The edge of the roof swoops and glides through the air—tracing long parabolas, making tight bends and sometimes meeting at acute or right angles. Wooi shares that the construction process demanded the utmost technical precision. “The structure of the steel roof of YeYuen House is highly irregular, as every rafter has a different length and the ridge is in the 3D curve.”

Given the materials and the calculations, it is all the more remarkable that the ultimate effect is one of spontaneity and dynamic fluidity.

The roof outlines the residence’s overall layout, with a larger three-quarter circular form intersecting with a smaller oval structure. There is a natural and gradual transformation in the character, materials, and function as one moves from west to east. The double-layer brickwork of the entrance at the west wing conveys a sense of imposing solidity and groundedness.

At the eastern end, though, the opacity of the brick has given way to the airy transparency of glass and steel. Meanwhile, Wooi points out that “the intersection at the tent-like oval shape hall creates an inner focus space for the large gatherings that can take place.”

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COMING TOGETHER

In fact, one of the most important elements of the clients’ brief was that a strong emphasis should be placed on the value of togetherness.

Thus, there are welcoming spacious rooms on the ground floor which provide ample opportunities for family time—note the open-concept dining room that leads out onto the timber decking and the swimming pool.

At the same time, communal areas needed to be balanced out by private spaces: each of the four children (three young adults and one teenager) was keen on preserving a measure of independence.

The bedrooms on the first floor were designed with this concern for autonomy in mind. 

Besides interactions among people, a premium was also placed on interactions with the site and the wider environment.

One of the first decisions Wooi made was to bring more greenery into the space itself by incorporating an internal garden into the design.

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DRAWING FORTH

The YeYuen House is an embodiment of Wooi’s own approach to architecture. Firstly, the unity between the programme and the site is a reflection of his commitment to the idea that “architecture is experienced holistically”.

Secondly, the design’s playfulness and sense of experimentation derive from his constant search for the new: “As architecture evolves with the changing human condition, inspiring architecture is usually an outcome of discerning new ways of looking at life.”

Throughout the house, generously proportioned windows afford views of the neighbouring forest. In the bedrooms, clerestory windows allow natural light and air to flood the interiors.

The corridors become more than just transitional spaces as shifting light and shadows play off the curves and variety of materials.

He also maintains a human touch even when it comes to such a large project. While many architects work exclusively on computers, Wooi still finds that sketching by hand serves as a record of the emotions and mistakes and corrections that went into the whole project: a palimpsest of the design process. Ultimately, “nothing can replace the immediacy from our mind to our hands while sketching.”

It is no wonder that the clients so greatly appreciated Wooi’s housewarming gift of the sketches for the YeYuen House. The drawings are a testament to the way in which the spirit of wonder, experimentation, and inspiration can be transformed into glorious reality.

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