In designing this house for an established couple with independent, grown-up children, architect Tan Tjiang Ay took into account the relatively small 800-square meter site at his disposal as well as the formal nature of the own-ers. Set in an élite neighborhood not far from the center of Jakarta, the mansion Tan designed is reminiscent, in both scale and layout, of classical Chinese architecture, particu- larly the architecture of Confucian temples, as well as the tropical landhouse mansions that the Dutch built on the outskirts of Jakarta in the eighteenth and nineteenth cen- turies. Here,Tan has reinterpreted these early forms to suit a modern-day urban lifestyle.
The grandeur of this modern tropical mansion, particularly its symmetry and formality, derives from the subtle blend of architec- tural elements from Confucian temples and Dutch colonial man- sions combined with modern notions of transparency and opac- ity. The main volume is set back to allow for a two-story-high verandah supported by tall, ver- tical beams, which wraps around three sides of the main house.
Bright orange cushions are a bold presence among the off-white sofas and the timber- framed glass doors and windows of the main living room.
The main mass of the house, situated at the very heart of the site, is a two-story structure sheltered by a large hip roof, supported by rectangular columns, which extends over the terraces surrounding the house. Behind the main volume is a secondary mass that houses various supporting rooms.To the left of the main structure is a garage and servants’ quarters, while the length of the right side of the site is occupied by a long lap pool.
The living room runs across the width of the house on the ground floor, one end occupied by seating, the other by a grand piano. Expansive glass windows and doors on three sides allow for a sweeping view of the surround- ing gardens as well as access to the verandah and to casual sitting and dining areas on the terrace, one adjacent to the lap pool. During the heat of the day, the verandah filters heat and light entering the house and also pro- tects the occupants from views from the street. At night, tran- slucent blinds roll down to mask the space. The simple off-white, orange-red, gray, and black color scheme and the use of painted plaster and wood are carried throughout the house.
Visitors enter the imposing structure via a flight of steps which lead to the main living room, complete with baby grand, surrounded by mirror glass walls and sliding doors to the terraces.The starkness of the façade is soft- ened by potted plants, trees and bushes, and grass set in hollowed tiles in an intricate geometric pattern.
( Left ) From the outside of the house, the height of the verandah ceiling gives the impression ofa vast space. In reality, the tiled verandah is a rather narrow area between the inside and outside. More than anything, it functions as a transition zone or “filter” into the house.( Right )Although rather narrow, the double-height dining room located in the center of the secondary volume has an air of grandeur. Two wood carvings add to the vertical- ity. The red silk runner dressingthe eight-seater dining table, the off-white upholstery, shiny black tiles, wood, glass, and plaster con- tinue the decorative theme.
The master suite above the living room in the main mass of the house—reached by a yellow spiral staircase—comprises a study at one end, the bedroom in the middle, and a walk-in closet at the other end, all unified by continuous wood flooring. Adjacent to the bedroom and closet is a granite-lined bathroom. A painting by Hanafi above the bed comple- ments the warm tones of the fur- nishings and wood-lined window.
Above the spacious living room is the master bed- room suite, a modest space reached by a striking yellow spiral staircase, with an adjoining bathroom and walk-in closet. A study occupies the opposite end, while a bridge- way leads from the bedroom suite to the secondary structure behind.
The spiral staircase connect- ing the levels of the main volume is one of the few curved elements in the house. It softens the appear- ance of the otherwise strictly formal architectural composition.
The futuristic Norman Foster desk in the study domi- nates the space and stands in stark contast to the yellow painted walls and warm wooden floor. Broad windows on two sides let in light and air.
The black granite walls ofthe bathroom and bathtub base form a stark backdrop to the pris- tine white bathtub, glass shower cubicle, and shelving units. A slit window lets in natural light. Can- dles and orchids add ambience.
The secondary mass, also two stories in height, houses a state-of-the art kitchen on the left, with a music room above it, and two guest rooms with ensuites, stacked one above the other, at the opposite end. Sandwiched in be- tween is the formal dining room that extends two stories high through a void. Above the music room is a third story tucked under the roof, which is used for aerobics andother fitness activities.
A state-of-the-art kitchen located on the ground floor at one end of the secondary volume is decorated in a two-tone color scheme composed of reddish- brown wood and stark black granite. The staff quarters are conveniently located off one end of the kitchen and the dining room the other.
Classical formality typifies the first (left) and second (right) level floor plans. The main mass placed at the heart of the site is connected to the secondary mass behind by a terrace on the first floor and by a bridgeway on the second. The lap pool on the right runs the length of both structures.
Laden with fengshui over- tones, a large dark-lacquered wooden screen at the back of the living room acts as a modern-day “spirit wall,” shielding direct views into the dining area in the second- ary structure beyond and ensuring a favorable flow of energy.
All the bedrooms are placed adjacent to the lap pool, contributing to the more relaxed character at the back of the house. A table for informal dining adjacent to the pool adds to the casual atmosphere.
Despite its simple, open plan, modern materials, and clean, sleek lines, each area of the house has its unique character. The out- door dining area, placed simply at the end of the longitudinal main space, next to the lap pool, offers a more relaxed environment for the owners and their guests.
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