Ario Abode Bintaro Jakarta, Design by Sardjono Sani Kreasindo Architect

 In response to an awkward site, tucked in at a strange angle on a segment of a cul-de-sac in an upscale housing enclave in South Jakarta, architect Sardjono Sani devised a house with three distinct masses. Greeting visitors to the house is a curvilinear mass that follows the curve of the road in front. A smaller oval-shaped mass is placed longitudinally behind it, a little to the right.

From the pergola at the corner of the house, the raised rectangular pool appears to flow into the garden, which is at a slightly lower level. Palm trees set into the wooden deck provide shade for the pool.

The third mass, a double- height transparent box, runs perpendicular to the oval, cutting the site into two distinct areas: the enclosed houseto the left (west) and a large, open main garden to the right (east). A lap pool, raised above ground, runs longitudinally along the southern edge of the main garden on the side nearest the road. A second garden is placed at the back.

The main living and dining area is a vast double-height space with tall aluminum-framed glass walls above and wood-framed sliding doors below. Modern furniture by famous international designersand works by Indonesia’s foremost contemporary artists fill the room.

The dining area is a study in contrasts: linear walls and win-dows versus protruding elements; corrugated metal cladding versus white paint and black granite. 

All contribute to the dynamic, con- temporary atmosphere.

The three masses are arranged in such a way that they intersect with one another at different elevations.They have also been deliberately kept rather narrow in order to allow air and light to effortlessly flow throughout.Tying them together is the main staircase, a radial segment of the curvi- linear mass and the core of the architectural scheme.The play of intersecting masses in this house not only provides an interesting visual and spatial perception, but also allows for the incorporation of the elements of water, light, and wind, making the house comfortable to live in.

The staircase, located just off the geometrical center of the house, is a sculp-tural element in its own right. Ac-companied by an exposed concrete column, the staircase pivots round a striking lime green wall. A re-cessed niche for displaying art and slim windows for viewing the lower levels perforate the walls.

Specific functions are generally assigned to the three sections.The half of the oval mass on the first floor facing the garden is designated for private rest and relaxation.while the other half is the family’s music/hobby room. The oval on the second floor above is occupied by the master bedroom and adjoining bathroom.

 At the end of the dining area, the raised study “floats” over the end of the pool, its transparent laminated glass flooring bringing refracted light into the space.

A curved ceramic tile wall in the master bedroom is a perfect foil to the black granite counter, pedestal basin, and flooring.

A low-pitched raftered roof laid with planks in the master bed- room harmonizes with the long strips of bingkirai wood used on the floor. Clerestory openings above the walls bring in daylight. The stark white walls are a per- fect backdrop for modern art.

The curvilinear mass is more transitory. On the first floor, the outer terrace and inner foyer of the house occu- py the segment facing the street. Behind is the children’s play/study room, which faces the secondary garden at the back of the house.The curvilinear mass ends with the service areas and garage at the far left of the site.

The three intersecting mass-es on the first floor (left)—the curvilinear entrance, the “boxed” living and dining area, and the open pool and garden—are a savvy response to a difficult site.

Back elevation. The spiral staircase leads to the pool.

Another section view of the house.

North side elevation with the pool and pergola on the left.

The two childrens’ bedrooms are placed side by side on the curve on the second floor.The spatial catalyst and the most public area of the house is the living space housed in the transparent box, which runs the entire height of the house. Here are the main living and dining areas, open to the secondary garden on the left—which also allows for cross-ventilation through the transparent box and the curvilinear mass—and to the main garden and pool on the right.

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