Industrial and Domestic Waste Management
Volume 6 - Issue 2 - 2026

Thermal Comfort of the Facade at Colonial House of Soekarno's Exile in Brastagi District

Armelia Dafrina (Study Program of Architecture, Universitas Malikussaleh, Lhokseumawe 24351, Indonesia)
Irna Nurul Hidayah (Study Program of Architecture, Universitas Malikussaleh, Lhokseumawe 24351, Indonesia)
Nahrul Qadisah (Study Program of Architecture, Universitas Malikussaleh, Lhokseumawe 24351, Indonesia)
Yetty Sari Bangun (Study Program of Architecture, Universitas Malikussaleh, Lhokseumawe 24351, Indonesia)
Erna Muliana (Study Program of Architecture, Universitas Malikussaleh, Lhokseumawe 24351, Indonesia)
Diana Khairani Sofyan (Department of Industrial, Universitas Malikussaleh, Lhokseumawe 24351, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Sep 2026

Abstract

The Exile House of Soekarno in Berastagi District was a colonial-era architectural asset notable for its distinctive structural features and strong adaptation to the local environment. This study examined the relationship between thermal comfort and the colonial architectural façade of Soekarno’s Exile House. A qualitative descriptive-interpretive approach was employed to analyze the visual elements of the façade and their relationship with indoor thermal conditions. Data were collected through photographic documentation, direct observation of building elements, and measurements of indoor air temperature, relative humidity, and air movement. The results showed that the façade of Soekarno’s Exile House was closely associated with the building’s thermal regulation. The building exhibited a distinctive and monumental visual character. The main characteristics of colonial architecture included the use of durable materials, such as specially blended cement and terrazzo flooring, as well as Geveltoppen, acroteria roof elements, a geometrically symmetrical façade, wooden-framed windows, and dormer elements. Classical European decorative features, including pillars and capitals, were combined with local decorative variations found in elements such as the crepidoma and tympanum. Regarding thermal comfort, the building orientation, large louvered (krepyak) windows, high ceilings, and thick walls functioned as passive thermal-control elements that promoted natural air circulation and helped stabilize indoor temperatures in response to Berastagi’s cool mountainous climate. Measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, and air movement were used to evaluate the contribution of these architectural elements to indoor thermal conditions. The findings indicated which building elements played important roles in maintaining indoor comfort and demonstrated how their architectural characteristics contributed to thermal performance. The study concluded that the colonial architecture of Soekarno’s Exile House incorporated façade and building elements that were closely integrated with thermal performance, demonstrating how historical architectural design responded to local climatic conditions while maintaining its distinctive colonial character.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

idwm

Publisher

Subject

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Engineering Environmental Science

Description

The journal is intended to provide a platform for research communities from different disciplines to disseminate, exchange and communicate all aspects of industrial and domestic waste management. The topics of this journal include, but are not limited to: Address waste management policy, education, ...