RAW architecture crowns indonesian house with six tapered skylights

‘stupa house’, a castle-like volume at the outskirts of jakarta

RAW architecture brings peculiarity to the alam sutera neighborhood at the outskirts of jakarta with its house of skylights called ‘stupa’. characterized by a traditional tapered design, the residence stands as a small castle that honors local culture while providing thermal insulation and breathability amid the hot and humid local climate. effectively, each skylight features tiny gaps that let in natural light and ventilation without comprising internal temperatures. 

‘stupa house’ also features lush vegetation at its entrance and a translucent canopy covering the walkway that takes its owners from the foyer to the living area. both these features, with the skylights, help establish a comfortable microclimate — turning the front of the residence into a sort of sanctuary within the neighborhood. 

all images © RAW architecture

topping the house with three different types of skylights 

RAW architecture (see works here) shaped the building using three different types of skylights. the first type comprises six tapered 3 x 3 m openings; the second features two 2 x 3.5 m skylights above the service area; the third is a small 0.5 x 1.25 m rectangle that illuminates the toilet area. combined, these openings ensure that each space in ‘stupa house’ gets its share of natural lighting. 

design-wise, the entrance is clad with white bricks to offer privacy. these bricks also frame a bluecolored door and a view to the backyard, where big glass openings expose the living room area. the latter holds a double-height ceiling punctuated by one of the tapered skylights — allowing an air stacking effect to unfold at the house’s core. the rest of the living spaces, and views of the outdoors, are organized around the 3×3 m openings 

aerial view of the tapered skylights

close up  shot of the tapered skylight gap, from the inside

nighttime view of the entrance facade

backyard view of stupa house

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project info:

name: stupa house

location: alam sutera, tangerang, jakarta, indonesia

architecture: RAW architecture

interior design: dinardi then studio + RAW architecture

design team: realrich sjarief (principal), agustin, erick fei, singgih suryanto,yudi atang, mohammad enoh, bonari, eddy bachtiar, alifian kharisma s., miftahuddin nurdayat, rifandi septiawan nugroho, alhamdamar mudafiq

RAW videographer: muhammad farhan nashrullah

RAW visual arts team: angel gabriela kusuma, andriyansyah muhammad ramadhan, lu’luin ma’nun, alim hanafi

structural design: john djuhaedi associates

local building team: singgih suryanto, yudi atang, mohammad enoh, bonari, eddy bachtiar
photography: ernest theofilus

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: lea zeitoun | designboom