Project Introduction
The Bedok Reservoir sits just beyond the walls of Temasek Polytechnic and it is a rare source of natural beauty in our highly urbanised little island. Oddly enough the reservoir itself is man-made and it also has a reputation in Singapore, a rather grim and dark one sadly. This project's intention is to restore faith and confidence in what is good and beautiful about the Bedok Reservoir. The name of the guest house is Granite Pavilion.
Approach to the Guest house, which sits on the reservoir to make a very real and close connection to the body of water. There are high walls on the front to give privacy to what is otherwise a very open design which allows the connection to nature to be complete and continuous.
As one walks down the walkway through the main entrance this sence greets the senses, a cascading waterfall flows from the house's superstructure down into a pond which cascades into either the swimming pool or to the reservoir.
The Pool sits at a lower level to to be as close to the water as possible to give the effect of swimming in the reservoir. Wood decks line the perimeter of the exterior to enable guests to experience the view and the cascading waterfall from every angle, once they have done this they can retire to a sundeck and bask in the sun's radient light. So sit back and have a rejuvenating tan as the sounds of the cascading waterfall dances within your ears. Then take a dip in the pool of crystal clear water baked to the perfect warm temperature under the sunny Singapore day. You’ll never want to go to Bintan again.
This corridor is the main axis of circulation which leads to the sitting room, the dining room, the kitchenette and to the bed room
This is the living however room is a misnomer when describing this sitting area which is more akin to a viewing deck aboard a Cunard Cruise Liner. The expansive view provides a daily reward for the inner Romantic in the form of a resplendent sunset. This is from the outside deck looking into the living room.
Here is the living room from the other entrance, as one can see it affords the guests with a expansive view of the surrounding reservoir.
Here is the dining room at the centre of the house becasue it is food and mealtimes that brings families and couples together. Feast on nature’s bounty amongst nature herself as you enjoy the majestic overview reservoir and outlying park. Get back to nature in the style and comfort befitting nature’s finest creations.
The bed room provides the cosy warmth of a cave without sacrificing the view. Therefore at the end of the day, the guests can retire to an elegant yet understated bedroom. The gentle tones of colour and light subtly aiding the sandman in whisking you to a world of dreams.
Let the weight and worries of the world wash off you during a therapeutic soak in the bath with the serenity of your surrounds serenading your senses.
Even over the lavatory the view is provided in all its splendour without sacrificing the dignity and vulnerability of using the loo.
The separation of spaces from public to private is down following a courtyard format and also ensure that the water and wet nature of water based activities do not disturb the tranquility of the bed room area. The dining area remains the central room in the housing for its representative value of community and family bonding.
Project Brief
I was tasked with the challenge of designing a Guest House on or around the Bedok Reservoir in order to aid in the rehabilitation of the site’s public perception.
Intended User
Singaporean white collar professionals who need some respite from the huge demands of their working life but have no time to take overseas holidays.
Design Concept
The Concept is to create a space with the least separation from nature as possible and to be up and close with nature in the usual discourse of your holiday. This idea is evident in the design which is held together by a Granite anchor wall which grounds the house to its location, the ex-granite quarry.
Design Inspiration
The Design was rooted in the idea of local British colonial architecture coming together with tropical modernism, to create a space that projects all the splendour of an elegant and bygone era while maintaining the comforts and sensiblites we have today.
Located off a secluded peninsula on the northern face of the Bedok Reservoir; the Granite Pavilion affords discerning couples with the tranquillity which is absent during the discourse of the working week. Adorned with all the trappings of a sensuous island resort, all you have to pack is your imagination.
