STORY BY Vira Tanka | PHOTOS BY Anthonius Widjaya
Nestled in a leafy part of Malang, East Java, this colonial-era residence stands elegantly, retaining its timeless beauty. Comprising two houses separated by a garden and a garage, it has been carefully renovated to preserve its Indische architectural charm whilst harmoniously integrating modern elements.
Tucked away on a street corner, the house is barely visible from outside the fence, as lush trees once obscured the view. Whilst offering privacy, this dense greenery also made the interior damp due to limited sunlight. The house’s transformation began when its new owner decided to renovate it, breathing new life into the space. Spearheading the renovation was Ronald Suhartono, principal designer of Ron Studio.
The owner envisioned this colonial residence as his ultimate retreat after retiring from business. In the meantime, he wanted to use it as a private villa for weekend and holiday getaways with his family. To accommodate these needs, the 80-year-old house required additional bedrooms, bathrooms, and other modifications.
Despite these changes, the owner wished to preserve as much of the original architecture and design elements as possible. However, restoration was necessary, including replacing deteriorated wooden doors, windows, and furniture. Many
of these pieces were meticulously replicated to maintain the house’s authentic aesthetic.
Only about 10 per cent of the architecture was altered, whilst approximately 50 per cent of the layout was reconfigured. The smaller of the two houses is a single-story building, now featuring a terrace, a foyer connected to the dining area and pantry, a living room, a master bedroom, a child’s bedroom, and a service area. The larger, two-storey house includes a terrace at both the front and back, a living room, a family room, a dining room with a pantry, and a master bedroom on the lower level. The upper level consists of a family room, two children’s bedrooms, and a balcony.
“The homeowner wanted a warm and inviting atmosphere whilst maintaining the colonial essence with a contemporary touch. He also emphasised the need for a relaxing ambiance,” Ronald recalled. To achieve this, he incorporated extensive wooden elements into the interior, from furniture to decorative details. Some existing furniture pieces were preserved and refurbished, whilst new contemporary additions complemented the colonial style without overshadowing its vintage character.
Malang’s cool climate can be a contrast for those accustomed to tropical temperatures. To enhance warmth, carpets were placed in select areas, primarily in neutral beige and cream tones, with bold red rugs in the dining room and one of the living rooms, adding a striking visual accent.
Lighting played a crucial role in establishing a cozy ambiance. “We selected lighting with a 2700K temperature, which not only enhances warmth but also lends a touch of luxury,” Ronald explained. For the flooring, he opted for glossy terrazzo-patterned ceramic tiles, a practical choice given the house’s occasional use, requiring minimal maintenance.
To infuse vibrancy and freshness into the interiors, carefully arranged floral arrangements adorn the living rooms. The house’s decorative elements range from paintings of various sizes and vintage ceramics to a traditional Sumba weaving displayed on the wall and a Bhutanese musical instrument. “These pieces not only beautify the space but also spark inspiration and imagination,” Ronald noted.
The owner, an avid gardening enthusiast, played an active role in redesigning the landscape. Working closely with Ronald, he oversaw the execution by gardeners to ensure his vision was realised. “Once we removed some trees, we revitalised the yard by replanting grass and flowering plants, creating a more dynamic setting. We also dedicated a space for the owner’s orchids, his favourite plants,” Ronald shared.
The entire project, from design to completion, spanned approximately ten months. Reflecting on the most significant challenge, Ronald revealed, “The house is classified as a Cultural Heritage site, so we couldn’t modify the façade, but we had the freedom to redesign the interior.”This constraint, rather than being a limitation, became an advantage— allowing the team to showcase their creativity whilst respecting the house’s historical integrity.
The result? A beautifully restored colonial home that harmonises past and present, fulfilling the owner’s vision. Once neglected, it now radiates both classic elegance and contemporary comfort, ready to create new memories for generations to come.
Tjandrakirana House
Location Malang, East Java
Land Area 1,050 sqm
Floor Area 600 sqm
Architecture & Interior Design Consultant Rons Studio
Principal Designer Ronald Suhartono
Lighting Consultant Rons Studio
Landscape Consultant By Owner
Main Contractor Edwin Siera
Interior Contractor Edwin Siera, Etera Interior
M&E Consultant By Owner
Furniture FORME
Started Renovation 2023
Completed Renovation 2024