Indonesian architect Andra Matin designed a private black house with almost no visible windows in Bintaro, about 35 kilometers from Jakarta. Narrow openings, greenery, water and an open layout provide natural light and ventilation while preserving the owner’s privacy.
As Channel NewsAsia reports, the client bought an adjacent plot next to the house where she had previously lived, increasing the total area to 300 square meters. She asked Matin to create a “masculine house,” which became one of the project’s defining features.
Privacy and natural cooling
The dark facade and roof of the house nearly merge into a single surface, while the window openings remain barely noticeable. According to Matin, the owner values privacy highly, so the architects sought to avoid conventional windows. Pigmented concrete and Yellow Balau wood were used for construction, selected for their appearance, durability and weather resistance.
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A strip of greenery in front of the facade softens the building’s austere appearance and serves as a living fence. Inside, there is a vertical garden and a narrow pool. Water and plants help keep the living area cool without air conditioning, which is important in Jakarta’s heat and humidity.
Space for everyday life
The ground-floor living area was opened up to the outdoor space, providing access to light, air and views of greenery. The house also includes internal voids and bridge-like walkways: they create a sense of greater space in the narrow building. A service area and a room for a domestic helper are hidden beneath the amphitheater-style stairs near the pool.
The children’s room on the second floor has a mezzanine used as a play area. The third level was initially intended for gatherings with friends and family: it includes a semi-open relaxation area and a small plunge pool. Later, the family’s main socializing moved to the ground-floor living room, while the roof also began to be used for drying clothes.
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