Morahai Bioclimatic Home

Building a house is never easy; it’s a lengthy process that requires significant refinement and resources from the client, all focused on the client’s needs. This house took considerable time to complete, as the design and construction began during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an unique opportunity for us, and the clients were supportive throughout the critical design process also open to exploring new possibilities as long as they remained functional.

Our goal in designing this house was to reduce the indoor temperature to 28°C through a bioclimatic approach. This involved strategically placing trees and plants both inside and outside the perimeter to create a natural cooling effect. Additionally, we aimed to achieve a PM2.5 concentration of below 30 µg/m³ to ensure that the house is free from air pollution.

The design features a thoughtful selection of materials that are not costly but still give a unique character. We utilized a mix of material, including cement plaster and ulin wood. The west side of the house is more enclosed, offering a view of the nearby RPTRA (children’s playground). Interestingly, the house features a social area where newspapers are placed, allowing people to read them. This creates an informal social space, making the house a neighborhood activity hub.

The layout of the house comprises two zones: public and private. This design was inspired by the clients’ desire for visiting relatives to feel at home. In the private zones, functional living spaces like the family room and bedrooms are designed with unique curved forms. The bedroom area features a series of continuous curves resembling terracing, echoing the natural language of curves. The staircase is prominently located on the west side, serving as a central element that enhances spatial efficiency and circulation.

The exploration of combining curved and rectangular forms in both the shape and façade of the building is intended to facilitate healthy airflow and introduce natural light into the interior spaces. To minimize the load on air conditioning, a rooftop garden serves as insulation.

design by #realricharchitectureworkshop