- Project: S+I House
- Architect: DP+HS Architects
- Location: Indonesia, North Jakarta
- Year: 2015
- Area: 600 m2
- Photography: Mario Wibowo
Nestled within a dense residential area of North Jakarta, the S+I House by DP+HS Architects is a compelling example of contemporary Indonesian architecture that embraces both family flexibility and site constraints. Completed on a 6,458 square foot footprint, the residence cleverly rethinks compact urban living with bold forms, passive cooling strategies, and flexible social spaces.
Site-Responsive Design and Family-Driven Planning
Occupying a 440 m² plot, the S+I House is hemmed in by a main road to the west and a narrow alley to the south. Rather than orient the house toward the prominent street, architects Don Pieto and Henny Suwardi placed the entrance on the more discreet south-facing alley, ensuring privacy while maximizing open space toward the west.
This open area is designed as a gathering zone, extending the living room outdoors while maintaining a private setback from the street. With a small nuclear family as its core residents—but large extended families expected to visit frequently—the house required a versatile and efficient spatial layout.
Compact Form, Bold Massing
The design takes the form of two geometric massing volumes, carved from a singular block and subtracted by an open void on the upper floors. This “compartment box” strategy does more than organize space—it provides:
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Natural light and ventilation
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Green rooftop zones
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A reflecting pool to help regulate thermal conditions
The modular structure allows flexibility and reduced construction costs, while the black-framed glazing, white façades, and monochrome palette give the house a crisp, modern character.
Material Contrast and Interior Warmth
Inside, the design continues with a language of raw and exposed finishes:
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Exposed cement in the living room evokes material honesty
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Painted exposed brick defines the study area
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Solid wood brings warmth and tactility to common areas
This balance between texture and restraint grounds the home in a distinctly urban yet inviting aesthetic.
Shaded Garden and Pool Integration
A series of large existing trees along the western façade have been preserved, shading a generous rear garden designed as a pool deck and outdoor gathering spot. This green buffer helps to cool the house while offering a private retreat that seamlessly extends the indoor spaces.
Conclusion: Flexibility, Form, and Family at the Forefront
The S+I House by DP+HS Architects showcases a thoughtful interplay between bold modular form, responsive planning, and family-centered function. By maximizing a compact urban lot and leveraging local climatic conditions, the architects have crafted a home that is both resilient and refined—a true urban oasis in one of Jakarta’s busiest districts.
