Akanaka, an 800 sqm boarding house in Kemang, South Jakarta, tests two hypotheses: Can a constrained urban plot achieve healthy living through passive design? How can a terracotta and steel facade create a sustainable, communal residence? Built on an existing two-story structure, it houses 19 serviced rooms (16-35 sqm), designed for comfort and efficiency in Jakarta’s tropical climate, drawing from Bare Minimalist’s ecological principles.
The facade, clad in 300×300 mm orangish terracotta tiles crafted in Pamulang, features a 4.5m cantilevered canopy to block east-west sun and shield heavy rain, paired with steel balustrades painted brownish for cross-ventilation. Local artisans ensure functional beauty. A central linear courtyard, with a sculpture garden, fosters communal interaction while providing air stacking and natural light to open corridors. The landscape, with grass blocks outside and native plants along the perimeter, cools the urban site.
Using engineered teak wood panels (3mm slices on plywood, hung with stainless steel pins) and cast concrete floors (1200×1200 mm), Akanaka balances cost and durability. Nominated for the 2017 IAI Jakarta Award, it humbly proves passive design and local craft can create a vibrant, airy residence for urban living.
Photography by Ahkamal Hakim
April 9, 2025
Realrich Architecture Workshop
Realrich Sjarief
