STORY BY Vira Tanka | PHOTOS BY Agus Santoso Yang, Hans Havilah Song
The classic house on the shores of Lake Cincin in Sunter, North Jakarta, has been rejuvenated by Adianto Salim and Ricky Guna Kusuma, founders and principals of Insignio Studio. More than just a renovated residence, it has become the dream home the owner had envisioned for over a decade.
Situated on a 2,000-square-metre plot, the existing classical-style house had fallen into disrepair. The owners sought a comfortable retreat whilst preserving its classical charm. “They wanted a home elegant enough for corporate dinners, yet casual enough for family gatherings, seamlessly integrating natural elements such as the lake view and garden,” Adi explained.
Respecting the original architectural design, which is created by a renowned senior architect, the designers maintained its integrity whilst carrying out necessary rejuvenation and structural maintenance. “The original wooden roof structure had sustained significant damage and required extensive repairs. The classic façade was preserved, but we reinterpreted it with a crisp white palette to impart a contemporary feel,”Adi added.
The layout was reconfigured to enhance functionality and natural light, opening up enclosed spaces and repositioning key areas, such as the kitchen and bedrooms, to face the backyard. The interiors were extensively redesigned to reflect the homeowners’ tastes and lifestyle. Since the previous owners had used the basement as a dog shelter, a complete floor replacement was necessary due to stubborn stains.
“We infused the home with a contemporary interpretation of château-style and Queen Anne architecture,” he further said. The original yellow walls were replaced with a clean white palette, creating an atmosphere of elegance and tranquillity. The homeowners’ love for floral motifs and gardens, which is deeply influenced by their visits to Jardin du Palais Royal in Paris. It shaped many of the design elements. The elongated corridor, lined with symmetrical white panels, is a tribute to the style of French châteaux.
The ground floor houses a car park, gym, multifunctional room, and service areas. The first floor is dedicated to communal spaces, including the living and dining rooms, swimming pool, garden, home office, master bedroom, and guest bedroom. The top floor offers more privacy, featuring additional bedrooms,
a living room with a pantry, and a laundry area. Each bedroom includes a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom. Connecting all floors is a striking central spiral staircase within a loft void.
French garden vistas and Claude Monet’s famous painting Water Lily Pond from the late 19th century served as inspiration for many of the house’s elements. A standout piece is the owners’ favorite: a Jacques Grange Feuilles mirror paired with a carved console table in the foyer. In the main living area, a fireplace-inspired TV panel anchors the space, whilst furniture from the family’s previous residence has
been reimagined to fit the new interior. Several pieces were retained and redesigned to harmonise with the classic theme.
The home’s clean white palette is complemented by natural wood accents and carefully selected fabrics in exquisite colours and patterns. In the dining room, a striking marble surface takes centre stage, featured both as the dining table and as a wall accent. A touch of blue enhances the space through chair cushions and decorative vases. Potted plants of various ss add a natural touch, seamlessly blending the indoors with the outdoors.
To optimise the indoor-outdoor connection whilst mitigating potential sun damage, the architects oriented the house along an east-west axis, positioning glass walls to the north to overlook the lake at the rear. This thoughtful layout maximises views whilst minimising glare.
When asked about the art collection embellishing the house, Ricky explained, “The homeowner is a passionate art collector. Their collection includes works by local
artists such as Erizal and Sidik W. Martowidjojo, as well as international artists. Many pieces were acquired during their travels abroad, enriching the home’s character.” To integrate these artworks seamlessly, the homeowners were open to commissioning custom pieces using sustainable materials, including recycled ocean plastic. Among these, cloud-shaped artworks by a Balinese artist near the dining area introduce a hint of blue, complementing the all-white architecture with a contemporary spirit.
In the backyard, the family enjoys breakfast on the terrace, gardening, or swimming. The landscape design extends the indoor experience outdoors, creating a tranquil oasis that enhances the lakeside setting. Dedicated spaces for gardening, Pilates, and a swimming pool harmoniously integrate natural elements with the classical architecture. “We ensured that the landscape blended harmoniously with the overall design, whilst a trusted collaborator handled its detailed execution,” Adi noted.
Throughout the renovation, the designers collaborated closely with the homeowners, ensuring their vision was brought to life. Once completed, the house left a lasting impression. For them, it is a sanctuary where relaxation and celebration coexist harmoniously. “There’s a sense of honesty and transparency that radiates from this home,” Ricky reflected, “which is why it has become one of Insignio Studio’s favourite projects.”
Project Data
Sunter House Sunter, North Jakarta
Land Area 2,000 sqm
Floor Area 3,000 sqm
Architecture & Interior Design Consultant Insignio Studio
Principal Designer Adianto Salim and Ricky Guna Kusuma
Lighting Consultant Ambert Atelier
Landscape Consultant Cana Landscape
Main Contractor Frans Tanowijono
Interior Contractor Focus Cipta Graha
M&E Consultant inlite
Kitchen BLANCO
Sanitary KOHLER
Started Construction 2019
Completed Construction 2023