38SW
The concept of 38 Salam Walk design centres on adaptive expanding the existing structure to meet the owner's new spatial and functional requirements while seamlessly blending old and new architectural elements. By reusing the main structure and building a new section above it, the design aims to increase space without compromising the foundation of the original home. This multi-layered approach is unified through architectural strategies that make the house feel cohesive, modern, and highly functional.
One of the most notable features of the new design is the rotating timber screen that graces the east-facing facade on the second and third stories. This screen acts as both a shading device and an aesthetic connector, making the facade appear as a single, continuous surface rather than a layered construction. The timber screen not only blocks direct sunlight to prevent overheating but also adds a dynamic, sculptural element to the exterior. Its rotating function allows the homeowner to control light and privacy, adapting to different times of day and weather conditions.
The expanded design also includes extensions at the front and rear of the house, maximizing the available plot area for both living and recreational spaces. A key element of the house’s spatial layout is the large central lightwell, which allows natural light to penetrate from the attic down to the third and second stories. This lightwell facilitates passive ventilation by enabling hot air to escape upwards, creating a cooler indoor environment without the need for constant air conditioning. This void also brings in an abundance of natural light, filling the interiors with warmth and further enhancing the connection between the different levels of the house.
The staircase has been redesigned as an open, visually engaging structure. One side of the staircase is lined with vertical bars extending from the lowest floor to the attic. This design serves multiple purposes: it provides safety, acts as an open partition, and transforms the staircase into a light-filled, airy space. The open bars also foster a sense of connectivity between floors, enhancing the spatial flow and enabling communication across levels. Adjacent to the staircase, a new lift has been installed, offering convenient access from the first floor to the attic, thus future-proofing the home for the owner’s evolving needs.
Material choices are focused on light-coloured timber, with warm and indirect lighting used throughout the interiors to create a cozy, welcoming ambiance. The house’s design language emphasizes clean, continuous lines, seen in the timber screen at the facade, the vertical bars along the staircase, and the vertical screens in the living area. These elements tie together to create a harmonious, well-integrated space that balances privacy, openness, and a modern aesthetic. This thoughtful design transforms the house into a unique "space within a space," where every element serves both functional and aesthetic purposes.
