Fillet House is a three-story private house consisting of six bedrooms and a dance hall owned by a young couple. It stands as an exemplar of modern tropical design, embracing the concept of filleted corners to soften its cubic mass and seamlessly integrate with its surroundings. Standing out amid the neighbourhood, this 1,100 m2 residence is a masterfully crafted structure that combines innovation, functionality, and a deep understanding of its tropical context, blending aesthetic appeal with functional brilliance.
At the core of The Fillet House’s design philosophy lies the incorporation of rounded corners or fillets, strategically applied to the main four corners of the structure. This design choice not only imparts a sense of wholeness to the building but also serves to streamline its form externally. The building’s mass is a thoughtful response to the tropics, accommodating designated programs and integrating with the neighborhood through subtracted volumes for open terraces and voids.
The visual impact of The Fillet House is pronounced when viewed from street level, with a staggered filleted mass rising boldly above its surroundings. The palette of materials plays a crucial role, combining white, black, and grey curved solid planes with touches of timber and transparent glass. This distinctive combination creates a form that stands out prominently within its tropical context.
The intricate details of The Fillet House extend beyond its architectural form. The crafted metal railing enveloping the concrete spiral staircase is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Laser-cut metal plates, welded on-site, form elegant curvatures that not only continue the filleted theme but also add layers of texture and depth to the interior. The sculpted spiral stair, framed by large glazing, invites the lush greenery from outside, creating a visually striking and inviting space.
The design of The Fillet House prioritises openness and natural light. Masses are subtracted strategically, allowing daylight to penetrate and fostering cross ventilation when doors and windows are fully opened. A high-volume air well, housing the sculptural spiral staircase, is strategically positioned to face northeast, capturing the gentle morning light and casting poetic shadows throughout the interior.
Environmental considerations are seamlessly integrated into the design. Horizontal sun shading devices on the southwest-facing front facade, along with aluminum fins, not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also provide functional shading. The recessed space at the frontage, initially designed as a garage, can transform into a versatile veranda for family activities. A sliding timber screen acts as a multifaceted element, offering sun shading, security, and privacy for the occupants, manipulating layers and screens to enhance the architectural spatial experience.
This project is an A’Design Award Winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category, 2020 – 2021.
