what we wanted,” says the wife.
Led by architect Koh Sock Mui, the design team proposed a barn-like structure that alludes to its winter inspiration, as well as an L-shaped scheme that connects the three homes. “With such a sprawling compound, we wanted to ensure that the architecture remained light and open,” explains Koh. “The three barns were designed to ‘float’ above the white feature walls, which are the common unifying element across the three buildings.”
