MG House is a modern tropical residence that redefines conventional design, tailored for a retired couple in Joglo, West Jakarta, with thoughtful consideration of the local climate and urban environment. Positioned on a corner lot, this residence stands as a neighborhood landmark, harmonizing modern architectural aesthetics with practical responses to its tropical setting. The design process began in 2018, followed by construction in 2019, navigating the complexities posed by the pandemic. This home serves as a retreat for Bapak G and Ibu M while accommodating their three children studying abroad. The core design challenges centered around balancing privacy with a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, catering to both family interaction and individual comfort.

The architectural concept merges the barn-style structure with modern geometric lines, enhanced by a combination of Cocoa Brown BlueScope Colorbond steel for the roof and façade, paired with ulin wood accents. This combination achieves a warm and inviting tropical aesthetic. To address the high rainfall in Jakarta, the building incorporates a monolithic form that blends the pitched roof with the main structure, facilitating efficient water drainage. The steep roof angle helps reduce heat accumulation inside, while north- and east-facing windows are strategically placed to minimize exposure to the harsher afternoon sun. Overhanging canopies and shutters serve to shield the interiors from excessive sunlight and rain, contributing to a comfortable indoor environment year-round.

Sustainable features are embedded throughout the house’s design, emphasizing natural ventilation and energy-efficient materials. For instance, the inner courtyard and open void foster cross-ventilation, allowing air to circulate freely and naturally cool the space. Public areas like the living room and pantry are equipped with air conditioning, but the design ensures that AC usage is not necessary at all times. Operable windows on the eastern and northern sides, combined with the central void’s louvered ceiling, create a pathway for hot air to rise and escape, reducing dependency on artificial cooling. The house’s insulation is further enhanced with a 3cm layer of polyurethane (PU) foam spray under the metal roof, effectively reducing both heat and noise.

The central void, enclosed by glass, creates an intriguing indoor-outdoor experience, visually connecting the living room, dining area, and pantry. This glass enclosure allows ample natural light to permeate the interior, supporting indoor vegetation in the courtyard that adds a refreshing green element visible throughout the house. Although the glass isn’t specially treated to reduce heat, the balance between natural lighting and ventilation maintains a comfortable indoor temperature that aligns with the owner’s vision for sustainable and accessible living.

Accessibility is another key consideration in MG House’s design. A ramp with a 6-degree incline leads into the main entrance, designed to accommodate the elderly parents of the homeowners and ensure easy wheelchair access. The ramp surface is finished with honed or leather-textured granite, providing a non-slip finish for added safety. The main staircase leads to the upper floors but does not extend to the top floor due to spatial limitations; instead, a lift provides convenient access. Additionally, an emergency service staircase connects the ground level to the top floor, offering an alternative exit path if needed.

Efficient space utilization led to the inclusion of a mezzanine and an attic-level room, allowing for multiple functions within a limited footprint. This approach maintains a scale that harmonizes with the surrounding environment, ensuring the building does not appear overly large or imposing in its context. MG House thus exemplifies a modern tropical residence that seamlessly integrates aesthetics, sustainability, and functionality, addressing both personal needs and environmental considerations.