NEW HIGH DENSITY HOUSING PROTOTYPES : LANDED HOUSING SITUATIONS [2002]

Abstract

As Singapore is a country with finite land resources, there is an ever valid case towards the pursuit of new architectural housing types which would alleviate the ever present problem of shortage of land. This project begins with a study of the guidelines which define the typology called landed housing. Briefly, we look at existing "next generation" landed housing such as- "Cluster Houses." We will be using them as a comparison to compare and contrast the "qualities" and "quantities" which would be redefined within the proposed housing prototype. The design is based on a simple premise of maximizing the overall site coverage of the development, hence allowing for more houses to be built. However in order to minimize the impact of an rather densely built up residential development on a fundamentally "green" neighborhood. It is proposed that the traditional front yard back yard configuration of traditional row houses be re-looked. The result attempts to "re-pixelate" the greenery by re-distributing the garden areas within each unit through an open building system. The owner would be motivated to intensify his own green space as most units are focused internally because of the high densities and proximity to neighbours. A high built in/ built out ratio is guarded, and the sense of outdoor living is intensified. The gardens now has both living-public and intimate-private characters.