situated in indonesia, with the intent to respond to the regional climate, as well as human needs and experiences, the ‘micro-tropicality’ house by RAD+ar sparks a meaningful dialogue between architecture and tropical environments. employing a multi-layered facade to reduce radiation, direct the breeze inside, shade the windows, cool the walls, and to direct the views, the dwelling generates a generous living space that promotes an environmentally-friendly, healthy lifestyle. 

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all images courtesy of RAD+ar 

 

 

‘living in the tropics is never simply about avoiding the rain and the sun’ RAD+ar shares. ‘the history of tropical architecture can be traced back as early as the beginning of indigenous tropical vernacular society’. building in this specific climate is followed by a series of typical unspoken guidelines, but in today’s environmental and energy crisis, climatic design should adapt more to the latest experimentation and research of contemporary architectural expression, rather than just sticking to traditional techniques. 

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the dwelling by RAD+ar features a pitched roof with a dramatic angle, which is a typical local design tactic to channel rainwater to the ground with ease and efficiency. in this way, the building is formed to endure heavy rain and other extreme weather conditions, while the water is absorbed and retained as much as possible, and is slowly released for later use. in ‘micro-tropicality’, 100% of the rainwater is used for the irrigation of the site. 

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as a tropical norm has been integrated into the regional architecture, most buildings follow a series of unwritten guidelines of how the numerous necessary elements should be combined into one project. RAD+ar’s approach is to set an example of how functionality can be integrated with aesthetical approach. in order to maximize natural lighting during daytime, the design experiments with puncturing gradual vertical openings within the 18m deep plan. in this way, the structure aligns with the local tropical architecture, without compromising form and space.

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due to extreme heat emitted, most tropical buildings tend to use north-south orientation to maximize illumination and minimize the level of heat transmitted to the building. here, the design experiments with the facade surface on the east and west of the building, and uses that opportunity to create a greater temperature difference that controls its own microclimate. in general, the proposed architecture recognizes the specificities of tropical latitudes, relates the built structure close to its surroundings and its location to achieve harmony. this very architecture is capable of reinforcing the local culture and respond to humans’ needs and experiences in an even better manner, in the future. 

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project info:

 

name: micro-tropicality
architects: RAD+ar (research artistic design + architecture)
location: semarang, central java, indonesia

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom