The Refraction House, designed by Jakarta-based architecture studio RAD+ar, is a bold exploration of spatial adaptation and environmental responsiveness. This residential project addresses the challenges of an east-west orientation in a tropical climate, questioning traditional notions of the wall as a privacy barrier while prioritising sustainable design solutions.
To maximise natural light while minimising heat transmission, the architects replaced typical opaque walls with a dynamic array of glass blocks. This choice allows daylight to penetrate deep into the heart of the building, ensuring an optimal 300 lux level in internal spaces. The refracted light brightens the interiors, while the glass blocks simultaneously serve as a privacy screen, blurring the boundaries between inside and out.
In response to the intense heat from the direct east and west exposures, RAD+ar created open-air balconies and stacked terraces on both façades. These spaces allow heat absorbed during the day to dissipate naturally at night, reducing the need for artificial cooling and providing a comfortable living environment. Rooms facing these façades benefit from ample daylight without the thermal discomfort that would come from traditional openings.
A thoughtful arrangement of small internal courtyards ensures that natural light reaches every corner of the house. Minimal yet impactful, these gardens are carefully positioned in the front, back, and centre of the home to allow unobstructed light entry while adding a touch of greenery to the interiors. This layout simplifies the overall structure, retaining the majority of the existing build and focusing on functional beauty.
Upstairs, the master bedroom is bathed in softened natural light from the glass block walls, creating a serene, luminous retreat. This abundant glazing maintains privacy while inviting daylight to permeate the space, casting subtle patterns that shift throughout the day. The adjoining bathroom suite continues the theme, featuring frosted glass and sleek surfaces that amplify the light-filled atmosphere. A luxurious soaking tub and minimalist fixtures enhance the spa-like feel, blending modern elegance with a tranquil ambience.
Refraction House ultimately offers a unique, immersive living experience akin to strolling through a sun-dappled park. The translucent glass blocks provide a soft canvas for the evolving lives of the inhabitants, allowing family members to shape and reinterpret the space over time. This adaptable quality aligns with RAD+ar’s vision of architecture as an ongoing narrative, where each design decision fosters a sense of connection to place, time, and environment.
Project & Images: RAD+ar
Article: Lily Wong
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