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Silkworm.
A silkworm is a very simple larvae that goes through an alternation of processes. From cocooning itself in what seemingly is matter from its mouth, the larvae complexly transform itself in a tight space into a different form. A moth. This implies the parallel presence between simplicity and complexity works in synergy. In this project, I explored the parallel presence of simplicity within complexity by having simple geometries such as rectangles, triangles and squares first. The labyrinthine of the model came in when the shapes were given volumes and divergent angles, intersecting one another. This process birthed incidental cutouts and varying levels of each plane resulting in the main form.
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Dougong Pavillion.
Image on the right is the external render of the proposed project in Wessex Estate.
How can a structural system integrate with the site; and structure not being a mere encapsulation of a support system but also a negotiation between the openings and the site? The idea was to create a pavillion that embraces the atmospheric qualities of light, rain and wind through the vertical and horizontal structures of the intervention. The structure aims to create openings allowing the present site qualities such as wind, light, water, sound and foliage into the spaces where nature and architecture can intimately connect. Users can walk around freely to experience the phenomena. The idea is applied through the design of the roof system; the DOUGONG system borrowed from the Japanese technique and the apertures of the Nordic Pavillion by Sverre Fehn. Using MET, mass-engineered timber, the varying proximity and stacking of the roof beams allow those intangible site qualities to present themselves to create a sensory atmosphere in the space.
Dougong Pavillion Site Studies
As the structure is conventionally seen as just a means for support. However, this project intended to integrate the structure into the design and express the materiality of Mass Engineered Timber. The structural system borrows atmospheric qualities and structural design from Sverre Fehn's Nordic pavilion where he used a lattice structural system where the beams sat in crisscross. The concrete material draped with a translucent plastic membrane allows the Nordic light to diffuse beautifully into the space. Accentuating both the art work and monochromatic usage of concrete all around.
The natural lighting qualities of daylight were not the only aspect to consider. To orchestrate the phenomena of light and the outdoors inside a space, the square voids from the overlapping roof system bring fallen leaves, insects, rain and wind into the space. Overhangs of the roof add more passive qualities to the space. The solid material of the vertical and horizontal members helps to encapsulate the space whilst giving an indoor-outdoor feel for the user.
Plot Size & Purpose
630.81m2
Data Center Spatial Fabrication Lab
Digital Amusement Park Flexible Open Spaces
Dougong Pavillion Design Intervention
The pavillion is situated within a series of 3 storey landed residential units where greenery is lush . The demographics are expats, who enjoy the tropicality of Singapore. With passive strategies, the public is able to bask in the environment without the harsh conditions of humidity and intense dalyight. Vertical and horizontal openings, some of which shaded by translucent glass, allows wind and daylight to pass through. Water bodies surround the pavillion that acts as invisable spatial barriers, cool the surrounding temperature of the area. The foliage of surrounding trees fall and float in these water bodies, enhancing the outdoor engagement whilst the user is inside the space.
Dougong Pavillion Process
Dougong Pavillion Site Studies
Following the Chinese construction method of the Dougong system, the roof has several interlocking layers of Mass Engineered Timber (MET) that rest on the vertical posts. ‘DOU’ refers to the brackets that rest on the vertical supports whereas 'GONG' refers to the horizontal beam supports. As multiple Dougong brackets are added, the weight of the roof compresses the joints and distributes the weight evenly throughout the structure. This way, individual elements are not prone to splitting or cracking and the system of interlocking beams cannot be shaken apart, or shattered under stress. In specific spaces, the roofs are treated with translucent glass that diffuses the harsh properties of daylight whilst preventing rain and copious amounts of foliage from entering the space.
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The Sun Clinic.
Images on the right, are sketches and the model making process of identifying the aperatures of light in structures.
The concept is based on the idea that the positive presence of daylight from the natural environment increases the well-being of the patient in this recovery centre and that it has a beneficial effect on their revalidation process. This is achieved through the manipulation of materials and understanding perceptions of thresholds between the public, medical and research facility zones. The light here plays a pivotal role both in its ability to transform and play with the facades and the interior. Implemented natural materials and concrete in an unusual and very sensorial way. Within all of these projects, natural light is to create an interior atmosphere of harmony, symmetry and symbolism. Architecture becomes the medical instrument in the process of healing.
The Sun Clinic Mapping Site Views
L E G E N D B A R R I E S
B R E A K O U T
S P A C E S
P E N E T R A B L E
Situated within the business park of Singapore, Science Park, the project played with a weathering phenomena, sun. The idea came from how busy and cooped workers tend to not have a chance in the daylight. Coupled with the fact that the blistering light exposure, Singaporeans always shy away from direct light, walking under the lengthy sheltered walkways as seen in the mapping The mapping highlights all the lookout points from the existing building at the plot and its immediate surroundings. This becomes a precedent in designing the facade and entrances into the building.
B O U N D A R I E S
S H O P E E
The Sun Clinic Daylight Studies
The study of sun paths, quality and properties play a vital role in designing the spaces. Through the research, plotting of spaces within the design, followed the intensity of sun that was charted through the year. Spaces that were deemed unfavourable or were beyond unhealthy UV levels were transformed into fully shaded spaces like the consultation offices or photofilter rooms. Other than integrating just natural daylighting properties, water become a second strategy as passive cooling methods to control the intensity temperature of daylight entering the building. One could also submerge and cool themselves while basking in the indirect light.
The Sun Clinic Light and Form Studies
Despite it a clinic, it also functions as an open space for workers to come to during lumch hours to rest and ironically cool down in a building that encourages sun. This is helped with calculated apertures, water bodies and passive ventilation. This project encourages users to enjoy daylight benefits that helps with Vitamin D and specific health conditions. The series of sketches was to amplify the understanding of creating both direct and indirect apertures to invite daylight into the spaces. Coupled with water bodies, the healing properties of light also become a therapeutic visual. Where the moving water bodies and light create an illuminating dance against the smooth concrete walls.
The Sun Clinic Plan Layout
First Storey Plan Legend
First Storey Plan Legend
1A. Entrance to Basement for Workers 1. Level 1 Public Entrance 2. Cafeteria 3. Outfoor Garden 4. Lounge Room 5. Services
6. Workers Office 7. Healing Gardens 7A. Healing Gardens and Hydrotherapy Pool 8. Thearpy Group Session 9. Working Pods 10. Toilets 11. Clinic Registration
Second Storey Plan Legend
Basement Storey Plan Legend
Basement Storey Plan Legend
1. Phototherapy Room A (Least Intimate) 2. Phototherapy Room B (Semi Intimate) 3. Phototherapy Room C (Most Intimate) 4. Phototherapy Room D (Most Intimate) 5. Services 6. Healing Gardens 7. Toilets 8. Staircase to Hydrotherapy Pools
1. Security 2. Services 3. Research Lab Office 4. Garden 5. Research Lab Office 6. Research Lab 7. Water Tank and Pump Room 8. Services
9. Resting Pods 10. Cafe 11. Changing Rooms 12. Hydrotherapy Rooms 13. Pool Chambers 14. Healing Garden 15. Water Tank and Pump Room
The Sun Clinic Final Form
Overall Des
1. Phototherapy Room Type ‘A’ 2. Medical Office 3. Research Lab Office 4. Phototherapy Room Type ‘D’ 5. Clinic Registration
sign Render
6. Cafe 7. Hydrotherapy Pool 8. Pool Chamber 9. Natural Healing Garden
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Criss Cross.
For this project, the main task given other than designing the interior was to establish a design for the windows. As this apartment is located on the ground floor facing a heaviliy pedestrianised walkway, the clients wanted a form of design that filters the bustle of the public. Whilst having a design that resonated with the history of the conserved building in Guan Chuan area. Multiple design iterations led to the final scheme, a diamond lattice pattern, that casts a beautiful imagery on the walls during the presence of light. The bottom and top half has larger openings to maximise daylight and ventilation. Whilst the center portion, at the public's eye-level is denser to increase privacy. The screens are operable, pivoting opening up like a window, when it gets less busier at night. Panels similarly are able to move up and down to for an optimal screening possibility. Below are the built screens that was designed. During the design process, to understand the pattern size, design, operability and porosity, mock up designs at a 1:20 scale were studied. The double horizontal lines, are the tracks that help to move the screens up and down to change the position.
Criss Cross Built Screens
During my time as a junior designer I had the opportunity of designing three of the Tim Ho Wan restaurants in Singapore. We had designed a new DNA for the chain, bringing a new contemporary and modern language with a touch of traditional materials. The celadon tiles and weaved tim sum baskets juxtaposed the glass, dark wood laminate materials and bronze T+ motifs of the restaurant. In each restaraunt, various layouts were adopted to express a strong brand identity of the chain whilst making it cozy and inviting to consumers.
Tim Ho Wan Restaurants.
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Tim Ho Wan Interior Details In Various Outlets
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The Harlyn Twin Residences.
The Harlyn Twins Residences Design Intervention
These fraternal twins were built in 2021 for two close yet different friends. The concept was to create a form that was the same but their oppposites lie in the materiality and treatemnt of the openings. Client of plot 7A revolved his life around family gatherings and wanted a bright and inviting facade that juxtaposes the dark modern finishes of the interior. With a larger plot of land, the client of Plot 7A, intends to build another gazebo like structure where his kids could run around in the shade on the grass and host large family events.
Whereas 7B, the client loved privacy within his multi-generational family. The layout was design for the spaces to be connected and discreet for each family member and is reflected in the elevation design of the house. His requisite for privacy and love for greenery work symbiotically to create a passive screening strategy. Alongside the movable custom bronzed screens that glimmers in the daylight, it enables the play of wind, light and shadows into the master bedroom.
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On Film.
On Film With Family & Friends
On Film Hues of The Sky
On Film Culture In The Built
On Film Around & About
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