Prose Architects

The landed houses that we have a chance to design are great little counter balances to the other larger non-residential projects we work on. Houses give us the opportunity, by virtue of their intimate scale, to dwell on what really matters in a space for living in. Sometimes it’s really a just a simple gesture to allow for the sunlight filtering through the trellis at the roof that can be transformative for the house interior. Such considerations which would otherwise be lost amidst the myriad other considerations of our larger projects. #prosearchitects #claritythroughdesign #focus Photo by Adlin Fakhrudin for a semi-detached additions & alterations at Lorong Marzuki.

Looking for opportunities. A single solution to a single identified issue if what all of us typically instinctively stop at. What if we question this? Can we provide more value - more possibilities of use - that we may not be aware of at the start, if we trust the process, rather than stop at a pre-determined end? In the photo, steps for a person to move from one level to another. In this case, from the driveway of a house to the raised side garden. What if we made the steps of different sizes but maintain the equal height of each step so that they are visually a part of the landscape rather than serving just a purely functional requirement? What if we extend out one of the steps so they also can be used - if needed - as a seat or low ledge to place groceries temporarily? We create opportunities. We avoid prescription beyond what is necessary. This is what we do. #prosearchitects #claritythroughdesign #process #openmind

The long development process of architecture and all the related coordination of a project. (There’s blood and sweat behind all the pretty completed pictures) The structural steel truss at the top of this multi purpose hall (you just make it out in the second photo) is one of a pair that allows the space to be free of columns. This helps with flexibility of holding events, or to put simply, “so that everyone can see the stage”. We developed this functional requirement into a ceiling feature. This process takes time and by and large, is not visible to the general public. Photos show the process of constructing the blend of function and aesthetics into a (we hope!) pleasant space that is fit for purpose. Third photo shows the lighting tests that’s on going now. Architecture overall coordination: WeCreate Studio and Prose Architects Structure: Web Structures, now part of Ramboll M&E: UPC interior Design: Studio Neko #claritythroughdesign #collaborativework #team #designprocess

Keep all the bones, keep some of the flesh, upgrade most of the skin. This additions and alterations to a semi detached house we are working on is approaching completion. The new look and feel is coming through now, short of the main gate installation. The constraints that come with keeping parts of the existing can be challenging with the occasional curved ball. This challenge is necessary on multiple fronts. 1) It demands a mindset change in our work that tearing down completely and rebuilding may not be the default direction anymore. We have to embrace sustainable construction - to reuse where possible, 2) constantly hone our creative problem-solving acumen, to be on alert for on site deviations from what we think was correct based on available drawings and, 3) continue to be mindful of the owner’s expectations of a manageable construction budget. We hope the effort pays off in the finished product, that all stakeholders will be satisfied and happy with their contributions, given the constraints faced. Let’s also not forget the process and learning journey, which is arguably equally important. Architecture scope by Chai Kai Wen at the concept design stage, subsequently led by Kenneth Tay to current near-completion. Interior Design scope led by Adlin Fakhrudin #prosearchitects #claritythroughdesign #additonsandalterations #constructionw

A first glimpse of the perforated screen panels that are currently being set up on site for mock up review. This is for the Char Yong (Dabu) Association development in Lor 18 Geylang, done in collaboration with WeCreate Studio. This process started a couple of months ago, when we reviewed the individual small samples off site to check on the size of the different cut outs on the panel. Now the panels cut to actual size are being fixed on site. It is envisioned that these panels will contribute to reducing the heat gain and glare from the late afternoon sun due to the nature of the site, which inevitably will have a west facing facade. This is very much a work in progress at the moment. Nevertheless, we can wait to see it in totality! #constructionprocess #prosearchitects #claritythroughdesign #teameffort

Sharing a small Additions and Alterations (A&A) semi-detached house project that’s been flying quite under the radar. Our scope includes architectural and interior design services. This project has a quiet understatedness about it. We have tried our best to find an equilibrium where decent architectural detailing, good provision of natural light and ventilation throughout the house, and client’s requirements can come together in harmony. We are in a good position, but there is always room for improvement. We are now in the final steps of the project. Hopefully the construction pace continues to be good and the TOP application is smooth sailing. #prosearchitects #claritythroughdesign #construction

Facade finishing works have now moved up a couple of gears. So many considerations still to be thought through! We shall march on resolutely and stay focused. #cyf #claritythroughdesign #prosearchitects #construction

Imagine ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ but instead of Benjamin aging in reverse, it is a building development progressing backwards. What will we see? The painted finished slowing fading away, the smooth screed layer following after to eventually reveal scribbles on the bare structural wall - possibly calculations amidst a conversation between 2 workers, on how to set out the formwork for a reinforced concrete cast. The steel bones forming the skeletal structure showing up after the finished GFRC skin of a parapet wall capping. The curious complexities and intricate processes of a building development may just make a decent limited docuseries on Netflix.

An amazing in-progress project! We feel very privileged to be the architect appointed for Artisan Green 2.0. This will be an approximately 2 hectares development in Sungei Tengah Road consisting mainly of an indoor vegetable farm, related production area and a public zone. It is not everyday we get to design a farm, not to mention one that is so forward looking. We have dived headlong into this - listening to and understanding Artisan Green's operational requirements as best as we can. We hope we can find that elusive overlap where little pockets of delight can manifest from a production-centric typology - how the public/outreach and private/operational areas can dovetail with each other through the application of considered design. Through this continuing project, we have also slowly learnt and appreciate Singapore Food Agency's work towards strengthening Singapore's food security - the ‘30 by 30’ goal which is to build up Singapore's agri-food industry’s capability and capacity to sustainably produce 30% of Singapore's nutritional needs by 2030. In partnership with HY (MEP) and Joseph and Ang Engineers (C&S) #prosearchitects #claritythroughdesign For more information, do visit: Singapore Food Industry 30x30: https://lnkd.in/g38n3Jph Artisan Green: https://artisan.green/

Not many events (other than TOP dates) remind us of the passing of time more than a valued colleague leaving to pursue further studies. Celeste Ng joined us with a Part 1 Bachelor of Architecture from National University of Singapore a year ago on 1 July 2023 with an intention of gaining some experience working in a small architecture practice before furthering her studies with a Part 2 Masters of Architecture. Fast forward a year, after witnessing first hand the ups and downs, highs and fumbles of Prose Architects, she leaves us to embark on another exciting chapter of her life. We wish her all the best and to enjoy her experiences always. Serendipitously, Prani Patton rejoins us after a short internship stint in 2023, now with a newly obtained Part 1 Bachelor of Architecture from Melbourne. In a similar fashion, she will be with us for at least a year, before she furthers her studies with a Part 2 Master of Architecture. Below wefie by Alvin Liau after a team lunch, with the best backdrop we can find in the vicinity. We are open to alternative backdrop suggestions for that lunch/dinner a year later... #claritythroughdesign #prosearchitects #funatwork #selfimprovement