Villa Otto, nestled in Jervois Hill Singapore, is a nod to an auspicious figure in fengshui. Otto which is Italian for ‘eight’ is a sign of wealth or fortune in ancient Chinese culture. The footprint of the building is shaped like the number eight, which is not only propitious but also celebrates the beauty of fundamental geometries. Hence, the curvaceous interlocking of two circular pavilions were created, each with an internal ‘courtyard’ or atrium in the middle to emphasise the eight-form and draw light down into the building. Moreover, the property is set against a forest backdrop, reinforcing the fengshui principle of stability.
Winner
Urban Design & Architecture Design Awards 2020
Villa Otto
House Design Built
Firm
Mercurio Design Lab S.r.l.
Architect/Designer
Massimo Mercurio
Design Team
Kimberly Liu
Location
Singapore
Country
Italy
Photographer/Copyright
©Mercurio Design Lab S.r.l.
Due to the transparency of the first and second storeys and the outward thrusting walls and canopies, the villa gives the impression of a spacecraft either about to land or to take off. The ‘spacecraft’ image is supported by the stainless steel cladding that lends the house a spectacular and unique character. It becomes an art work in its own right and, whether seen from the ground or above, demands the attention of any onlooker. The sinuous stainless steel facade is so outstanding that its aesthetic magnificence is asserted in a manifestation of fluidity that only few would dream to bestow upon a building.
Villa Otto’s avant-garde exterior reflects the opulence that could be seen in the overall design of the project. Past a curving driveway, through a porte cochere, and amid meandering paths, flowing water, and swooping forms, a guest is led through a holistic experience.
The entrance opens to two dining rooms: a massive one to the left for social gatherings, and a more modest one to the right for enjoying intimate meals. The latter extends to a living room and lounge, which leads out to the pool and barbecue area. There’s a custom-made sculpture acting as a canopy over the semi-submerged pool bar, while bespoke fountain bowls pour water into the pool.
The ground floor also features two atrium spaces floored with glass tiles, which captures light down into the basement. The basement, though hidden, boasts of discreet luxury with its huge underground carpark leading to a lounge with a karaoke room, spa, sauna, shower room, bar, wine cellar and home theater. Above the atrium is a sky rooftop, which allow natural light to penetrate the open space. The rooftop with its grand entrance, is an ideal spot to hold social activities when the weather is perfect.
The second story holds the private domain with two junior bedrooms, two guest bedrooms, a prayer room, study and game room and a master suite of about 500 square meters – a luxurious enclave.
The rest of the home exudes Villa Otto’s architectural fluidity as even the interiors display the distinctive curvaceous feature harking to the house’s eight form. In its entirety, Villa Otto typifies Mercurio Design Lab’s integrative philosophy: where everything from the landscaping to the exterior to the interiors, fixtures, finishes and furnishings form an integrated, singular experience communicating one central idea.
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