Design Team
Tan
Kheng Soon
Patrick Chia
Chung Meng Ker
Henk Hermans
Sia Peh Swee
Design Data
Client:
Housing & Development Board
Main Contractor: Neo Corporation
Structural Engineer: Ove Arup & Partners
M & E Engineer: Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner (SE Asia) Pte Ltd
Site
Area: 313,62.52 sq m
Site Coverage: 40 %
Plot Ratio: 1 : 3.0
Gross Floor Area: 94,087.56 sq m
This is a
design and build project for 607 dwelling units that was won in competition
and constructed for the Housing and Development Board of Singapore. The
award of the contract acknowledged that Akitek Tenggara had submitted
a highly innovative approach to public housing, incorporating many ideas
that Tay Kheng Soon has been developing since 1967. As early as 1982,
the practice had submitted proposals for
design and build to the Housing and Development Board, but at that time,
it was not the HDB's policy to use this contractual method.
When the public housing authority opened its doors to private architects,
it gave an opportunity to test other geometries within the strict design
constraints specified by the HDB. The housing is conceptualised as a perimeter
block with an increased block depth. Through the introduction of a single
variable in the morphology, where the con-ventional block depth of 11
metres is increased to 13.6 metres, a number of important spatial and
formal variations resulted. Firstly, the increased depth necessitated
a reconfigu-ration of the internal floor plan of the units, whereby the
usual location of the living room along the public access corridor could
now be relocated to the opposite side of the plan, thereby gaining an
unobstructed view of the internal public garden.
Secondly, the increased depth yielded a shorter total block length while
fulfilling the gross floor area requirements of a minimum plot ratio of
2.8:1. Indeed, the density efficiency of the new proposal was such that
a great deal of height variation could be introduced since the total floor
space could be accommodated quite easily. The average height became 12.1
storeys, the lowest being 7 and the highest, 18. This is in contrast to
the almost uniform 19 storeys of the adjacent HDB blocks built to a slightly
lower density. A plot ratio of 3:1 was achieved with a building site coverage
of 40%. The latitude in heights gave rise to the optional addition of
more floor space if required through infilling some of the lower blocks.
A higher plot ratio of 3.5: 1 would be possible while still retaining
some degree of height variation. The bonus was the extensive size of the
central integrated communal open space in the scheme. This is in sharp
contrast to the typically fragmented open spaces built in public housing.
All carparks are under the blocks, an idea explored earlier in the Dairy
Farm Estate (1985) and Corona Ville Condominium (1984). Most units have
views into the large communal open space. Exposure to street noise is
minimised. The relative calm in this inner space is remarkable though
it can be disturbed by inconsiderate households playing music loudly,
which appears to be amplified by the building configuration.
The bonus of the plan arrangement is that the green landscaped space with
its two covered pavilions and a playspace for children allows 'community'
to develop quite naturally. Children can play in relative safety, old
people can walk without having to negotiate difficult stairs or car parks,
whilst joggers circle the garden court.
Akitek Tenggara has incorporated aspects of March and Steadman's built
form studies carried out at Cambridge University under Leslie Martin in
the UK in the 1960's and 70's. The ideas of John Habraken have also influenced
the intention to give the end-user some flexibility in internal room arrangements.
There are several handsome housing blocks in Choa Chu Kang, which is a
relatively new HDB estate. The Design and Build project by Akitek Tenggara
compares with the best of them in appearance and surpasses them in amenities
such as usable community open space. The architects passionately believe
that there are many other configurations that could be explored with benefits
accruing. By making use of a greater block depth, we were able to increase
the density while maintaining a central communal green space.
The increased block depth results in a reduction of total block length,
which in turn results in less fragmented open space. The introduction
of two tower blocks gives greater freedom to vary heights in the perimeter
block. A strong identity is created by the introduction of a central entrance.
A large ceremonial staircase and orientation platform is introduced from
which visitors can see all the block signs.
For residents, lift lobbies are directly connected to the car parks. Visitors
use the perimeter service road to locate each lobby or they orientate
themselves from the central communal open space. All the car parks and
motorcycle parks are sheltered under the blocks and car parks can be allotted
near one's unit. Covered access is provided from all car parks to all
lobbies for residents. The communal open space is raised above the car
park level by 1.5 metres. Children's play areas are provided at the intersections
of the walkway system.
The column
structure allows for maximum flexibility of room layout to the end-users
requirements. Rooms can be easily added, removed or varied in size within
the apartment perimeter.
