Back to nature: Another concept of comfortable living

Burhanuddin Abe, Contributor, Jakarta

Celebrity homes. No place arouses quite so much curiosity -- think Graceland or Neverland in the United States, for example -- as TV producers are well aware. A well-known actor in Jakarta was more than happy to show TV audiences around his beautiful home recently.

Located in Bintaro, South Jakarta, the 250-square-meter house stands among 1,800 square meters of lush, green garden. There is nothing ostentatious about the property, the swimming pool is nestled among more than 50 kinds of plants, it is serene rather than flashy.

Peace and comfort are certainly what most people have in mind when they build their own home. Why should a star think any differently? A gazebo, with a mattress and several thin pillows are an inviting spot to relax with the family. Music lingers in the air, coming not only from the house, but from speakers nestled in the garden itself.

"Visual and audio elements help a great deal in creating the right environment. Nature is honest, it gives so much, including inner peace. Only grateful human beings can appreciate it," our mysterious celebrity said philosophically.

In a sometimes suffocating and hectic city, going back to nature is certainly healing. But, not everyone is rich and famous, and for many of us, having our own little oasis is just a fantasy -- one that we might indulge in between work and the office.

In reality, we are proud just to own a home -- any home, small, medium or even half a home -- an apartment, a pavilion. Let alone such a magnificent house as that in Bintaro. However, real estate prices and the cost of building materials would seem to be against us.

And what about those who can afford to build large houses, and insist on building right to the edge of their property? These houses loom over sidewalks and overshadow their neighbors' homes. Their tiny gardens are sad, dank affairs and hardly befitting of the Gothic style architecture that would seem to demand vast and magnificent grounds.

The owners no doubt argue that land is costly, so it is best used for building on. But, of greater value to the owner would be a garden: a place to relax in, to exercise in, and for children to play in; a green view out the window; a place to gather flowers for the kitchen table.

In contrast, those with a limited budget, who live in smaller houses, do their best to introduce natural elements. It may just be a vase of flowers on the table (without the garden from where they were picked). A few indoor pot plants -- or outdoor ones -- a fruit tree, or flowers. Instead of an iron fence, they may opt for a bamboo one, or a wall covered with vines.

During the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992, the green concept, and environmentally friendly residences and workplaces, were among major topics. However, years before the event, concern for the environment had already become an integral part of some people's lives. This was not necessarily a reflection on their education. This kind of caring was simply a natural, inherent part of their characters.

Eng Sri Harjanto, a lecturer of metallurgy at the technical faculty of the University of Indonesia, said that using and processing environmentally friendly materials has been encouraged by researchers and scientists, who realize that the future of the planet is at stake. Their findings have confirmed that precautionary steps must be taken.

Plastic -- an invention that we have regarded as one of the most innovative -- has undergone a number of changes since its early golden days to eliminate hazardous elements. Likewise, many building materials have been made safer. For years now, recyclable products have been deemed a clever alternative.

Aditya Indrajaya, a noted architect, who also owns a chain of fitness centers, says that one's home should be a place that encourages healthy living and relaxation. No matter the size, green elements can be introduced, including energy saving through the optimum use of sunlight, ventilation and so forth. For the floor, he recommends using cork tiles, although they are more costly than the seemingly luxurious ceramic ones.

Manufacturers of home appliances, meanwhile, have for several years realized that the future of their businesses lies in environmentally friendly and safe products. These energy-saving products are also economical in the long run as they use less energy, like electricity and so forth -- although, initially, they may cost more.

Today's neon lamps, refrigerators, air-conditioners and many other items for use at home, or even at work, come with "environmentally friendly" labels that generally live up to their promises.

The good news is that sales of environmentally friendly products and building materials are increasing. Suryati, who owns Bangunan Jaya, a building materials shop in Rawasari, Central Jakarta, said that, lately, some of his customers had insisted on products that were environmentally friendly.

If consumers, as well as manufacturers, continue to think in this way, we can look forward to a brighter, and maybe greener, future. Let's start with our homes, by making some small changes that everyone can enjoy.