Craft & Materiality

PART 1: CONCRETE

Concrete is a mixture of sand, rock and cement. While concrete is commonly known as a structural material, we get creative with the appearance of concrete - utilizing the material to achieve a strong aesthetic and tactile quality.

a) Off form Concrete

This refers to concrete that has been cast through the use of formwork - the moulds in which concrete is poured or placed. Interesting textures could be achieved through varying the surfaces of the formwork that shape up the concrete.

Concrete feature wall, 22 Greenleaf Place, Singapore

b) Rough Cast Concrete

Rough cast concrete is a course, weathered concrete finish that is highly tactile.

c) Concrete Imprinting

The creative utilization of flora and fauna to create imprints in concrete

Imprinted Concrete Variations, IX Architects Office, Singapore

Imprinted concrete floor, 22 Greenleaf Place, Singapore

**d) Redefining Concrete Slabs - "Washroom Wonderland"**
Casted stepping slabs as a floor finish for our office washroom. Introduced vibrant shades of pink, blue, and purple and incorporated various unconventional recycled objects into the surfaces. White pebbles were added between slabs that reinforced the whimsical, playful character. Casting Process, IX Architects Office, Singapore Below are some reflections on the design process by our colleagues: IX Architects Office Washroom, Singapore
*Check Out Our Video!*

PART 2: BRICK

A popular material, brick, is known to withstand corrosion and resist fire. The beauty of brick has withstand many centuries and this long-lasting material serves as a distinct style or feature to any place. It is easy to work with and easy to maintain.

a) Brick-laying Patterns

With masonry skills, various brick patterns can be laid out and designed. Brick patterns add interest to a building, giving a natural aesthetic look.

PART 3: METAL

The use of metal is considered to be innovative and practical in architecture. With its tensile strength and durability, it allows both construction and creativity to happen in larger scale. Their potential can be harvested in the form of fixtures and façades.

a) Scrap Metal

Scrap metal can be refashioned and rejuvenated into features, becoming the focal point.

Scrap Metal, IX Architects Office, Singapore

b) Sun-shading Device

Metal is shaped into unique shapes to act as a customized sunshades.

c) Facade Screen

Beyond its structural use, metal forms a parametrically designed façade screen that integrates environmental performance with a distinctive architectural expression.

Street view, Chee Chung Huay Temple, Singapore

Reception, Chee Chung Huay Temple, Singapore

PART 4: BAMBOO

With a hollow stem, bamboo is a woody grass plant that is mostly cultivated in tropical regions. Architecture today has extended the use of bamboo to buildings and homes. It is highly sustainable and has proven its worth in many works worldwide.

a) Bamboo Screens

A series of bamboo creates a translucent facade that amplifies the space.

PART 5: WOOD

Wood is a versatile and renewable material widely used in architecture and construction. The incorporation of wood adds to the beauty and warmth of a space, whilst harnessing the natural benefits of doing so. It is eco-friendly and enables a flexible usage.

a) Plywood in Model Making

Plywood is a form of engineered wood made from thin sheets of wood. The ease of use and advantages of plywood attributes to its common usages, such as model making.

Green Rhapsody, AUDE Exhibition @ URA, Singapore

PART 6: RATTAN

Commonly used in tropical climate, rattan is a naturally renewable palm. It is used for furniture, handicrafts and other building materials and it is an invaluable material.

a) Rattan Screens

The use of rattan in screens creates visually pleasing patterns and promotes ventilation as well.

Craft & Materiality