Harmony in Contrast: Wood & White House by RCAB Studio

Located in Jakarta, Wood & White House is an expansion of the building of an old house with classic nuances using 'wood & white' as the main concept. It is a challenge for RCAB Studio to combine two plots into one unit, but RCAB Studio does not want to create something duplicative with something contrasting that will make the house and the residents' feelings in it also change completely.

Wood & White House view from street , Photo by KIE

The team's initial step in designing this house was to design a garden between the two buildings and add new openings to the old house. This made the quality of lighting and air circulation improve in the building.

Wood & White House view from street , Photo by KIE

With the concept of 'contrast' the architect team designed the pavilion façade to be a view of the old house with gardens and trees in between. The use of Ulin wood elements and the addition of water elements create a tropical atmosphere, including the shade of Brazilian fern trees in the park. They are creating a visual story of 'contrast' in old and new buildings, combining classic and modern.

Wood & White House dining room interior, Photo by KIE

The pavilion is connected using a ramp on the 2nd floor, becoming a bridge to the new building by crossing the garden and the main swimming pool—the 2nd-floor functions as a communal room containing a family room and dining room. Then, on the 1st floor, it functions as a more private room in the form of a bedroom and sports room, as well as a service area placed under the connecting bridge area.

Wood & White House connecting ramp, Photo by KIE

With limited land and to achieve extensive visuals, column structures are placed outside the building to create a more airy visual intention with glass openings 15 meters long. The columns are also wrapped in wooden details, so the steel columns blend into the garden in the middle of the site.

Wood & White House garden and pool, Photo by KIE

The entrance of the old and new buildings is joined by presenting a shower and fish pond as a designation for anyone who enters the house with stepping rocks. Contrast play is also applying to the interior concept. The dark-light play between white carrara marble, wooden lattice ceilings, and stone walls balances each other. Glass skylights are also presented in the pavilion, making the cladding of stone walls contrast the presence of sunlight. In the end, this pavilion became a new experience for its residents, without completely forgetting the atmosphere of its old home.

Wood & White House pond entrance, Photo by KIE

Front yard of the Wood & White House, Photo by KIE