A spacious settlement for an extended family, the Gritted Grid project is a home for all ages. Created by Gets Architects, the layout is thoughtfully designed to feature zones for togetherness and privacy in equal measure. Located in South Jakarta, Indonesia, the 1450 square meter home includes an energy-efficient, gridded second skin that protects the interior from the intensity of the sun's rays while continuing to drink in natural light. High ceilings, cross ventilation, layers of insulation, and high-performance double glazing help to regulate heat inside the house. An indoor koi pond gives the house a comforting outdoor feel that keeps the inhabitants connected with the soothing magic of nature.
In this multi-generational private retreat, there lives a couple with their three young adult children, four elderly parents, and a number of pets. The home design incorporates all of the family’s needs and returns them to the comfort of their familiar old neighborhood.
Situated at the apex of the neighborhood, the two-story, honey-colored gridded facade is softened with lush green plants. The design melds gently with neighboring houses while communicating a unique architectural idea.
The project called for the renovation and extension of a pre-existing home. Lines between the two were blurred to achieve harmonious continuity.
The dim and complicated layout of the original house was reimagined to form an airy experience that connects with the landscape.
A sunken courtyard design is protected from the outside world. An extended pavilion provides a semi-outdoor dining area and an open kitchen.
The sparkling blue swimming pool design provides a pleasant panorama within a lining of new trees.
A vertical garden wall adds a beautiful visual stop to the garden. The green space consistently engages the family with nature without leaving the comforts of home.
The protective second skin of the home gives the property its name, the Gritted Grid. These extraordinary, towering latticework panels create magical lightplay.
The outer gridwork filters the sunshine that streams through skylights around the home. The breaks in the roofline minimize the need for artificial lighting.
At the front entrance, lattice roof panels build a shaded porch. An entrance ramp constructs easy access for elderly parents and creates a grand and welcoming composition.
Custom fiber cement breeze-blocks shape the second skin of the home, reaching lofty heights.
LED ribbons strike a fiery edge along the entry porch, casting a dramatic golden glow over the lattice-textured walls.
Ironwood decking defines a sitting area with a picturesque view. A modern bench is perfectly positioned for soaking up the vista.
Inside the home, a luxurious marble-clad living space is made light and airy with a double-height composition and large windows.
Gray sofas form a conversational arrangement, flanking modern black coffee tables with a sharp silhouette. A large living room rug injects fresh blue accents into the neutral decor scheme, laid atop black diamond marble flooring.
Floor-to-ceiling marble columns accentuate wide glass doors and walls.
Wood paneling crosses beneath a mezzanine landing and fills the high ceiling with visual warmth.
A black floor lamp provides reading light over one of the sofas. Black metal side tables expand upon the weighty black accent theme.
Windows fold away, dissolving the barrier between the interior space and the outdoors, fostering a feeling of closeness to nature.
The black coffee tables and side tables are decorated simply to leave all eyes on the uplifting green view.
A fabulous dining table was made using polished marble that was left over from construction.
A suspended staircase design drops lightly above an indoor koi pond.
The turn of the staircase is made roomy, creating a place to sit down and observe the peaceful koi pond below.
Design of the home took place during the pandemic, so the bedrooms were fashioned to serve as self-isolation spaces if needed. Each bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom and private terrace or balcony. There are 2 parent bedrooms on the first floor for easy access and peace away from the 3 children's bedrooms on the second floor.
Bathrooms in the home are luxurious sanctuaries with an opulent materials palette. Here, different flooring materials are employed to zone the floor plan, defining a cozy bathtub corner from the larger area.
A smaller, more intimate living room is tucked away from the grand living space in the central axis of the home.
The second floor of the added pavilion contains a home gym, dance studio, and guest room.
The custom fiber cement breeze blocks provide seclusion from the street but preserve connection with a pleasant view of the park and welcome in a blissful breeze.
The gridded second skin also creates cohesion across the three facades of the two-story home, giving it a more lightweight presence in the neighborhood.
Green views of the adjacent park are enjoyed from the second floor.
Sustainability is at the soul of this family abode: Numerous layers of insulation, solar panel installation, high ceilings, stormwater collection, maximization of natural light, and cross ventilation all around the house cut down on the family’s impact upon the earth.
This section drawing illustrates how the main, central living space is flanked by two fishponds. It also opens fully onto two ironwood terraces.
On the 3D floor plan, we can observe the division of space between communal and private areas.
The home is sited to maximize natural light all year round. Its U-shaped plan encompasses outdoor or semi-outdoor areas.
Ground-floor plan.
Second-floor plan.
Roof plan.
