tamara wibowo tops residence in indonesia with A-shaped volume, covered with breeze blocks

the ‘breeze blocks house‘ by tamara wibowo architects is located at the furthest edge of a matured residential neighborhood in a hilly area of semarang, indonesia. the site is bordered by tall retaining walls that act as a boundary for the neighborhood, along with wild vegetation behind them. the design considers these walls as defining points of the project, using them to form a small private courtyard for the dwelling. 

all images courtesy of tamara wibowo architects

tamara wibowo architects decided to re-present one of these two retaining walls, turning it into an important element that establishes the meaning of the inner courtyard. this private yard is further defined by the ‘floating’ volume of the second floor that provides shelter to the back of the residence, creating a comfortable outdoor area that feels like an indoor space at the same time.

the residence takes the shape of a steeply angled roof creating an A-frame with a secondary skin made out of custom-designed cement breeze blocks. the facade is completed with a series of protruded corten elements that frame the opening of the residence.besides acting as a passive cooling strategy, the breeze blocks also serve to reduce visual connection from outside to inside, maintaining privacy within the house.

natural elements also play an important role when it comes to the facade, with the design incorporating treewithin the in-between spaces of the dwelling, so that the branches and leaves emerge through the breeze blocks’ small openings. in this way, the facade is formed to be ever-changing, growing along with the surrounding vegetation. the trees are physically intertwined with the architecture, in order to give a dynamic character, as well as a fresh energy to the house.

a spiral staircase was placed in the middle of the house unifying the spaces in the house, rather than breaking them apart. it appears as a sculptural element of the house that creates a sense of movement throughout the interior. facilitating the occupants’ circulation, the distinct staircase makes the house more flexible, convenient and energetic.

project info:

name: breeze blocks house
architecture office: tamara wibowo architects
location: semarang, indonesia

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom