porosity from above: stuffy row house becomes lit office space 

 

completed by k-thengono, ‘porosity from above’ is a project that sees the transformation of a typical mixed-use row house building in jakarta, indonesia, into an office space for a small tech startup. a common feature of this structure typology is sharing two common walls with neighboring buildings, often posing a design challenge in finding sufficient access to natural light and ventilation. responding to this issue, the studio punctured holes on the roof of the stairwell bulkhead and on the third-floor slab to provide a naturally lit, healthy, and playful work lifestyle. 

 

k thengono punctures holes from above to maintain well lit interior for a small tech start up office 1
all images courtesy of k-thongono

 
 

activating the space with natural light + better air circulation 

the act of puncturing began from the stairwell bulkhead, where an oval-shaped skylight dissects through a rectangular volume with a strong filleted edge, thus creating a supple shape that reflects playful daylight into the office space. the team at k-thongono also installed a walkable skylight on the lower level to channel natural light across all floors. as a result, no artificial lighting is needed during the daytime. in addition, the provision of a stairwell shaft and omission of risers on floating stairs activate a stack ventilation effect for better air circulation throughout the building. 

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k-thongono distributed the office program by floor. the staff area on the second floor features a multi-functional table that accommodates activities like preparing food, eating, working, and cleaning. the third level, meanwhile, serves as a comfortable and private studio apartment for working executives. finally, the rooftop terrace is designed to encourage communal interaction (informal meetings and leisurely activities) to unfold under a cityscape backdrop. ‘our design philosophy dictates that all interior and exterior alterations are made to accentuate playfulness, as well as promote a healthier work environment by giving access to more natural light and ventilation,’ concludes the team.

k thengono punctures holes from above to maintain well lit interior for a small tech start up office 2

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k thengono punctures holes from above to maintain well lit interior for a small tech start up office 6

k thengono punctures holes from above to maintain well lit interior for a small tech start up office 3

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project info:

 

name: porosity from above

location: ruko crown golf, pantai indah kapuk, north of jakarta, indonesia

area: 180 sqm

designer: k-thengono design studio

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

 

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom