Verde House Utilizes Split Level Concept to Optimize The Space
The choice of color for the Verde House is intentional and a way to differentiate the residence from its surroundings. But its color is not the only factor that makes this residence stand out. Located in Bintaro South Tangerang, in a densely populated residential area, this 6×15 square meters residence is designed by Atelier Bertiga. One of the main objectives of the project is to use the space efficiently to create a house that feels comfortable when inhabited.
According to the architect, using a split level is the main concept of the project. It helps optimize renovated buildings that utilize waste from old buildings. This allows the architect to use the waste as a landfill for the second building mass, which is the backside of the building. It also reduces the leftover waste from the construction process.
A split level in the residential building makes the use of space more effective. It can also manipulate the face of the structure. Verde House has four different floor levels but only two floors are visible from the facade due to the split concept. This also allows the house to adjust to the height of the other houses.
The architect divided the building mass into two phases through split levels that were separated with the inner courtyard as the open space. Apart from making it a green zone, the inner courtyard will also be the center of the building which will serve as the support for air circulation, a connection between spaces, and interactions between residents.
Moreover, utilizing the central area of the building helps the air in the building to improve the air circulation and does not feel hot or can help accelerate the flow of hot air out of each room. This area can also serve as a social interaction area from each side of the building because of the split-level concept. It makes the interaction of each floor feel closer due to each height between the building mass from one and another.
The positioning of the open space at the center of the building can also function as a natural light and ventilation support for the building. This allows the building to cut unnecessary electricity from morning until noon.
The architect divided the space arrangement inside the house into three zones horizontally. The service area is on the front side of the house, the inner courtyard is in the center, and the private area is at the back. The master bedroom has more space at the front, while the children’s room is limited to the back. The bed in the children’s room is made above and below with a different orientation in each room to give privacy.
When it comes to colors, Atelier Bertiga used a triple-tone concept that dominates with gray tones from exposed cement. The facade features a combination of black and green. The architect explained that the use of gray color on the walls, with the color and texture of the exposed concrete, is intended to make the building look more masculine. The choice of green color in the house is to make the house stand out more than the surrounding houses.
Photos by Daniel Jiang
