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RJ House Wraps A Courtyard With Stacked Concrete Boxes

RJ House Wraps A Courtyard With Stacked Concrete Boxes

A series of striking concrete forms create a sense of privacy from the street, while wrapping a tranquil fishpond and courtyard at the centre of this home in Indonesia.

Situated in Bandung city in Indonesia, RJ House by Rakta Studio is defined by a series of strong concrete forms. The semi-detached house faces east, with the stacking positioned in a sequence that creates a dynamic yet welcoming composition when entering the house.

The materiality of the rough-finish concrete and precise edges is softened by timber screen detailing, adding a contrasting detail and depth. The brief from the client was for a home that is minimal, natural and earthy yet impactful. The reduced simplicity of the material palette speaks to this brief, comprising just three key elements – exposed concrete walls, timber and greenery.

The transitions through the home are dictated by the dynamic composition of the stacked forms. A fishpond and vertical garden in the foyer set the tone, adding a tropical ambience. Timber screens again come into play, this time with a functional purpose of creating privacy and security, as well as providing shade.

The house is planned around two internal courtyards, which bring natural light and cross-ventilation deep into the home: crucial for the hot, tropical Indonesian climate. As a centrepiece of the home, the courtyard also accommodates a semi-outdoor terrace space with an open timber pergola that allows unobstructed views and greenery to dominate.

The interior planning is centred around fluid and open spaces for the family to gather, meet and dine. A large, expansive open-plan space is enclosed by a glass sliding door, which can open all the way up to create a seamless transition between inside and outside. Openness and connection are fostered in other ways, for example, the sides of the stair create transparency with open risers and a teak tread. Upstairs houses the more private spaces including the main bedroom, kids’ bedrooms, an informal living area and a prayer room.

Rakta Studio

Photography by KIE

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Author:

Aleesha Callahan is the editor of Habitus. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Aleesha seeks out the unique people, projects and products that define the Indo Pacific region. Aleesha was previously the editor of Indesignlive.com and has written and contributed to various publications and brands in her 10 years in the architecture and design industry, bringing intimate insight to her stories having first trained and practised as an interior designer. Her passion for mid-century design and architecture began while living and working in Berlin.