Singapore home turns sewer line constraint into defining feature

A challenging design constraint, a sewer line requiring constant access for maintenance, became the central organizing principle for a tropical family home in western Singapore. ArMo Design Studio transformed the otherwise restrictive plot into a unique architectural feature.

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nothing permanent could be built over the sewer line because it had to remain accessible for maintenance.

Maria Arango, co-founder of the firm, explained that building permanently over the sewer line was impossible. Instead of costly access panels, the architects embraced the constraint, turning the required accessible strip into a central courtyard. This courtyard now houses a garden and a swimming pool, becoming the heart of the home.

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Covering it with access panels was possible, she said, but it would have required significant investment for a solution that would barely be seen.

The design divides the house into two distinct blocks, separated by this vibrant courtyard. This layout fosters a strong tropical sensibility, allowing for a constant dialogue between indoor and outdoor living. The family, an Australian husband, his Singaporean wife, and their two teenage children, can now enjoy what Arango describes as an "outdoor living lifestyle."

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Instead, the architects turned the restricted strip into a courtyard with a garden and swimming pool.

Arango and her husband, Diego Molina, who co-founded ArMo Design Studio in 2021, have a rich background, having spent two decades at Ong & Ong. Their experience is evident in the thoughtful integration of spaces and the home's connection to its environment. The owners, who knew the architects before the project began during the pandemic, desired a home that retained the open quality of their previous residence. The husband's detailed "essays" on design preferences further clarified the vision, making decision-making a collaborative and clear process.

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that outdoor living lifestyle