STORY BY Iman Hidajat | PHOTOS BY Indra Wiras
In Jakarta’s densely populated Sunter district, Kelvin Thengono, one of Indonesia’s renowned young interior designers, and his team have crafted
a three-story residence that blends tropical design with feng shui principles and Japanese spatial elements. Designed for an Indonesian-Japanese couple, the Skylit House, like poetry, reinterprets the constraints of a traditional nine-grid feng shui layout. Expansive openings, double-height ceilings, and a central atrium create airy, light-filled spaces that enhance natural ventilation and overall comfort.
At the core of the Skylit House is its central atrium, crowned with a skylight that floods the interior with natural light and promotes ventilation, fostering a seamless vertical flow between spaces. Expansive glass facades at the front and rear further amplify daylight penetration, integrating the interior with the exterior environment. This design not only expands spatial perception but also creates a poetic interplay of openness and coherence, reminiscent of stanzas in Japanese poetry.
A Modern Minimalist Approach
The ground floor welcomes residents with a double-height foyer that leads to a gym, an entertainment room, and various service areas. “Upon entering the first floor, you immediately sense the Japanese ambiance—modern minimalist yet rich with wooden panels,” Kelvin explained. “At the same time, there’s a calming aura, a positive energy that makes you feel at home.”A well- balanced front door sets a welcoming tone, inviting good energy and creating a harmonious atmosphere.
The second floor houses the children’s and guest bedrooms, each featuring street- facing windows and a balcony. “This level also includes an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area with a double-height ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows, positioned at the rear to overlook a compact back garden,”said the lead architect.
The third floor is dedicated to the main bedroom, an additional children’s bedroom, and a tatami room, offering a tranquil space for tea sessions with views of a nearby lake. A rooftop garden and outdoor dining area further extend the living space into the outdoors.
Feng Shui Principles in Practice
Balanced, well-proportioned square or rectangular floor plans provide the ideal feng shui foundation for spatial arrangement and energy flow. “A rectangular room may seem simple, but its straightforward, symmetrical shape fosters harmony and balance,” Kelvin explained when asked about integrating feng shui into the minimalist design. Feng shui also emphasises positioning, creating a sense of security and control essential for a harmonious home.
Lighting plays a crucial role as well. “A well-lit entryway sets a welcoming ambiance, while warm, soft lighting enhances the inviting feel of a space,” Kelvin added.
A Contemporary Tropical Exterior
The Skylit House’s exterior features a contemporary tropical design with cantilevered eaves and balconies clad in polished concrete. “By incorporating cantilevered eaves, we create clean horizontal lines that emphasise each level while providing shade from the intense tropical sun,” Kelvin noted. Wood-panelled soffits add visual interest and texture, while natural stone and concrete with a bamboo-like finish introduce a tactile dimension.
Through a carefully curated material palette and a well-integrated spatial program, the Skylit House harmonises modern design with environmental considerations and subtle cultural references, achieving a minimalist yet cohesive aesthetic.
Project Data
The Skylit House Sunter, North Jakarta
Land Area 372 sqm
Total Floor Area 1,007.92 sqm
Lead Architect Kelvin Thengono
Design Team Kevin Chandra | Fachrudin Faruq |
Muhamad Irham | Gitasari Aprilia
Interior Designer Nadia Lee
Structural Consultant PT. Cipta Sukses
General Contractor ADA Fabrication
Interior Contractor ADA Fabrication
Lighting Consultant Erreluce
Landscape Consultant Studio ASA
Wood Consultant Benwood
Frame & Window Estica International
Completed Construction 2024