Stacking L Villa

Located along a major thoroughfare in the heart of Medan, Stacking L Villa is conceived as an extension to an existing family residence, offering additional spaces for hosting and gathering without asserting itself as a conventional house. The owner requested a discreet building featuring various amenities, including a 20-meter swimming pool, a movie theater, and a multifunction room.

In response to its urban surroundings, the floor plan is designed by stacking two L-shaped masses. Together, they create an inward-looking enclosure that shields the interior from the busy road while framing a series of layered outdoor spaces.

From the street, the architecture avoids residential cues. All openings are directed toward an internal courtyard, with no windows facing the public edge. Arrival unfolds through a discreet sequence, beginning with a subtle extension that accommodates parking before guiding guests inward. Upon entry, the layout reveals a panoramic arrangement of living spaces on the ground level, where the living area, terrace, and swimming pool are integrated within a continuous landscape of greenery. Sliding glass walls allow these spaces to merge seamlessly, reinforcing the villa’s open yet sheltered character.

Vertical movement is achieved without the use of conventional stairs. Instead, a gently sloping ramp connects the ground level to the floor above in a slow and deliberate ascent. This approach preserves the sense of continuity established at entry, allowing movement through the house to feel fluid and unforced.

The upper section of the structure consists of two rectangular wings. On one side, there are guest bedrooms and a gym, while the other side features a bar, a movie theater, and a multifunction room. These wings are linked by a bridge that spans a central void, creating a double-height space above the living area below. The multifunction room is equipped with sliding rattan partitions, allowing the upper level to be easily adapted for larger gatherings when needed.

Materiality reinforces the stacked composition. The lower level is anchored in stone, giving the base a sense of weight and permanence. Above, lighter-toned concrete defines the upper volume, emphasizing contrast and restraint. Facing west, a layered shading system and a movable second skin temper sunlight while maintaining openness toward the courtyard and the existing family home.

Through its stacked L-shaped geometry, inward orientation, and slow spatial sequencing, Stacking L Villa is conceived as an airy guest house that functions as a private oasis.