- Project: R+E House
- Architect: DP+HS Architects
- Location: Indonesia, Jakarta
- Year: 2016
- Area: 600 m2
- Photography: Don Pieto
Located in West Jakarta, Indonesia, the R+E House by DP+HS Architects is a 6,458-square-foot residence that redefines family living through a concept of spatial interconnection. Designed for a young family with two children, this modern home turns daily routines into a seamless architectural experience by weaving together indoor and outdoor spaces across multiple levels.
A Home That Embodies Togetherness
Built on a compact 300 m² plot, the R+E House maximizes its footprint by embracing a strategy of interlocking space. This approach draws on the family’s previous experience in a smaller home where activities naturally overlapped. The architects, Don Pieto and Henny Suwardi, sought to maintain that tight-knit dynamic in the new, larger residence.
The result is a home where rooms and activities remain visually and physically connected. The living room at the core acts as the spatial and social anchor—offering connections to upper and lower levels, indoor and outdoor zones.
Vertical Play and Visual Bonds
The most striking architectural gesture is the ‘floating box’ above the dining room. Serving as an activity room, this upper volume features a large cutout that visually links it to the living area below. Adjacent to this, the master bedroom is positioned to overlook both the living room and the floating box, allowing parents to maintain a visual connection with their children throughout the day.
These thoughtful vertical overlaps ensure the family’s shared routines are reflected in the very structure of the home.
Light, Ventilation, and Material Expression
The house uses large-scale glazing and voids to create a feeling of openness. A tall glass façade facing the main street lets natural light flood the central space, while strategically placed air vents and roof-level openings trigger effective cross ventilation, keeping the interior naturally cool in Jakarta’s tropical climate.
Each room is marked by distinct material palettes:
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The living room features white-painted exposed brick, giving a casual and luminous texture to the central space.
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The activity room uses patterned tile cladding, giving the ‘floating box’ a defined, sculptural presence.
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The master bedroom contrasts with dark natural stone, providing depth and quiet elegance.
These finishes differentiate space without disrupting flow—emphasizing function while maintaining unity.
Conclusion: A House That Moves with the Family
The R+E House by DP+HS Architects is a thoughtful response to how families live, move, and connect. Through its interlocking spatial concept, material clarity, and strong indoor-outdoor relationships, it offers more than aesthetic appeal—it offers architecture that enhances togetherness.
This project is another standout from the architects also known for Jakarta’s R+J and S+I Houses, showcasing their continued mastery in human-centered residential design.
