As a civil engineer with decades of experience working alongside architects, I’ve seen one recurring pattern: many residential projects prioritize aesthetics over true livability. Beautiful facades and modern interiors often come at the expense of comfort, energy efficiency, or environmental impact.

Living in Jakarta — a city known for its intense heat and humidity — I’ve long dreamed of a home that isn’t just visually appealing, but one that also feels naturally cool, comfortable, and energy-saving. That vision became clearer when I joined Homandala, where I began to understand the passive house concept more deeply.

What is a Passive House?

A passive house is designed to minimize energy use by working with nature, not against it. Through proper orientation, ventilation, insulation, shading, and materials, these homes stay cool in hot climates like Jakarta without relying on air conditioning all day.

Some key principles include:

• Maximizing natural airflow to reduce indoor heat
• Shading and insulation to block excessive sunlight
• Choosing breathable materials that don’t trap heat
• Smart window placement for light without overheating
  Why It Matters — Especially in Jakarta

In urban environments like Jakarta, homes often become heat traps. The result? Families run air conditioners almost 24/7, causing skyrocketing electricity bills and increasing dependence on the power grid.

More importantly, heavy AC usage releases refrigerants that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and ozone depletion — both of which accelerate climate change and harm public health.

By contrast, a passive house dramatically reduces the need for mechanical cooling, which means:

• Lower electricity use
• Reduced carbon footprint
• Less harmful refrigerant release into the atmosphere
• Passive Design is a Smart, Responsible Choice

The passive house approach isn’t only for idealistic environmentalists. It’s a rational, future-ready response to urban climate challenges. It promotes:

• Long-term comfort
• Energy efficiency
• Greater independence from external energy sources
• Contribution to global environmental goals

In Jakarta, where air conditioning is a daily necessity, the passive house concept is a practical climate solution. It reduces the pressure on energy systems and helps cut emissions — including gases that damage the ozone layer.

When we choose passive design, we’re not just building better homes — we’re playing a part in building a healthier planet.

By Rosalia Yuli – Civil Engineering & Marketing Manager, Homandala (Jakarta & Surroundings)