Originated from the owner’s wish for a new house with a simple & modern yet comfortable design concept, after living in old-fashioned house for the longer part of their life, a small part of land is obtained in a quite dense residential area not long after discussing this upcoming project. This became an opportunity but also a challenge for the design, because the house can be beautified from two sides and yet at the same time facing the direct sunlight heat from west. With careful considerations and design thinking in the process, simple geometric mass shape was chosen and detailed in such a way with many interesting elements. Such as the use of wood, tile & steel for the façade.
The use of concrete as the main construction system is considered as the most suitable for this kind of design. Concrete slab foundation is used to reduce or minimize the damage that could be done to the existing houses nearby as low as possible. Sides of the house that is exposed to direct sunlight, especially from the west side are filled with spaces or architectural details that can help reduce the heat, such as wooden louvres, planter box, wardrobe, working room and bathroom. This is considered to be successful because actually the rooms can achieve a good temperature comfort even when not using air conditioner. This house is heavily influenced by the Japanese modern houses design, such as the efficient arrangement of the spaces, utilizing many openings for maximum natural lighting and ventilation, using Zen garden philosophy for outdoor areas to minimize maintenance, and the use of many wooden materials that can be found dominating this house. Either in architecture or interior design wise.
The most important space in this house is the living room which blends with the dining room together as a semi-public space. Large openings with sliding doors are applied to this area to connect with the patio on the outside. This area is designed to have maximum vista but also heavily safe and felt private as the users cannot to be seen from the road outside the house. Mostly, the walls are not covered with materials that is considered to be fancy, expensive or unnecessary. It is what it is, the painted brick walls are handmade and is chosen as the main consideration due to the likeness of design philosophy from architect & interior design. Which more or less utilize the Wabi-Sabi principle that in something imperfect, we could appreciate the beauty itself.
Interior designer Valdy Wijaya from Valvonne did a great job in designing this home interior. Together with Yohanes from Design Architect, they carefully put into consideration all aspects from the beginning, and now the owner can finally live in their home with pleasure. Although this was the first time for the owner in using architectural & interior design services, however the process was considered to be a joyful and harmonious collaboration works achievement.
Text by : Y0 Design Architect
Architects : y0 Design Architect
Principal : Yohanes I. Limandjaya
Interior Designer : Valdy Wijaya – @valvonne
Landscape : Dimas
Lighting : Light Volution
Contractor : Budy Limandjaya
Photographer : Antonius Widjaya
Location : Surabaya
