Cascading House: Complex yet Simple Concrete House Behind Lush Trees

Responding to the topographical site’s condition, Cascading House stands sturdy on its site with its floor leveling design that makes it stand out from the surroundings and creates a unique spatial experience inside the house.

Cascading House is designed to follow the topography of the site and hides behind the lush trees because it won't stand out from the surrounding environment.

Situated at a street corner with a noticeable slope, the architects, Tamara Wibowo Architects then constructed this house by dividing it into three building masses with every mass situated on a different level. The upper level occupies a wide garage and service areas that connect to the middle level functioning as the living room with a dining area and a pantry. Private rooms such as bedrooms are placed on the lower level next to the living room which is connected by the stairs. These stairs also lead the inhabitants to the second floor above which also occupies the bedroom with a wide view of the outside.

The front view of the Cascading House shows the arrangement of its three multi-story masses.

Each mass level of Cascading House will be separated by an open courtyard as a source of natural fractionation and living.

A wide high opening toward the pool and the courtyards in this middle level make the entire space breathe well. Meanwhile, the reflection pool near the living room brings in the fresh air and fills the interior with the sound of water splashing. Although the house features a divided building mass, it establishes effective connectivity between each section by incorporating transitional spaces. The transitional spaces; the courtyards placed between each mass, build a perfect connection between each level.

The living room of Cascading House has wide and high openings and is adjacent to the reflection pool that can bring cooler air into the house.

Details of site-cast concrete and wood as the dominant material of Cascading house.

All the spatial experiences were unified with the harmonious utilization of site-cast concrete and wood which were dominantly used in the house. The contradicting textures of concrete and wood create a complex yet simple impression inside the house, making the interior more alive. The site-cast concrete not only acts as the decorative element but also as the supportive structure that makes this house stand sturdy on its sloping site. With this innovative design, Cascading House not only manages to create a comfortable living place for the inhabitants but also creates a unique spatial experience inside the house.

Cascading House ground floor plan.

Cascading House upper floor plan.