With extensive experience in designing residential, commercial and office spaces, Studio Dezign recently completed a private project. The founders, seasoned architects Gunawan Susantyo and Tjong Mariza, shared insights with Indonesia Design about Acacia House, a residence they designed for themselves.
Have you designed your own house before? How is designing your own home different from designing for clients? Which one is more challenging?
Designing a client’s house is definitely more challenging because we have to translate their needs into reality. We often need to educate our clients on certain aspects to add value to their vision. That said, designing our own house came with its own challenges, especially the endless ideas we wanted to explore. As a result, the details often evolved along the way.
Tell us about the design style and concept.
After much discussion, we eventually settled on a predominantly French country style. Overall, it’s a blend of modern and classic elements, infused with warmth and a touch of luxury.
Did you design any areas or rooms specifically for your family’s hobbies or habits?
Our family values togetherness, which is naturally accommodated in our living room. We also cherish the moments when our grandchild visits. Some of us swim, others enjoy a meal, all whilst music sets the ambiance in the background. We also have a rooftop area designed for hosting friends.
What key elements do you consistently incorporate into your architectural and interior designs for homes?
We always prioritise a strong sense of “home.” First and foremost, functionality is key and we build upon that with added value. Natural light and cross ventilation are also essential. Without them, even the most expensive interior design loses its essence.
Which part of the house are you most satisfied with?
So far, we’re very satisfied with how comfortable the house is. One of the features that we love is the skylight above the staircase.