House on V-Stilts

House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo

House on V-Stilts

K-Thengono Design Studio

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Kelvin Thengono

INTERIOR DESIGNER
Nadia Lee

MANUFACTURERS
Miele, Ateson, Blackwood, CARL & HANSEN, Casa Italia, Dekson, Estica International, Fio, Franke, Idefab, Kohler, Laflo, MOIE, Magran, Moire Rugs, Ong cen kuang, Paloma, Quantum Windows & Doors, Teka, Toto

INTERIOR CONTRACTOR
ADA Fabrication

STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT
PT. Cipta Sukses

LIGHTING CONSULTANT
Erreluce

MEP CONSULTANT: PT
PT. Metakom A Pranata

GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Jaffa Constructions

LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT
Studio ASA

DESIGN TEAM
Natashia Angelina, Theodora Sianturi

PROGRAM / USE / BUILDING FUNCTION
Residential

TECHNICAL DRAFTER TEAM
Fachrudin Faruq

PHOTOGRAPHS
Mario Wibowo

AREA
550 m²

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
North Jakarta, Indonesia

CATEGORY
Houses, Sustainability & Green Design

A HOUSE ON V-SHAPED STILTS: ELEVATED LIVING DESIGNED FOR RESILIENCE 

A cherished property in Jakarta’s premier waterfront area faced a looming threat: land subsidence fueled by excessive groundwater use.

House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo
House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo

The owner turned to K-Thengono Design Studio for a solution to revitalize and protect their home.

The task was to design an elevated sanctuary that harmoniously blended luxurious living and robust resilience, amplified the home's connection to the waterfront, and fulfilled the homeowner’s desire for a penthouse-esque experience.

House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo
House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo

With the building site sitting 0.7 meters below sea level and projections indicating a further 3-meter descent by 2041, a strategic approach was crucial to ensuring the residence's longevity and stability.

The pile-slab foundation was utilized to resist the structure’s load, securing the structural integrity of the residence amid ground shifting.

House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo
House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo

Furthermore, a 4.5-meter-high dike was constructed along the rear of the property facing the canal, safeguarding the home against potential coastal flooding for decades.

Plumbing and electrical systems were strategically installed underground and attached to the foundation, minimizing potential damage from future land subsidence.

House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo
House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo

Moving above the ground, living areas were cleverly elevated on sleek, black V-shaped stilts to maximize the views and create a flood-proof space.

This ingenious design preserves clean aesthetics by minimizing the number of columns, ensuring panoramic ocean vistas.

House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo
House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo

The layout was tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle. The raised ground floor, now at a safe height of 3.3 meters above the original terrain, accommodates parking and service areas.

One level up reveals a communal area with a refreshing pool, ideal for socializing and relaxation. The third level houses a private sanctuary, offering serene bedrooms with captivating sea views.

House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo
House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo

Crowning the residence is a multipurpose space with a spacious balcony overlooking the canal.

A SEAMLESS BLEND WITH NATURE

Sustainability shapes the design, with each floor positioned to optimize natural light and minimize reliance on artificial cooling.

House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo
House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo

The second-floor workspace, for example, is placed under a cantilevered volume that blocks harsh east-west sunlight. Similarly, the living room's orientation towards the neighboring park shields it from the intense afternoon heat.

Materials were deliberately chosen for their durability, minimizing maintenance needs. A rainwater harvesting system collects and distributes rainwater for landscape irrigation, further showcasing the commitment to eco-friendly design.

House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo
House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo

Coastal-adaptive, low-maintenance, and edible plants line the expansive outdoor area. Strategically placed throughout, these plants also serve as natural windbreaks against sea breezes.

Beyond the edible garden, the outdoor space includes a designated dry area for the homeowner’s pets, while a terrace offers an ideal setting for yoga sessions or barbecues. This terrace leads to a private pier, completing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.

House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo
House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo

By harmoniously integrating the sea and land, K-Thengono Design Studio has crafted a home that defies the challenges of a sinking coastline.

The result is an environmentally conscious and resilient haven offering the luxury of nature, privacy, and peace of mind amid an ever-changing environment.


House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo
House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo
House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo
House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo


House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo
House on V-Stilts
© Mario Wibowo


House on V-Stilts
Section A
House on V-Stilts
Section B


House on V-Stilts
Plan - Ground floor
House on V-Stilts
Plan - 1ts floor
House on V-Stilts
Plan - 2nd floor
House on V-Stilts
Plan - 3rd floor


House on V-Stilts
Axonometric Diagram
House on V-Stilts
Structural Diagram