This magnificent resort-like property in Western Surabaya boasts various functions with appealing interior and exterior that translate the true meaning of high-end residential design.
The house was originally built in the early 2000s with resort-like design. The main building was designed with a tropical style and some ethnic touches in several parts of the property, including the door handles and sculptures in the landscape. With an open gazebo and a reflecting pool, the residence did not resemble a three-floor house. For the eyes of most beholders, it was a two-floor residence with the third-floor housing three bedrooms and a part of the service area built in the back overlooking the golf course.
Seventeen years later, the house was sold, and the new owner wanted a fresh atmosphere without changing much of the original building structure. This residence now functions as a private retreat when the Jakarta based owner and their family visit Surabaya.
The renovation architect did not change most parts of the spaces, as the sequential patterns of the property are still beautifully retained. Yet, there are some changes in the functions of the rooms to accommodate the client’s needs. As you walk inside, you can see a guest bedroom, which was initially the private house. The architect also added a bathroom to the main bedroom on the second floor. The main bedroom was initially built without the bathroom.
Heading to the front building, you should take a seat and unwind to enjoy the new atmosphere that changes to brighter colours. Here, the terracotta roof is replaced with grey coloured coverings. And no less beautiful to show, the unkempt garden arrangement has been transformed into a neat European garden that pampers your eyes.
The gazebo that looks to be the focus of the front view has been converted into a European-style glasshouse with a minimalist touch. This new space, which was originally open with a concrete deck roof, is now covered with glass windows and aluminium sills around it. The roof itself has been changed to a glass roof with a shape resembling a barn house, while the reflecting pool surrounding it is decorated with shrubs and vertical gardens.
As you go upstairs towards the main entrance and the glasshouse, you will have to pass the stairs from the burned granite first. Along the way, you will enjoy a view of a mini fountain made of chunks of marble and rows of podocarpus, a tree with linear leaves.
On another part of the exterior, the architect changed the terrace canopy using cast iron with a dark grey colour. Just like window sills with glass, this allows for more light to enter the room. Not to be missed is the iron roof style in the central garden terrace canopy that provides views of both the living room and dining room. The frame that was originally made from wood is replaced with an aluminium frame.
When first entering the building, you will clearly see an oversized hanging lamp and an oval centre table with Tanzanian streaks as well as decorative ceramic jars.
This furniture arrangement becomes a focal point in the foyer and at the same time it strengthens the function of the house as a reception and transition room before entering another room. Colonial wood partition is placed as a barrier so that the view from the foyer area does not directly lead to the central garden. This wooden partition takes you to the main corridor and the dining room in the middle of the building space.
Walking through this main corridor, you will not miss the fountain with fire features in a copper bowl in the reflecting pool. Repetition of water elements in the building landscape truly creates a fresh and warm atmosphere. A wooden partition takes you to the dining room in the middle of the building space. There is a hanging lamp in this corridor, while the wall lamp illuminates the columns that are lined up on the edge of the corridor.
Also worth sharing with the readers are the library and private work space located on the right side of the corridor. This spacious room comprises three areas: sitting area, meeting area and work area; each separated by a mahogany wood partition that’s morocco stained with a satin finish. A round meeting table with oak medium brown wood is located in the middle along with a cabinet containing a collection of books and ceramic decorations. Adorning the room are the comfy sofas, nice coffee tables and opulent lounge chairs, as well as a beautiful array of paintings.
After passing through the main corridor and library, you will arrive to the dining room with a view overlooking the middle garden. With a dominant white colour, the dining room boasts the ceiling in the form of a pyramid.
The path way with the existing koi fish pond becomes an intermediary space between the dining room and a spacious family room. And there are cocktail tables to unwind while enjoying a view of the golf course.
In essence, all the modern natural elements that are adjusted by the interior designer of the house are inseparable from the architectural form of the building and the arrangement of the garden. The hallmark of this property is the homey atmosphere that boasts a unique combination of colours, luxurious furniture, a selection of artworks, and decorative lighting. They seem to collide with each other but remain harmonious and elegant.