"One Area For All Happiness" In TJ House, By One And a Half Architects

Front view TJ House, Photo by SkyGround architectural film & photography

TJ House was inspired by the title of the movie "Happ(y)ness" which was designed with the concept of "Living" as the main purpose in utilizing common areas to connect the happiness of residents. One And a Half Architects designed TJ House with several spaces to accommodate all residents' happiness. The concept was further used as a guideline for designing the zoning and function of the house.

View from the pool of TJ House, Photo by SkyGround architectural film & photography

Early in the design process, the owner revealed to One And a Half Architects that he wanted a courtyard in the middle of the house. However, the existence of a large enough padauk tree is a challenge in realizing his wish. Finally, the architect provided a solution to place the building in the middle of the site with a small courtyard distributed throughout the house as a greener area and a better atmosphere.

In addition to maintaining a large tree on the site, the architect also placed a swimming pool in the yard to help natural air as well as being a beautiful view for the main living room. As a result, TJ House, which is arranged in such a way, has the advantage of smooth air circulation and maximum light that can be transferred to all parts of the house. The architect also added some greenery for a soothing and pleasant courtyard life.

Courtyard and interior area view of TJ House, Photo by SkyGround architectural film & photography

Pool and interior area view of TJ House, Photo by SkyGround architectural film & photography

One And a Half Architects functions the living room as a connection center for all house functions. The trick is concentrating on the entire main area to see the trees. While the space program for the private room is located on the second floor, which functions as a bedroom, while the workspace and library are on the mezzanine floor. The ground floor serves as a communal space with a living room, kitchen, and lounge with the idea of "one area for all happiness".

1st plan TJ House, Source by One And a Half Architects

2nd plan TJ House, Source by One And a Half Architects

In addition to its spatial arrangement, One And a Half Architects focuses its designs on simple and minimalist concepts by showing aesthetic proportions. This concept can be felt when entering the house through the corridor. Residents and guests will be greeted by white walls. After passing through the corridor, they will be surprised by the green lawn, big trees, and inner space directly connected. This arrangement can minimize the use of columns in the interior that will hinder a cleaner and wider view, in this space also utilizes glass walls on the part that leads to the yard.

Front yard area of TJ House, Photo by SkyGround architectural film & photography

Main entrance area of TJ House, Photo by SkyGround architectural film & photography

One And a Half Architects created a special strategy for TJ House so that it doesn't look boring and seem like a white box even though it has a minimalist concept. Thus, architects play with interior and exterior aesthetics by arranging larger materials made smaller by adding horizontal lines, giving the illusion, and making the house look longer. The entire volume is dominated by neutral colors, such as white and gray, with decorative touches made from simple, warm wood. While the pantry area is designed to look striking with black material that contrasts with other areas.

Kitchen interior of TJ House, Photo by SkyGround architectural film & photography

Bedroom interior of TJ House, Photo by SkyGround architectural film & photography