Mercurio Design Lab · Singapore
Pushing the limits of built technology and creating a state of tense equilibrium between dynamically opposed forms are two iconic concepts that Massimo Mercurio uses for his designs at Mercurio Design Lab. Many of his projects are rightly named futuristic and show his love for innovation and pushing the comfortable boundaries of design.
Villa Lambda is located in Singapore, near the eastern coast, in a residential quiet neighbourhood. The initial brief was unique from the surrounding buildings — the client wanted something that resembles the design image of a Lamborghini Gallardo, with a parking space for 9 cars. The result was even more complex and astounding, with the final design resembling a grand starship that just landed or is ready for takeoff.
The aesthetics come from an exploration of abstract geometries triggered by the form of a Lamborghini Gallardo. If reduced to abstract geometrical forms, the car results in two interrelated triangles. From here, the designer played with two off-set shapes placed in opposition to one another. The name comes from the Greek letter lambda (λ) — which in physics represents a wavelength, a triangulated formal composition of apparent opposites held in dynamic tension.
The most straightforward design elements were the aerofoil screens which cantilever 20 metres out and create a protective canopy over the cars parked underneath. The two opposed triangles that cantilever off one another form the exoskeleton, creating the impression of a weightless building seemingly balanced on a single point.
Water plays an important role in this design — it surrounds the house from the forecourt to the sides, ending with an extensive pool at the back. This functions both as an aesthetic element and a way to create a microclimate that helps with cooling in Singapore’s hot climate.
Inside, the house offers the same vibe of luxury and opulence, with a two-storey dining hall at the heart of the structure. The bespoke furniture unifies the villa’s futuristic exterior with its luxurious interior — the dining table is a 10-metre long monolith of white quartz with two stainless steel stems whose triangular profile references the exterior stanchions. The same characteristic can be seen in the customized bar counter which has a travertine-clad face that seems to grow out of the floor. The second story includes two double-height symmetrical bedrooms differentiated through their interior colour palettes.
Project: Villa Lambda, Singapore | Architect/Designer: Mercurio Design Lab
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