W22 House is a private residential project located within a high-density urban area in Yogyakarta. The residence features a modern tropical architectural design, thoughtfully integrated with fundamental Feng Shui principles to guide its spatial layout. The three-story structure is organized into distinct functional zones: the ground floor accommodates service and utility areas, the first floor serves as the communal and social hub of the home, while the second floor is dedicated to private living spaces.
The modern tropical design approach is reflected in both the spatial planning and material selection. The floor plan was developed in direct response to the client's needs, carefully considering the building's solar orientation, prevailing wind directions, and essential Feng Shui elements. Natural daylight is choreographed to enter the interior in a controlled manner, optimizing illumination in key areas. Despite being surrounded closely by adjacent buildings, the design leverages the tropical climate's year-round solar gain, transforming it into a strategy for passive lighting and energy efficiency. Expansive windows throughout various elevations facilitate cross-ventilation, promoting thermal comfort and reducing reliance on mechanical air conditioning systems. The material palette primarily consists of natural finishes, such as locally sourced stone and timber, which enhance a warm, textured, and contextually appropriate tropical ambience.
The building is aligned along a north-south axis, with the primary façade facing south. This orientation optimizes both daylight and natural airflow. The front façade features strategically placed openings that allow skylight in while promoting ventilation and maintaining visual privacy from the dense urban surroundings. Timber shading devices are used on the façade with various detailing techniques, effectively screening interior spaces when operable windows are open. These shading elements serve not only as passive environmental controls but also contribute to the building's vernacular aesthetic within an urban context. A central vertical void extends from the roof to the ground floor, allowing controlled eastern sunlight to illuminate the interior spaces. This void acts as both a light well and a passive ventilation shaft, enhancing environmental quality in the central areas of the building. Toward the rear of the residence, the architectural expression opens up with larger glazed surfaces to maximize visual connections, daylight, and natural airflow without compromising occupant privacy.
The first-floor communal zone is designed in an open-plan layout, promoting spatial fluidity and flexibility for various social activities. The living room, the dining area, and the pantry are integrated into a continuous and unified space, supporting a dynamic environment for family interaction and shared experiences. A double-height void above the living area enhances vertical connectivity and broadens spatial perception, creating a visual dialogue between the different levels. This communal zone also maintains a seamless spatial relationship with the foyer and terraces, separated only by glazed doors, which allow for spatial expansion and indoor-outdoor continuity when desired. The primary staircase is discreetly located within the architectural layout, preserving a sense of privacy and circulation hierarchy. A skylight positioned above this vertical circulation core ensures consistent natural illumination throughout the day, reinforcing the house's commitment to passive design strategies.