isso architects sculpts soft interiors with solid concrete for compact ABC flats in jakarta

compact co-housing for jakarta

ABC Flats stands in the dense Cilandak neighborhood of South Jakarta, Indonesia as a compact co-housing development by Isso Architects. Built on a 175 square-meter (1,884 square-foot) site, the three-story concrete structure encompasses a total area of 423 square meters and accommodates eleven ensuite rooms arranged across three distinct room types. A rooftop pantry and communal terrace extend the shared living concept upward, offering residents a modest yet inviting outdoor space.

images © Ernest Theofilus

isso architects’ stack of concrete cylinders

From the street, the Isso Architects-designed ABC Flats building distinguishes itself through an interplay of soft curves and heavy geometries. The design team uses cylindrical forms as repeating elements, creating a rhythm that softens the presence of raw concrete while lending a sense of movement to the facade. This subtle fluidity contrasts with the more conventional neighboring houses and establishes ABC Flats as both a visual landmark and a considered response to its tight urban plot.

Entry to the building unfolds across a wooden floor beneath a triple-height staircase. Above, a skylight introduces natural light that shifts throughout the day, casting patterns along the stairwell walls. A reflective pond at the base amplifies these effects, bringing air and water into dialogue and giving residents and visitors a tranquil moment within the dense surroundings.

ABC Flats brings co-housing to South Jakarta, Indonesia

inside the ABC flats

Inside, the layout follows three longitudinal bands — stairs, aisles, and rooms — arranged with clarity and efficiency. Mechanical and electrical systems are consolidated within a central shaft, simplifying maintenance and preserving a sense of openness. Curved interior walls and partially detached railing sections echo the fluid facade, allowing light and movement to animate the compact circulation spaces.

The interiors balance the texture of exposed concrete with clean lines, wood finishes, and a restrained color palette. These choices enhance a feeling of warmth and stability while encouraging residents to inhabit shared areas. The rooftop pantry and communal terrace continue this theme, offering a quiet gathering point above the lively streets of South Jakarta.

cylindrical elements give the facade a soft, rhythmic character

a communal kitchen pantry is designed to bring residents together

wood finishes and a neutral palette balance the raw concrete