Intertwined Residence by K-Thengono Design Studio

Intertwining Privacy and Togetherness in a Two-Family Residence

Set on a long strip of land in South Jakarta, Intertwined Residence was designed to accommodate two families within a shared property. The site’s configuration prompted K-Thengono Design Studio to arrange the residence linearly, defining a clear distinction between private programs and communal spaces.

The brief called for self-contained family units, each with its own main suite, two children’s bedrooms, a living area, and a service zone. To balance privacy and shared living, the studio adopted a pragmatic system of separation and linkage: a pair of two-story volumes at the front and rear is joined by a double-height common hall that acts as the social core. The spatial organization follows a horizontal layering system, with communal amenities on the ground level, while private areas for each family occupy the upper floor.

The connecting hall is defined by a 14-meter glulam structure that spans without columns, enclosed by glass walls to maintain visual continuity and allow daylight to enter. Residents can move seamlessly from the entrance to the sunken seating area and backyard through this open volume. A staircase leads up to a bridge linking the living rooms of each family unit at either end, each enclosed by woven rattan screens that offer privacy while filtering light.

Openings on both sides of the central volume extend the interior outdoors. The eastern terrace accommodates a pool that captures the morning light, while the western courtyard remains shaded by vegetation and a tall boundary wall. In the backyard, a lightweight steel pavilion functions as a gym, complemented by a secluded yoga corner.

Material expression reinforces the building’s spatial logic. The two family volumes are constructed in concrete, embodying solidity and permanence, while the connecting hall contrasts this with the warmth of glulam timber. Exposed joinery celebrates the material’s natural state and craftsmanship. The facade combines steel accents and natural stone, anchoring the house in its tropical setting. Exposed concrete floors and carved wooden details extend the tactile quality throughout the interior.

With its clear structure and layering, Intertwined Residence harmonizes individuality and togetherness, fostering a seamless domestic environment across both private and shared spaces.