Seamless Monolithic Gable Roof: Strength and Style in Perfect Harmony
Seamless Monolithic Gable Roof: Strength and Style in Perfect Harmony
September, 13 2024
Located in West Jakarta and designed by Cowema Studio, this house brings a contemporary twist to the Tropical Modern architectural style. Drawing inspiration from the barn form, the design challenges were heightened due to its corner lot position, which required careful consideration to balance aesthetics and functionality. The result is a clean, minimalist look that elevates the home’s monolithic feel, making it appear as if it were sculpted from a single, solid form.
The use of pre-painted steel for the gable roof and sections of the façade is central to this effect. With its smooth surface and geometric lines, the steel roof creates a seamless transition between the roof and the structure, emphasizing the monolithic design.
The rich Cocoa Brown color chosen for the roof and façade complements the house’s tropical surroundings, blending harmoniously with the lush greenery around it. This color, along with the clean lines of the roof, enhances the house’s connection to its environment, creating a visually appealing and cohesive design.
To improve the energy efficiency and comfort of the interior spaces, polyurethane(PU) foam was applied underneath the roof. This insulation reduces heat transfer and external noise, ensuring a cooler and quieter indoor environment.
The homeowner, M.C.G., confirmed that even during the hottest hours of the day, the spaces directly beneath the roof remain pleasantly cool, highlighting the effectiveness of this system.
In addition to the steel roofing, the façade is clad with Ulin wood, providing a natural contrast to the sleek metal surface. This combination strengthens the tropical feel of the house while maintaining its modernist roots. The second-skin façade design further improves comfort by regulating airflow and filtering sunlight, contributing to the overall thermal performance of the house.
This project exemplifies modern architecture’s blend of functionality and aesthetics. The seamless monolithic gable roof, combined with thoughtful material choices and technical details, demonstrates how contemporary design can meet practical needs while pushing creative boundaries.
The house has already been recognized as a finalist in the Steel Architecture Award 2024 under the Residential House category. Organized by Bluescope Indonesia and the Indonesian Institute of Architects(IAI) Jakarta, this competition celebrates the use of steel in architectural design across Southeast Asia. It aims to honor innovative projects that exemplify creativity, sustainability, and structural integrity, shining a spotlight on the best architectural practices in the region.
The roof’s sleek design and innovative use of materials ensure both durability and style. The project uses pre-painted COLORBOND® steel in Cocoa Brown, a material that brings strength, style, and long-term performance to the forefront of modern architectural practice.
