Community hub entrance with terracotta facade and green rooftop, people walking nearby.

Terracotta Facade and Verdant Rooftop Define Maros’ New Community Hub

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Written by Sam Johnson

2026-09-20

Common Days, an innovative architectural project by Studio INS Studio, stands in a newly developed commercial district, Indonesia. This three-story building masterfully balances modern aesthetics with the natural beauty surrounding it. The terracotta facade is designed with an open-air rooftop garden, facing Bukit Cenrana, a well-known hill, offering visitors expansive views that seamlessly integrate into the experience.

Locally sourced materials are at the core of this project. Andesite stone from nearby mountains becomes a signature interior element, with its square-patterned walls and flooring. Terracotta brick perforated screens elegantly form the building’s climate-responsive exterior, ensuring it blends with the Maros landscape.

Side view of building facade with vertical terracotta panels.

Discover how perforated facades transform design in the Thompson Center’s reflective curtain wall, adding a modern twist to historic structures.

Rooftop garden with various plants, overlooking the cityscape.

Architectural features reflecting Maros’ geography with a terracotta facade

Upon entering, you find yourself in a coffee shop on the ground floor. It’s designed as the community’s social hub, where open layouts foster interaction. This level smoothly transitions to quieter workspaces above, maintaining a connection that encourages collaboration. The second floor offers a working environment, complete with private meeting rooms.

Terracotta facade detail, showcasing textured panels and precise joinery.

Terracotta bricks, locally produced, extend onto an outdoor terrace, creating a comfortable setting complemented by a moss wall. This greenery, cultivated by local gardeners, enriches the workspace with calming elements. Such details underscore the architects‘ commitment to local resources and craftsmanship.

Interior space with natural light and green potted plants.

Design that embraces sustainability and culture through a unique screen

The building’s signature is its perforated breeze block facade, which filters harsh sunlight and facilitates natural ventilation. This feature contributes to the passive climate control strategy that even extends to the rooftop garden. Here, the space serves dual purposes: relaxation and a venue for community events against the backdrop of Bukit Cenrana.

The concept of integrating nature into architecture is further explored in Bangkok’s Pridi41 House, where natural elements create a vertical oasis.

Community space with people relaxing and enjoying views.

This structure’s dialogue with its environment presents an architectural language that’s contemporary yet rooted in locality. INS Studio’s approach with Common Days showcases innovative gathering spaces adaptable to modern needs while remaining true to Maros’ cultural and environmental identity.

Architectural sketches on a desk, showing design concepts.

The use of natural stone and brick solidifies the building’s connection to its surroundings. These elements are not merely aesthetic advancements; they ground the architecture in its natural context, particularly through the consistent use of a ceramic screen.

Close-up of rooftop garden soil layers and irrigation setup.
People sitting on benches in the rooftop garden area.

Spaces promoting community and collaboration with a traditional element

With its inviting coffee shop and well-fitted workspaces, Common Days fulfills its role as a gathering place. The second floor continues this intent with areas designed for indoor activities, blending creativity with practicality.

Overview of the building's green rooftop and terracotta panels.

This harmony between community spaces and thoughtful design strategies makes Common Days not just a building, but a vibrant part of Maros’ evolving urban fabric, enhanced by its signature screen.

Meeting room with large windows, surrounded by greenery.

The integration of a moss wall, crafted by local hands, further emphasizes the project’s dedication to local craftsmanship, enriching the environmental narrative.

Close-up of leafy plants against terracotta facade backdrop.

As Maros expands, this building serves as a model of how architecture can innovate while maintaining cultural integrity through its striking exterior.

Pathway through the rooftop garden with different plant species.
Diagram demonstrating human movement patterns within the building.
sum movement diagram
Axonometric drawing illustrating the building's architectural features.
axonometric drawing

Sources & Links

Source: designboom.com

Frequently asked questions

What materials are used in Common Days building?

The building uses locally sourced materials, including terracotta bricks for the facade and andesite stone for interior elements.

How does the building incorporate natural elements?

The building features an open-air rooftop garden and terracotta brick perforated screens, blending with the landscape and facilitating natural ventilation.

What is the purpose of the building’s design?

The design aims to balance modern aesthetics with natural beauty, serving as a community hub with spaces for social interaction and collaboration.