11/25/2025
REFRACTION HOUSE
Project Overview
The Refraction House, designed by RAD+ar, is a micro experiment in sustainable architecture that reimagines the traditional wall as a privacy barrier. Located in Jakarta, Indonesia, this project aims to increase illumination while decreasing heat transmission in a tropical climate.
Key Details
- Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Design Firm: RAD+ar (Research Artistic Design + architecture)
- Lead Architects: Antonius Richard
- Architect Team: Felda Zakri, Partogi Pandiangan, Leviandri
- Area: 525 m²
- Year: 2021
- Photographer: William Sutanto
Design Concept
The Refraction House replaces traditional walls with glass block combinations that refract light deep into the center of the house, achieving natural lighting of 300 lux. The design also incorporates open-air balconies and internal gardens to reduce heat transmission and enhance illumination.
Features
- Innovative use of glass blocks for natural lighting
- Reduced heat transmission through design
- Open-air balconies for ventilation
- Internal gardens for illumination and greenery
- Sustainable architecture in a tropical climate