The 8 Box House, Holland Park, Singapore

Inspired by Le Corbusier’s philosophy on light and form where he called for “the masterly, correct and magnificent play of masses brought together in light falling upon them” with the “great primary forms which light reveals to advantage”, the 8 Box House is conceived as a villa without front, back or even sides, transforming the house into one that appeared uniquely different when seen from different directions and at any angle.

The twists, thrusts and turns on the plans and elevations created by the mono-pitched roofs allow for clusters of white cubic volumes of different sizes and orientations. The 8 Box House design is conscious of the sculptural effects produced by the massing of these boxes and the light falling upon them.

In appreciation of the architectural and historical merit of the colonial bungalow, the 8 Box House respects the place by preserving a planned view corridor where six modern houses blend harmoniously with the old house and the natural hilly landscape. Green boundaries fill the gardens creating a series of interconnected and intimate areas where different large extended families could live together interdependently and privately.