Sky Garden House is designed with a central void and largely shallow volumes, particularly on the upper floors, which maximizes cross ventilation and reduces dependence on mechanical air conditioning.
The large shaded areas of glazing on most rooms reduce the reliance on artificial lighting during day light hours while minimizing solar gain and the large acrylic window in the basement level media room floods it with diffused natural light, further reducing energy consumption. The gardens on each level typically overhang the storey below, providing shade and reducing overheating in Singapore’s tropical climate.
The concept of Sky Garden House is strongly influenced by the ambition of enhancing the occupant’s quality of life. This is largely achieved by the roof gardens on every level. As well as having direct access to these, interior spaces have large areas of glazing with views out over the gardens to the sea and sky. The large amount of natural day light brought in contributes strongly to a good indoor environment. Large acrylic windows in the pool result in even the basement receiving great amounts of diffused natural light.
The design of the open air stairwell cutting through the centre of the building reduces the depth of indoor areas and encourages cross ventilation. Using the natural cross ventilation to its potential, along with the assistance of mechanical ventilation when necessary, produces a high indoor air quality important to the wellness of inhabitants.
The integration of ‘Sky Garden House’ with nature and the outdoors is most evident in the garden areas on every level. The gardens, with much planting and a number of trees, reduce carbon dioxide and help counter green house gas emissions. The large areas of grass absorb much less heat than conventional roofing materials resulting in less thermal storage in the building itself, reducing the required use of cooling systems.
In the tropical climate of Singapore, with the heavy rains, water retention of garden areas will also contribute to reducing the pressure on the surface water system at peak times.
Source : Archello