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Colour in Architecture

The Twin-Lah: design duo’s cosmopolitan construction in Switzerland

Designed by G8A Architecture & Urban Planning and Collinfontaine Architects, the name refers to the Singaporean dialect, a mix of six languages that represent the location where the client lived before leaving for Geneva

by Georgina Johnston 15 October 2021

Since the first sketches, the requirements of the clients led the process through which the house in Geneva was designed. Living at that time in Singapore, one of the clients’ main wishes was to bring a piece of their hometown back to Switzerland, to contribute to the design of his home for retirement. 

With the name “The Twin-Lah” G8A Architecture & Urban Planning and Collinfontaine Architects refer to the colloquial Singaporean dialect Singlish. The façade’s warm pigmentation and texture recall traditional Singaporean shophouse.

The design of the residence establishes a dialogue with its surroundings, playing with a strong contrast in order to take place within the neighbourhood and the community. As requested by the client, the project includes a villa orientated maison to enhance the view of the Mont-Blanc and a smaller house to be rented. Similar to the “Twin House” project completed 10 years prior, Architecture & Urban Planning and Collinfontaine Architects integrate rather than duplicate the houses producing a single entity with imperceptible separations.

The garden was to remain untouched, so after discussion, the house was finally set in a radical gesture, directly against the property’s boundary. Then conceived as a stack of three “T” shaped structures, absorbing force from its surrounding context to articulate in and outdoor spaces.


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