ABC Flats is a co-housing located in the heart of the dense Cilandak neighborhood in South Jakarta. This three-story, solid concrete building occupies a 175m² plot of land, with a total built area of 423m². The co-housing offers three types of rooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, totaling 11 rooms. Additionally, the building features a rooftop area designed as a small pantry and communal space for residents.
© Ernest Theofilus
Isso Architects have infused the building with a language of subtle fluidity, blending curving and bending geometries to create a soft, harmonious, and playful composition. The repetition of cylindrical elements adds a rhythmic quality to the structure, making it both visually unique and functional—offering a refreshing contrast to the conventional houses along the street.
© Ernest Theofilus
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a solid wooden floor beneath a triple-height staircase, complemented by a skylight that allows natural light to filter through, casting dynamic shadows on the walls. A long reflective pond enhances the experience, emphasizing the interplay of light, air, and water. The architects liken the flats’ view to a slowly turning kaleidoscope, where the scene shifts by the hour—or sometimes, with the blink of an eye.
© Ernest Theofilus
The use of wood, clean lines, and a neutral palette complements the raw concrete exterior, enhancing the balance between solidity and openness. Following the fluidity of the façade, the interior walls are also sculpted with curved forms. Some sections of the railing wall are detached, creating a dynamic interaction of light and movement from the inhabitants. This play of motion enriches the spatial experience and improves the livability of the compact space.
© Ernest Theofilus
The straightforward layout is divided into three longitudinal sections: stairs, aisles, and rooms. The arrangement is kept as neat as possible, with all mechanical and electrical systems consolidated within a central shaft to simplify maintenance.
Project Info
Architects: Isso Architects
Country: Indonesia, Jakarta
Area: 423 m²
Year: 2025
Photographs: Ernest Theofilus
Lead Team: Arini Zairina Putri
Design Team: Rangga Cakra Birawa
General Contractor: PT. HAGE Primadi Konstruksi
Interior Contractor: Silla Home
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.