in the outskirts of tangerang, a city close to jakarta, RAW architecture has drawn inspiration from traditional java architecture to design a contemporary family home. formed around a basic grid layout with an atrium puncturing its center, ‘tresno’ is a simple tropical house that provides quality spatial experiences over three levels.

RAW architecture designs a simple tropical house around a square grid in jakarta designboom

all images courtesy of realrich architecture workshop (RAW)

 

 

the house is designed by RAW architecture around a grid of nine squares, each measuring 3.6 m by 3.6 m. the program is methodically arranged in these boxes, with services located on the ground floor, living spaces on the first floor, and finally a more private level on the second floor. the three storys are stacked like boxes and cantilevered volumes allow for shaded pool and garden areas.

RAW architecture designs a simple tropical house around a square grid in jakarta designboom

 

 

the movement of sunlight on the site has been carefully studied to ensure optimum orientation of the building. to minimize heat gains, the west facing elevation is designed with a solid wall and minimum openings. the ground floor and first floor functions open out to the garden, where a landscape of pucuk merah trees acts as a barrier to excess sunlight, effectively creating a microclimate around the site.

RAW architecture designs a simple tropical house around a square grid in jakarta designboom

 

 

at the center of the house is a skylight, which is designed around the traditional tumpang sari technique. this creates an air stacking effect to cool the indoor atrium space, which connects to the bedrooms, the kitchen and living room. 

RAW architecture designs a simple tropical house around a square grid in jakarta designboom

 

 

the design uses polished concrete with a module of 600 mm x 1200 mm to avoid cracking between joints. positioned as the wall and floor plate in the indoor mezzanine level and outdoor balcony, perforated metal has also been employed to craft a layer of shadow and privacy. the structure embraces a functional approach with honest materials, resulting in a raw expression, while the timber finishes and green landscaping hint toward traditional java architecture. 

RAW architecture designs a simple tropical house around a square grid in jakarta designboom

RAW architecture designs a simple tropical house around a square grid in jakarta designboom

RAW architecture designs a simple tropical house around a square grid in jakarta designboom

RAW architecture designs a simple tropical house around a square grid in jakarta designboom

RAW architecture designs a simple tropical house around a square grid in jakarta designboom

RAW architecture designs a simple tropical house around a square grid in jakarta designboom

RAW architecture designs a simple tropical house around a square grid in jakarta designboom

RAW architecture designs a simple tropical house around a square grid in jakarta designboom

 

 

project info:

 

project name: tresno

type: residential

location: karawaci, tangerang, banten, indonesia

architecture firm: realrich architecture workshop (RAW)

 

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