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Timeless Sustainable Architecture for Contemporary Living by Greg Shand

Known for his expansive and unique approach in bespoke architecture and sustainable designs, Greg Shand from Robert Greg Shand Architects has created yet another masterpiece in the highly exclusive enclave for the ultra-affluent at Sentosa Cove — a magnificent home that captures the atmosphere of the resort-like locality that enjoys the spectacular views offered by the adjoining South China Sea and world-class waterways.

Robert Greg Shand Architects Architecture Interior Design 2 Cove Way Singapore 36, Design Authority

The main brief for the house was to design a holiday retreat for a multi-generational family. The final proposal was a home with a complex volumetric that has two levels above the ground and a basement allocated for car parking space and other service areas.

Facing a canal with a private boat berth at the rear, the abundance of water is further extended by a swimming pool and four ponds. The refreshing atmosphere of this resort home is amplified by the creative use of water and large openings in the sustainable design that connects the interior with the outdoors seamlessly. Every room in the house is cleverly designed to have a view out to water or a garden space.

The house is developed on multiple levels and layers, from the car park space in the basement to the second level of the house where the master bedroom is blessed with breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset.

Robert Greg Shand Architects Architecture Interior Design 2 Cove Way Singapore 2, Design Authority

A Spectacular Entrance

The entrance of the house is marked by a bridge over a pond with koi fish. Luxuriant green walls and planters stimulate the visual sense and complete the serene atmosphere, while the soft ripples of a little waterfall created by the falling of water down a textured stone wall rolls into the parking basement level below, creating a delightful sensory experience for the avid observer. This impressive entrance is a metaphor of a stronghold bridge over water that brings you into the safety and comfort of your sanctuary.

As you enter the abode, your steps are guided by a floating teak walkway across a reflecting pond towards the awe-inspiring double volume living room. This transitional space from the outside to the heart of the house is almost like an escape away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The effect of the reflecting ceiling in the interior pond combined with the dim lighting creates a mesmerizing atmosphere dignified for an enchanted place in the center of the citadel. Here you can find the promise of comfort and solitude, while being in a protected environment for your soul, in close contact with nature.

Robert Greg Shand Architects Architecture Interior Design 2 Cove Way Singapore 3, Design Authority

The Heart of the House

The double volume living room acts as the heart of the house. Once your gaze goes past the entrance hallway, it can rest outside, in the verdant luxury of the garden.

Robert Greg Shand Architects Architecture Interior Design 2 Cove Way Singapore 6 980x518, Design Authority

The living room, adjacent to the dining area and patio, opens on three sides through large floor-to-ceiling glazing to a magnificent garden and the pool that wraps around the living and dining area, creating a sense of continuity with the canal’s distant waters. Through the large sliding doors, the interior of the expansive ground floor opens to the outside and offers a breathtaking view of the canal and boat berths.

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At the ground level, the guest suite is located adjacent to the living room, with direct access to the pool and a view of the canal, creating a resort-like ambience. The bathroom for the guests is facing a private garden and has a generous dressing room space.

Robert Greg Shand Architects Architecture Interior Design 2 Cove Way Singapore 26, Design Authority

The upper floors are accessed through an elevator or a cantilevered teak staircase that reflects in the entrance pond. At these levels, there are multiple spaces for the family, both private spaces such as the five rooms and the master bedroom, as well as common spaces for get-together and the family room, all with a view onto water or a garden space.

Robert Greg Shand Architects Architecture Interior Design 2 Cove Way Singapore 24, Design Authority

The master suite is located at the highest level, opening to a private terrace and extensive outdoor sitting space for leisure, overlooking the stunning waterways. At this level, the architect chose wood as a dominant material, not only for the flooring but also for other elements, creating a reassuring and comfortable feeling.

Robert Greg Shand Architects Architecture Interior Design 2 Cove Way Singapore 20, Design Authority

Sustainable Principles

The most important feature of the house is the connection with the natural elements. Throughout the whole design, water and lush greenery play an essential role of interweaving the interior and the exterior in a natural and unique way, creating a masterful meld of architecture brilliance and sustainable design.

Robert Greg Shand Architects Architecture Interior Design 2 Cove Way Singapore 9, Design Authority

The climate in Singapore is hot during most of the year, with little variations from month to month, therefore it is crucial to increase the energy efficiency of the house by taking advantage of natural ventilation. In this case, the water has a double role: first as a pleasing aesthetic element and second as an “engine” that promotes air movement throughout the house to help cool the spaces naturally. Another important feature is the seamless connection between the interior and exterior, made possible by opening all the sliding glass doors and windows. The house is also equipped with large overhangs and timber trellises that protect it from the hot tropical sun, with low-e double glazing that helps reduce the solar heat.

As a result of the sophisticated and uncluttered integration of built space and nature, the architect has successfully transformed this house into a timeless luxurious retreat that offers a beautiful, unpretentious, low maintenance, and sustainable space for the family to relax and recharge while spending quality time together.

Discover more wonderful projects by Robert Greg Shand Architects here

Project: No. 2 Sentosa Cove, Singapore
Architect: Robert Greg Shand Architects

Project
No. 2 Sentosa Cove, Singapore
Architect
Robert Greg Shand Architects

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