The Sagehaus Office Garden in West Jakarta, Indonesia, emerges as a case study that exemplifies how office architecture can embody the dual imperatives of focused individual efficiency and creative collaboration. Conceived by Indonesian architecture practice RAD+ar as a ‘dome of wind’, the project follows a tripartite, climate-responsive spatial strategy through enclosures, fenestrations and semi-open spaces, defining the multiplicity of spaces within the tropical architecture. The spatial hierarchy is further informed by the office’s bespoke programme that complements dense workspaces by introducing activity zones, fitting for an athletic sportswear brand.

With offices in Jakarta and Ubud, RAD+ar creates designs in which the built fabric intertwine with the natural landscape, often resulting in sculptural offerings. While their recent projects, such as the Sanctuary Tunnel Garden and the Chicken Hero Pavilion prioritise sustainability as a core tenet, these are however distinct in their modes of interaction with their surroundings. While the spiritual garden features large enclosures and a bold structural design, the pavilion employs pockets to invite social interaction. The Indonesian studio marries both approaches for the Sagehaus Office Garden, describing it as “a form sculpted from a monolithic building” that features pockets over multiple levels fostering collaboration among its users.

A porous structure defined by a large arched dome welcomes visitors, sheltering a cluster of staggered volumes that house circulation, reception, meeting spaces, lounge area, canteen and other staff areas. “The large, sculpted dome is designed to channel natural airflow through the ground-level areas while providing shelter from the sun and rain. In contrast, the enclosed working spaces are defined by solid perimeter walls, strategically punctured and sliced to allow light and air while minimising solar heat gain,” the design team at RAD+ar tell STIR. This hybrid approach fuses an energy-efficient model with climate-responsive strategies to ensure a comfortable and sustainable environment.

The facade features skewed openings, terraces and gardens, adding visual interest and enabling a pleasant working environment. While the fenestrations provide gentle natural light and ventilation to the spaces, they don’t do so without blocking the solar radiation and ensuring privacy. Describing the contemporary architecture as a ‘reverse carved’ volume for ‘sufficient thermal mass’, semi-open spaces within the complex continuously channel Jakarta’s gentle breeze. The core, comprising a spiral staircase, elevators and utility shafts, are thoughtfully placed and concealed to allow optimum utilisation of space without disrupting the panoramic views. The staircase, receives illumination through a skylight, and its domineering presence invites visitors to prefer climbing it over using the elevators to traverse across levels. Additionally, the rooftop is designed as an open recreational space, featuring a garden, a gym and seating areas.

“Tropical spatial qualities are integrated throughout the building—even in the most utilitarian areas, such as the toilets. These facilities are placed in separate wings, each enveloped by perimeter gardens,” the studio adds. Fresh air permeates deep within the areas of the contemporary design as the activity blocks are connected through semi-enclosed pathways, featuring adjoining small balconies that act as places for respite during circulation, ultimately reducing energy consumption. Explaining the intention behind the building’s layered spatial hierarchy, the press statement notes, “From a user functionality perspective, the mixed use architecture conceals a high-security file room at the deep centre, surrounded by flexible open-plan workspaces, and flanked by a series of mini to large meeting rooms, with a foyer pocket garden and casual spaces in between.” This conceptual design ties together all the spatial variations across levels, fostering direct and indirect connections among the activity zones. Moreover, service areas and restrooms are consistently placed in separate wings on each floor to minimise disruption during busy hours.

As per RAD+ar, “The Sagehaus office demonstrates how tropical architectural principles can shape both communal and private workspaces." The project embodies the studio's commitment to sustainability and contextual design, while addressing the dual demands of a modern workplace: balancing efficiency and productivity on one hand, and creativity and collaboration on the other. Rather than serving merely as a neutral container for diverse activities, the office architecture becomes an active framework that channels climate, context and community into its spatial fabric, prioritising the well-being and comfort of its users. With its sculpted form and layered design solutions, Sagehaus addresses workplace design in rapidly urbanising tropical neighbourhoods, demonstrating how office environments can be both goal-oriented and socially regenerative.

Project Details

Name: Sagehaus Office Garden
Location: West Jakarta, Indonesia
Architects: RAD+ar
Site area: 1,400 sq m
Total built area: 2,000 sq m
Year of Completion: 2024