Sharp protrusions interrupt the sloping clay joglo roofline at Ismail Solehudin Architecture’s Distracted House in Jakarta, Indonesia. The home bears its name thanks to the choice to rotate the communal prayer area to face Mecca, disorienting the character of the building’s form. The resulting design comprises organic materials to realize a contemporary residence with traditional undertones, and align with the client’s Islamic values.

traditional joglo roofscape sits atop Distracted House by Ismail Solehudin Architecture

all images by Andhy Prayitno | Mario Wibowo Photography

Ismail Solehudin Architecture is a design practice based in Bandung, Indonesia. In Javanese culture, the roof design of a dwelling represents the social class of the homeowner. A joglo roof corresponds to a member of high society, with a center that extends towards the sky and a sacred room sitting directly underneath. The twist with the Distracted House roof comes thanks to its rotated interior, with the protrusions not appearing in the center but in multiple spots around the edge, adding to the narrative of distraction.

rotating the interior disorients the character of the building’s form

Clay tiles dominate Distracted House’s exterior appearance, representative of the old Indonesian settlements within the local surroundings. Other materials such as brick, cement, stone and wood, further contribute to the natural aesthetic of the project. The choice in materiality reflects the architect’s goal of creating a contemporary home that still respects and adopts traditional methods.

organic materials realize the contemporary residence

the modern home contains traditional undertones and aligns with the owner’s islamic values