This boarding house is located in Bandung City, designed with an open concept and aimed at highlighting the iconic character of West Java. This approach caters to the many occupants coming from outside West Java, strengthening the area's cultural identity. At the center of the building lies a communal space referred to as the "heart" of the design. This area not only fosters interaction among residents but also a building as a connectivity between architecture and nature. A void runs from the second floor to the third floor in this area, featuring a central tree that brings natural elements into the building.
The central void is designed as a semi-outdoor space, featuring large openings on the façade that extend to the communal area and skylights that support healthy air circulation and natural lighting. The skylights are also intended to create a stack effect, allowing hot air to escape while facilitating airflow from the façade area. Every room connected to this void is assured access to natural light and ventilation. This semi-outdoor concept establishes a connection between the building and its surroundings, where birds can freely fly in and out of the void area, enhancing the experience of space and nature.
The owner’s desire to provide a large number of rooms at affordable rental prices posed challenges in the construction. The solution offered involved simplifying maintenance and minimizing electricity usage in the building. The massing is designed as efficiently as possible, dividing the rooms into two types: those with private toilets and those without. The entire building is designed to not directly connect to the site, ensuring proper ventilation throughout and preventing excessive humidity in key areas, such as bathrooms. The blocks protruding at the building's edges house the bathrooms, ensuring that any leaks in these areas do not affect the rooms below. This overall design promotes good airflow and facilitates easy maintenance by incorporating natural systems.
Given the building’s location in a densely populated residential area, efforts were made to avoid contributing to traffic congestion and transportation issues. The owner wanted to ensure that despite the large number of occupants and their vehicles, the space would not hinder the movement of the surrounding community. To address this, the ground floor includes a spacious parking area set back significantly from the main road, making it easier for occupants to park their vehicles without disrupting social mobility.
The materials used in construction include bricks and terrazzo. The bricks blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment and are visually pleasing. The structural technique relies on concrete with small spans. No specialized construction techniques were employed, aligning with the building's functional requirements and budget constraints. Concrete integrates seamlessly with the primary materials, further supporting cost efficiency.
This boarding house comprises only rooms and a communal space designed to offer expansive and limitless spatial experiences. While private rooms provide individual privacy, they are in close proximity to social spaces, fostering interaction without rigid barriers. The overall design reflects simplicity and functionality, emphasizing harmony between private and social living environments.