From Inside Looking Out

From Inside Looking Out is a four-story residence designed for a couple who wanted an airy family home with a tropical resort ambiance. Situated in Jakarta’s upscale Pantai Mutiara neighborhood, the site features an east-west orientation, with the eastern side overlooking a canal and the western side facing the main street and a busy cafe. K-Thengono Design Studio utilizes this orientation to arrange the building's programs based on their contextual views.

The residence comprises two distinct blocks connected by a central circulation space. The western block accommodates the bedrooms, while the eastern block contains the living and dining areas. The circulation connector divides the open space between these two blocks into two courtyards: one serves as the main entrance, and the other functions as a private garden for the residents. This spatial arrangement facilitates natural light and ventilation throughout the residence.

In the western block, each floor features a shared balcony connecting the bedrooms. These balconies are covered with bifold wooden screens that shield the interiors from harsh afternoon light. The screens are tapered, with thicker lower sections providing privacy and thinner upper sections allowing light to filter through. At the uppermost level, which surpasses the height of the cafe across the street, the volume shifts to accommodate an entertainment room that offers views of the open sea and sunset. A reflecting pool in front of this room moderates temperature and extends visual perspectives.

The eastern block is divided into two functional areas: a double-height living area on one side and, on the other, a dining area with a kitchen on the ground floor, accompanied by a playroom above. The facade consists entirely of glass windows that can be fully opened, allowing ample morning light to flood the interiors and facilitating seamless integration with the outdoor swimming pool and seating area.

The upper level is supported by a single column concealed within cabinetry, creating an uninterrupted spatial flow between the living and dining areas. The entire volume features a slanted roof spanning 20 meters, with an overhanging cantilever that extends to the outdoor area, providing shade as the sun rises and maintaining a continuous sense of openness throughout the interiors.