A serene escape from the chaos of the city, MONOHOUSE Chapter I by monostudio is located in the north west city of Surabaya, Indonesia. It is situated on a small site measuring 7m x 12 m with no buildings to the left or the right.
The house is a series of compositions, finished with simple materials. In response to the region’s intense sun, an aluminium grid façade forms a key element of the façade. In addition to providing solar control, this feature lends a sense of transparency and texture. Further to this, canopies and overhanging volumes have been designed and supported with a wood plastic composite material to add further protection from sun. Windows are deep set in the heavy building mass and situated in response to the heat and humidity of the Indonesian climate.
In addition to standard bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom spaces, the house has a substantial living room that opens up to the backyard. By arranging the house’s programme vertically, the backyard space itself is maximized.
The architects explains that a calming atmosphere was desired throughout the house. As such, a neutral material palette was selected that includes wooden stairs, wooden ceiling and white walls. A white coral stone was used in the landscape which together with the greenery surrounding the house results in a serene escape from the city.
