Nature's way to soothe the senses in the home

Nature's way to soothe the senses in the home

Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Inspired by the soothing power of nature, natural elements have
been incorporated into a newly built, modern row house, offering
its owners a sanctuary where they can escape their routine.

Designed by architect Irianto P.H. who was assisted by Nunuk
Nulasetiawan, the house's concept optimally captures various
natural elements -- sunlight, trees, the fresh breeze and even
birds' chirping -- all simple things but a luxury in the fast-
paced capital city.

"By incorporating natural elements into the house, the adult
owners can enjoy the atmosphere, untangling their minds, while
the children can learn to appreciate nature as well," Irianto
said.

The two-story house in Cinere, South Jakarta, is shielded by a
perforated fence, giving a solid impression while allowing a
glimpse into the yard and avoiding a "fortress" look.

Apart from creeping vines reaching to the carport top, there
is also a tall yang liu tree, or weeping willow, in the front
yard, slightly obscuring the specially designed floating mass on
the house structure's upper right wing.

The main entrance is a wooden door that opens to a tranquil
side garden, surrounded by three terraces -- one of which is the
"main" terrace where family and dining rooms as well as a small
yet compact kitchen can be found.

"Since the function of the living room is slowly diminishing,
the front terrace can also serve as a reception area. Unfamiliar
guests can be received there, while the owners' friends and
colleagues can be led straight to the family room in the main or
rear terrace," Irianto said.

The side garden is simply planted with another weeping widow.
The plant acts as the garden focal point with its drooping
branches moving graciously when the wind blows, intensifying the
atmosphere of serenity in the area that also serves as a
playground for the owners' three children.

The main terrace is shielded to the side garden with a sliding
glass door that can be fully opened to let fresh air flow.

The rear terrace is simply furnished with an old bale-bale (a
large traditional multipurpose wooden chair), as well as a wooden
table and two chairs. Twin modern lamps with white caps flank the
bale-bale. The lamps were chosen as their creased texture is in
harmony with the rough surface of the bale-bale and table.

From the rear terrace, the owners can enjoy the pleasant sound
of water trickling from a small pool.

"This terrace has become the owners' favorite spot since they
can smell the plants and the grass, listen to the sound of
drizzling water, watch the sky and green surrounding while
enjoying the breeze," Irianto said.

Tall surrounding walls are specially designed to contain the
desired view and screen the occupants' view of the outside.

As well as three terraces, the house also has a media room and
five bedrooms -- consisting of a master bedroom, a guest room and
three children's bedrooms. The master and guest bedrooms have
their own bathrooms while the children share one.

The service area and storage room are located at the front
side, adjacent to the garage with special access to the main
terrace and the second floor.

Instead of using a staircase, Irianto created a ramp that
leads to the second floor. It has an Asmat wooden statue at one
end, and to enable proper air circulation, the area is also
equipped with hidden ventilation.

During the day, the ramp receives adequate sunlight while
during the evening, the lighting arrangement provides a gallery-
like ambience.

Lined with parquet flooring, the second floor is a private
area in a minimalist style. The lighting panels are discreetly
positioned or concealed behind a wall that also hides a service
area.

"We just wanted to spare the owners from unnecessary details,"
Irianto said.