Wahana Architects used a combination of red brick, perforated metal and slatted timber to provide different levels of exposure for each floor in the PS-26 Office in Jakarta, Indonesia (+ slideshow).

The Indonesian studio designed the PS-26 office for a corner plot in midtown Jakarta. To provide an oasis from the hubbub of the city, the architects preserved existing trees in the grounds and added trailing planting to soften the edges of the building.

Pools of water and pockets of planting set around the foot of the block are designed to create a serene atmosphere.

The main offices are shielded from view behind brick walls and perforated metal cladding on the uppermost floor of the building, while ground-level meeting rooms are glazed to give views of the gardens.

"The idea is to lift the main functions of the building to hide the sight of the busy neighbourhood and allow natural air and light to pour in by inserting a void open space between them – a modest yet effective approach towards the existing urban setting," explained the architects.

A sunken passageway with textured concrete walls and a glass ceiling connects an underground carpark and training suite to the ground-level entrance.

Water trickles down the rugged concrete walls of the passageway from a pool overhead, while a row of trees that rise through openings in the glass roof provide shelter.

Architects have been increasingly incorporating trees in both residential and office interiors as a means of preservation, as well as decoration.

"The landscaping element is essential for adding a tropical mood," said the architects.

Related content: see more architecture and design in Jakarta

"The preserved trees which penetrate the water feature effortlessly act as a buffer against the surrounding environment as well as a relaxing atmosphere, while the plants dangling from the glass roof soften the interior composition."

"The lobby, the lounge area and meeting rooms are designed as transparent as possible towards reflective pond and garden – creating an urban oasis."

Ribs of warm-toned teak wood enclose a stairwell and an atrium at the heart of the building, while elevated walkways with wooden floorboards and perforated metal siding echo the external cladding.

Photography is by Fernando Gomulya.

Project credits:

Architects: Wahana Architects
Architects in charge: Rudy Kelana, Gerard Tambunan
Design team: Sofia Purba
Structure consultant: Ricky Theo
Main contractor: Wahana Cipta Selaras
Interior: Round Table Interior
Lighting: Artmosphere Lighting