Singapore architect Chang Yong Ter believes good architecture can make us better humans
For more than two decades, the founder of Chang Architects has created distinctive Singapore homes shaped by nature, spirituality and an instinct to do things differently.
Chang Yong Ter, a Singaporean architect, firmly believes that good architecture can improve human beings. With over two decades of experience, Chang Architects has created unique and distinctive homes in Singapore, inspired by nature, spirituality, and a desire to do things differently. Chang's calm demeanor and gentle mannerisms often lead people to imagine him as a wellness instructor, communing with nature like he does in the rice terraces of Ubud, Bali.
However, he is a practicing yogi, tai chi enthusiast, and meditation practitioner who has delved into their philosophies, leading him down a deeply spiritual path that influences his personal and professional life. Chang's aversion to the career spotlight is a combination of humility and the belief that his portfolio speaks for itself.
His work, mainly consisting of homes, is distinctive and varied, with each project standing out in its own way. The foundation of his design process is understanding the physical needs and aspirations of the client, along with the site conditions. This approach is clearly evident in one of his early projects, Elok House, which was conceptualized over 20 years ago and continues to be celebrated today.
The project won numerous accolades, including the President's Design Award in 2008, marking a turning point for Chang Architects. Elok House features full-height green walls and trees growing through the floors of a three-storey house, showcasing Chang's deep connection with nature. Similarly, Moongate House, a Good Class Bungalow on a 32,658-sq-ft plot in Bukit Timah, demonstrates Chang's ability to incorporate the client's heritage and lifestyle into the design.
The house's linear design, precast modular panels, and water features create a harmonious balance between the public and private zones. Cornwall Gardens, a 16,081-sq-ft Good Class Bungalow completed in 2014, showcases Chang's design philosophy for a darker, moodier atmosphere on a larger plot. The house features a central courtyard, swimming pool, and terraced roof garden, demonstrating Chang's ability to integrate nature within the living spaces.
Apart from residential projects, Chang Architects has also worked on social enterprises and children's enrichment studios, such as the Wondrous Light Children's House. This studio, guided by Dr Rudolf Steiner's Waldorf pedagogy, nurtures children through imaginative play, rhythm, the arts, and meaningful everyday experiences with nature.
Digital devices are banned, and instead, the premises feature angled planes, intimate nooks, and a rooftop garden designed around the scale, senses, and spatial experience of young children. Chang's unique design process involves receiving a brief, sketching ideas on paper, and building a maquette to present to the client. This hands-on approach continues to be a significant part of his design process, even in an industry that now relies heavily on online platforms.
Written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
