Indonesia Tatler Homes Magazine 2013
Halfway through the completion of this residential property, the architecture firm US&P Architects was asked to perform the daunting task of transforming what could’ve been a family’s home into a multi-function house where the owners could entertain guests.
Principal Architect Pramtama decided to change the interior but not the structure of the building. “We worked with the owner in conceptualising the interior design. The homeowners wanted a home that is more masculine since their main home, which had been built earlier and is located just a couple of blocks away, has a more feminine touch to it. Located in Tebet Mas Indah VII, the construction of this multi-function home started in 2012 and was finished in April 2013. The architecture firm used space planning well to make the house look bigger than its actual size. The high ceiling expanded the space vertically and a vertical garden was used in lieu of traditional gardens. Since most stairs take up a lot of space, US&P made use of hanging stairs and constructed a shoe holder and powder room underneath them to optimise space. In addition to the smart use of space, principal architect Pramtama took into consideration the way the family interacts in designing the house. He shares, “Sometimes, the kids’ room is placed too far from their parents’ and this might create distance. By creating good design, you can contribute to strong family relationships.” For this residential project, Pratama’s favourite is the entrance canopy, which accentuates the doorway and main entrance, while giving it a stylish and modern look.
US&P Architects also built and designed the first home for their repeat customer, Caroline Cindyawati Insani. Cindy, who is a former model, is now the owner of Global Art Tebet and Creative Star. The creative school franchised from Malaysia teaches kids drawing, painting, personality development, and robot building. Of mixed Sundanese, Dutch, German and Javanese descent, the school owner is a charming and gracious host with a sense of humour. Blessed with two boys, Bashia and Tsaqif, ages 14 and 10, she is busy juggling her roles as a wife, mother and businesswoman. Cindy and her husband, an entrepreneur and a former junior golf champion, are planning to get into property business, as well as build an Azali Islamic Centre, which will incorporate a Muslim learning centre, a gym for women, and a shariah business. The centre is their way of giving back to the community and sharing their bountiful blessings to others.
Cindy is hands-on when it comes to the interior design of her two homes, their main residence and the multi-function house, as she considers reading design magazines one of her hobbies. Evident in her two homes are her preference for neutral colours, and her love for paintings and Baccarat chandeliers. She applied logical principles of feng shui in the design of the house, including the main entrance, which has to be the biggest door, its position, and the measurement of the stairs. Even non-believers of feng shui will agree that her home radiates a welcoming ambiance that will make guests want to stay longer.