This project is located in South Jakarta, having a narrow plot typology extending backward. Even though the plot is located in a modern-style residential architecture, the house owner wants to have an ideal tropical house for the family living. The main form of the house mass takes an “L” shape, leaving green area in front and the backyard to make good air circulation. The use of a hipped roof supported by a steel structure aims at presenting the tropical concept.

Pondok Indah house consists of 3 stories; the ground floor is used for the service area and foyer. The main area of the house is located on the second floor, reached with an outdoor ramp. Entering the second floor, welcomed with a spacious double-height ceiling terrace toward the main garden, and other communal spaces like the living room, dining room, and pantry, while the main bedroom is on the same storey separated from other rooms. While on the third floor is a more private area consisting of three children’s bedrooms.

This house is supported with two kinds of vertical circulation: stairs and elevators. The double-height ceiling is used to maximize cross air circulation and natural lighting through the big windows. Corridors are using natural ventilation as a principle of tropical houses.

The main material used for this house is local wood. Teak wood is attached as a facade element on the door and window frames, railing, ceiling, and louvers. The louver consists of horizontal teak wood planks so that the wind can flow through every gap. The main column is a steel structure covered with teak wood as the main element used in the house. While bengkirai wood used to cover the carport, ramp, and outdoor terrace.

Pondok Indah House is a depiction of the idea of a new tropical house in the middle of an urban area through mass composition, natural openings, and also the use of local material.