Y House, Judi Wanandi and Cosmas G Architelier Architects

 Movement through the house oscillates between the two main volumes connected by a steel- framed, wood-slatted staircase springing from the entrance foyer, and a matching ramp above, both- sheltered by a transparent sky- light. The yellow wall at the end of the foyer contrasts with the pastel blue and green of the two main masses.

Various aluminum-framed openings, both large and small, are cut into the door-less façade of the house.

The design of this seemingly “inverted” home is a clear attempt to break free of the usual house design conven- tions. A volume of planes with small openings on the lower part, but large ones above, greets the visitor.The main entrance to the house is moved to the right (east) of the site, freeing the façade of any doors except for the roll-up garage door. Only after circumambulating the volume on two sides, via a paved pathway running from the driveway along the front of the house, does the visitor reach themain door of the house.

On entering the double-height foyer, it quickly be- comes apparent that the house is composed of two large volumes, with the entrance foyer placed in between.The back volume, its upper part painted light blue, is set off at a slight angle from the front volume, which is painted light green all over.Visible to the visitor at the entrance is a ramped bridge that connects the two volumes, and a stair- case that leads to the second floor of the front volume.The main circulation of the house is thus concentrated in this intermediary space, its lightness and transparency and the effect of being outside while already inside the house-enhanced by the generous use of steel, glass, and wood, including a transparent glass roof.The two volumes thus become the inside proper of the house.

The functions of the house oscillate between the two volumes.To the north of the entrance on the first floor is the main open-plan living and dining space, its walls painted a soft yellow to match the color of the wall at the entrance side of the foyer.The living and dining room, together with an adjoining kitchen and pantry, faces the garden at the back of the house.

Originating from the dining area, the staircase leads to the second floor of the front volume, where a sitting room and guest room are placed.The bedroom is treated as another box that projects out of the front volume, like a drawer that has been slightly pulled out.The sitting room, surrounded by tall windows on two sides, forms a well-lit sunroom. A ramp connects the sitting room to the main bedroom of the house, which occupies the entire back volume. A staircase inside the room leads to an interior mezzanine which is used as a study.The windows extend the full double height of the bedroom, flooding it withlight during the day and providing views to the garden at the back. Throughout the house, simple, elegant furniture is offset by colorful modern paintings and accessories.

Simple furniture and modern art by Sunaryo, Srihadi Soedarsono, and Dolorosa Sinagais blend beautifully with the clean architectural lines of the living/ dining area adjoining the check- ered foyer. Old wooden door and window railings grace the walls.

The first, second, and third (roof) plans of the house.

The slatted ramp above the foyer, topped by the skylight, leads to the master bedroom.

The steel frames of the dining chairs curve elegantly in contrast to the rigid construction of the powder-coated steel and glass dining table. The living/dining area opens out to a small garden at the back of the house.

Right From the sitting area, a blind-covered window allows the occupants to monitor the arrival of guests at the front door.

 Modern reproductions of Le Corbusier’s Petite Comfort love seat and chair dominate the sitting room on the second level of the south volume. Doors lead to a small patio above the garage.

The ramp leading from the sitting room on the upper level of the south volume to the master bedroom in the north volume complements the wood-paneled storage cupboard at one end of the sitting room and the door of the bedroom. Stylish floor lamps make a strong statement in the otherwise simply decorated space.

Another view of the bridging ramp under a skylight between the two volumes, hovering over the entrance foyer. Old wood-carved statues form a reception commit- tee at the front door.

The master bed- room opens to a small garden at the back of the house. A painting by Singaporean artist Teng Nee Cheong enlivens the simple room furnished only with a large king- sized bed with a wooden head- board and side table, a pair of ottomans at the foot, and Ron Arad’s fancy Tom Vac chair.

The foyer is a tactile and visual delight with its mixture of smooth black and white checkered floor tiles, wooden staircase slats, framed wooden house railings, and yellow and blue paintwork.

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