sweeping staircase wrapped in books punctuates library house's atrium in singapore

sweeping staircase wrapped in books punctuates library house's atrium in singapore

ehka studio designs luminous atrium filled with books

 

Designed for a family that loves reading, Da Silva House in Singapore — nicknamed Library House —  celebrates books and bonds. EHKA Studio has drawn inspiration from classic library spaces, conceiving a central luminous atrium encircled by a symphony of sweeping timber bookshelves. A curving facade, sculptural staircases, and arched entry portals enhance this sense of fluidity which continues throughout the home in its circulation. Being an intermediate terrace house, this four storey high atrium space brings much needed light and air into the central parts of the home, while allowing the abundant presence of books to create its distinct atmosphere. 

sweeping staircase wrapped in books punctuates library house's atrium by EHKA studio in singapore
all images by Kevin Siyuan, Shiya Studio

 

 

library house embraces curves, arches, and fluidity

 

EHKA Studio positions the communal family dining hall right at the center of Da Silva House, while semi-private spaces surround them at each level, promoting social interaction. On the second floor, the grandparent’s family living area overlooks the atrium, while at the attic level a mahjong and activity area with windows offers views of the core space. The bedroom spaces are located furthest away from here to ensure as much privacy as possible.

 

The Singapore-based studio also echoes arch motif on the facades, which when combined with the curves of the elevation with those of the plan, differ from traditional facades. The arches curve in three dimensional motions, creating the illusion of being effortlessly contorted. Additionally, the car porch features a vaulted ceiling the culminates on an arched entry portal. While maximizing the built space for the home owners, the facade is broken down into a smaller overlapping forms to create a more human scale. Wrapped in white, it allows the simple beauty of the sculptural forms to stand out in contrast to its eclectic surroundings.

sweeping staircase wrapped in books punctuates library house's atrium by EHKA studio in singapore
EHKA Studio completes Da Silva House

sweeping staircase wrapped in books punctuates library house's atrium by EHKA studio in singapore
an organic curving facade

 

 

sweeping staircase wrapped in books punctuates library house's atrium by EHKA studio in singapore
EHKA Studio has drawn inspiration from classic library spaces for the home

da-silva-house-ehka-studio-singapore-designboom-1

sculptural staircases enhance a sense of fluidity

sweeping staircase wrapped in books punctuates library house's atrium by EHKA studio in singapore
dining area in the central atrium space

sweeping staircase wrapped in books punctuates library house's atrium by EHKA studio in singapore
bookshelves with hidden storage

sweeping staircase wrapped in books punctuates library house's atrium by EHKA studio in singapore
arched portal into kitchen space

da-silva-house-ehka-studio-singapore-designboom-2

the four-story atrium space brings much needed light and air into the central parts of the home

da silva house library house 11
the abundant presence of books to create the house’s distinct atmosphere

EHKA-studio-library-house-singapore-designboom-01

each level enjoys views below

sweeping staircase wrapped in books punctuates library house's atrium by EHKA studio in singapore
bedrooms are positioned furthest away for privacy

da silva house library house 10
attic area overlooking central atrium

da silva house library house 4
nicknamed the Library House after the family’s love for books

 

 

project info:

 

name: Da Silva House (Library House)
architect: EHKA Studio

location: Singapore

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: ravail khan | designboom

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