RAD+ar completes a prototype for tropical passive design in indonesia

passive lab house is a project by RAD+ar that seeks to demonstrate sustainability within the context of tropical indonesia. located in kecamatan serpong utara, the experimental prototype employs a variety of passive design strategies across a spacious three-story dwelling. 

the fragmented façade allows residents to enjoy maximum garden exposure without compromising their privacy

images © william sutanto

RAD+ar‘s basic concept was to reduce the internal microclimate by 4°C while maintaining natural light and ventilation throughout the house. the first step in this passive design can be seen on the elevational treatment. the façades are designed to minimize direct sunlight and maximize privacy. however, views from inside are still ensured by controlling the angle of the openings.

floating concrete walls meet air pressure from the swimming pool

the secondary façade acts as the first layer against solar radiation. a buffer space between the concrete panels and large glass openings prevents heat from entering the habitable rooms. as well as function, the concrete panels also serve as a blank canvas for shadowplay from the surrounding vegetation, resulting in an ever-changing façade experience.

view of the double-height buffer space

the buffer space between the concrete panels and glass also acts as a transition area between public and private. residents can enjoy balconies and swimming pools that are contained within these parts of the building. this design strategy provides welcome shade and panoramic vantage points to the lush garden, all the while remaining cleverly concealed from the outside.

the main circulation also acts as a wind chimney

a green roof is applied to reduce heat gain and to maximize rainwater harvesting, which is recycled for irrigation. the roof is also integrated with a series of skylights to ensure that no artificial light is required during the daytime.

residents enter the house via a ramp

a ramp is designed at the entrance of the house, which also serves as a personal gallery for the owner. the ramp leads to an informal living area that opens up directly to the swimming pool and frames a view of the garden. the living room also acts as a space barrier between the privacy of two main bedrooms. breaking with traditional residential layouts, the placement of the living room benefits from two sources of natural light and the sense of sanctuary that is created by the adjacent garden. 

thanks to the skylights, the circulation space doesn’t need artificial lighting during the day

‘passive design lab was meant to be a simple prototype of how one could apply a down to earth passive design approach in order to achieve comfort without relying much on artificial/active design for sustainability. in the ongoing unplanned urbanization, urban houses are gradually suffocating, isolating, and cutting off themselves from friendly relationships with the surrounding environment, RAD+ar introduced a solution to help awaken to the facing problem, thereby creating a haven within for majority to stay in a safe place while embracing biophilic and tropical approach with the contemporary house, from the perspective of living harmoniously with the environment.’ – RAD+ar

the living room

the ramp functions as a personal gallery to display the owner’s art

the façade is like a blank canvas waiting to be painted by shadows of nature

view of the house from above

view of the roof

the design harvests natural light, water, and natural ventilation from top to bottom

project info:

project name: passive lab house

location: kecamatan serpong utara, indonesia

architecture firm: RAD+ar (research artistic design + architecture)

architect: antonius richard

photography: william sutanto

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: lynne myers | designboom