steel canopy protects lumintu house from sunlight in north jakarta

realrich architecture workshop completes lumintu

Lumintu by Realrich Architecture Workshop is a house situated in a landfill area in North Jakarta, envisioned with a vacation-like ambiance while embodying philosophies of bioclimatic architecture. In the region of Pantai Indah Kapuk, temperatures can soar to 35-40°C during the day. Given the building’s west-facing orientation, its proximity to the beach, and the barren landscape devoid of vegetation, an effective strategy was necessary to limit direct sunlight penetration into the interior.

To address this, the Indonesian studio combines industrial and traditional techniques in the steel canopy design, which along the facade resembles the branching pattern of a tree extending outward, creating a shaded space similar to sitting under a tree. This design also protects the surrounding plants from excessive sunlight and forms a soft, seamless transition, reflecting the philosophy of ‘Lumintu’ — meaning sustainable and flowing.

all images courtesy of Realrich Architecture Workshop

a sweeping steel lattice wraps the bioclimatic house

The team at Realrich Architecture Workshop worked closely alongside skilled craftsmen who play a crucial role in the construction of the house, bending each steel component one by one. The design of Lumintu then incorporates industrial and handcrafted elements along the facade, doubling as a canopy for sun shading for the building. Inside, the spacious, column-free main area on the ground floor integrates with the outdoor space, expanding the feeling of openness, facilitating natural airflow, and offering views of the tropical landscape from within the house.

Notably, the house features an air gap between the roof and the floor below. This space allows hot air trapped between the floor plates and the ceiling to escape, creating effective cross-ventilation. High ceilings and skylights optimize natural lighting, while ventilated openings are covered with mesh to prevent insects from entering the building. Lumintu House also has a rooftop garden that provides insulation for the spaces below — an approach that helps reduce the indoor temperature by approximately 3°C. Additionally, environmental impact is minimized during construction by utilizing locally sourced materials and local artisans. Overall, the project reduces the carbon footprint while ensuring long-term durability and low maintenance.

Realrich Architecture Workshop completes Lumintu

situated in a landfill area in North Jakarta, Indonesia

the sweeping canopy limits direct sunlight penetration into the interior

its design resembles the branching pattern of a tree extending outward, creating a shaded space

the soft, seamless transition reflects the philosophy of ‘Lumintu’ — meaning sustainable and flowing

shaded semi-enclosed spaces

creating natural airflow, and offering views of the tropical landscape from within the house

environmental impact is minimized during construction by utilizing locally sourced materials

Realrich Architecture Workshop worked closely alongside skilled craftsmen for the construction

a contrast in materiality

the skylight is inspired by the tiered temple form of Indonesia’s Punden Berundak

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project info:

name: Lumintu

architect: Realrich Architecture Workshop | @realricharchitectureworkshop

lead architect: Realrich Sjarief

design and project team: Alim Hanafi, Joana Agustin

support team: Rico Yohanes, Aqidon Noor Khafid, Sharfina Nur Dini, Sofiana Estiningtya, Pandu Nazarussadi

prefinishing design team: Erick, Septrio Effendi, Miftahuddin Nur Hidayat, Kanigara Ubazti Putra, Fadiah Nurannisa, Tirta Budiman, Larasati Ramadhina

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: ravail khan | designboom