16 Quartz, Melawati

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.

16 Quartz is a hybrid of landed houses that sit on a car park podium where the top of the podium becomes the ground level with open spaces, gardens and a man-made river. The roads are relegated below the ground (into the podium) along with the designated car park bays to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents resulting in 30% of the entire area covered in greenery in contrast to the 10% greenery norm for most housing developments.

The idea started out from the statement that I want to look out to a garden and not a street. I want to walk outside under the trees and not having to be bothered by cars.

There is a clash between cars and pedestrian, between roads and green open spaces, between the roar of cars and the joyous laughter of children. Roads that service the typical linked houses take up a disproportionately large area of land that otherwise would have been more suited for open spaces. These roads appropriate the land that fronts the houses for hard coarse tarmac that turn the houses into islands surrounded by a sea of traffic; leaving us practically marooned and cut off from open spaces, gardens and each other.

Open spaces and in particular gardens and parks are crucial to the well-being of a person therefore there is a need to bring open spaces and gardens back to the fronts of our houses. To do this, the roads are relegated below the ground along with the car park bays and car access to each home. This allows the ground to be reclaimed by open spaces and gardens to be enjoyed by the residents. This idea reclaims the street not just as a garden but also as a playground, a family picnic space and a neighbourhood community space.

The ability to walk outside under the trees expands the idea of green spaces and gardens into creating a green residential environment. The green environment invites the residents to go outside. You may go for a walk or even a jog. Play hopscotch with your children or letting them roam freely and safe from cars, extending the play area from the front yard of the house to the whole community. Being outside also gives you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your neighbours that will create a strong community.

The valley gardens are a public space where children may play and roam, and where adults exercise and socialise. The valley gardens and as an extension, the community clubhouse are places where the community can come and meet to share a common experience. This agglomeration of people coming together; gives life and meaning to the public space. It defines the character of the space, stamping it with an identity, marking it, making it special; making a statement of place-making. A sense of place is as much a sentimental attachment as it is a physical attachment to a place. A sense of place lends a genius loci for place-making. A public realm provides the arena where a common shared experience create memories and emotions that bind communities together. And these memories and emotions create an attachment to the place, thus imbuing it with a sense of place. Such an attachment to the place brings about a sense of belonging; belonging not only to the place but also to the community.

In respect to the natural slope, the villas are composed in a staggered configuration in an expression of a cascading organic form that marries urbanity with nature. Linear gardens run the length of the cascades creating a valley of green that softly tumble down the cascades, with rivers meandering downhill in a cascade of cataracts. This emulation of nature add to the harmonious ambient of the garden. The villas line each side of the valley overlooking the view with the living rooms opening up to the gardens. The valley gardens are akin to an extension of the villas, providing outdoor living spaces that are safe and tranquil space where children may play, families may gather and the neighbourhood socialise within hailing distance of your home.

The layout of the gardens are based upon two concepts; thematic spaces and connectivity. Each section of the garden are designed with a theme. This uniquely identifies each section of the garden including the surrounding villas. This uniqueness gives a sense of place that allows the resident to identify himself with a particular place which endears him to the place; his home. The different themes would be more provide variety and interest as you would be seeing different flora and experiencing different landscaping, much like nature is. Once you are able to identify a place according to the garden theme, it would help you to orientate yourself as to where you are in the garden and you would not be lost. A feeling of being lost disconnects you from your surroundings, from the place, and so, knowing where you are connects you with your surroundings, and endears you with the place; your home.

The second concept of connectivity connects these thematic gardens by corridors of pedestrian walkways and winding water features which in this particular case is articulated as a winding brook. The pedestrian walk-way winds its way through the garden and beyond to include the linear gardens and the perimeter gardens. As a result, the entire site is interlinked in a network of pedestrian walkways and jogging paths. As the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, so here all walkways and paths lead to the clubhouse. And like the roads of Rome that bind the empire, the walkways and paths bind 16 Quartz.

The cascading form steps down unit by unit that clearly differentiate and defines each unit. Each unit is articulated as an individual composition, a piece of art that expresses the idea of 3 dimensionality and spatiality in one modern elevational treatment. The elevation is an interplay of solids and voids where the visual transparency of the glass substitutes the shadowy recesses of the voids. The solids and voids are frames by a mondrianesque play of horizontal and vertical lines that further accentuate each plane. The colours of a Mondrian painting are substituted by louvres that give the same sense of interest and intrigue. And culturally the horizontal louvres reminds one of the shuttered windows of traditional houses and the vertical fins reflect the trees and branches of the valley gardens.