Inspired by the owner’s business in the metals industry, the Ore House by Ming Architects deploys the material in myriad creative ways
Designed by Ming Architects, Ore House has an interesting backstory. The owners are a married couple who run a successful business manufacturing metal parts for machines used in the construction industry. Hence, this material features prominently in their three-storey abode. The home is located in a quiet setting on a hill, with frontal views of a grassy hill with a military camp perched on top. The rear of the house is blessed with a panoramic view of the vicinity.
The front elevation has a tactual, industrial character due to jet-black steel plates that wrap around the beams and white aluminium screens with a grid pattern that act as a shield from the western sun. Grey bush-hammered and flamed granite walls with small openings lend a sense of gravitas to the composition, while letting in controlled amounts of light and providing privacy from passers-by.
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“The material choice was meant to reflect the homeowner’s [quiet] lifestyle and the industry he is in, as well as personify the values of strength, permanence and presence we wanted for the home,” says the interior firm’s founder, Tan Cher Ming. He shares that the design of the screens was extremely complex, and they had to be specially made by the owner’s factory as even skilled metal fabricators did not have the required competence.
“The owner had a team of engineers who were able to convert our design into reality through the use of computer software, and expertise in spot welding and powder coating,” he adds. The process was an eye-opening one, and Tan is keen to continue working with the homeowner’s factory on future projects to test new design ideas.