The Sustainable Asian House

["The\tstairway\tand\tits\tglass\tbalustrading\tcontinue\tthe\tcurvilinear\ttheme.","Looking\t back\t from\t the\t living\t area\t to\t the\t dining\t area,\t music\t room\t and\t stairway\t leading\t to\t the second\tlevel. This\tis\teffectively\ta\tglazed\tpavilion\ton\tthe\ttop\tof\tthe\thouse\tconsisting of\t a\t library\/sitting\t area\t which\t steps\t up\t to\t the\t office\t space.\t This\t space\t is divided\tinto\ttwo\toffices\u2014one\tfor\teach\tof\tthem\u2014but\tis\tvisually\tconnected","by\t a\t glass\t wall.\t This\t mezzanine\t is\t open\t to\t the\t library\t but\t is\t physically defined\t by\t a\t day\t bed,\t presumably\t providing\t the\t means\t for\t a\t little reflection\ton\tinvestment\tstrategy\tor\ta\tnap\tbetween\ttime\tzones. A\t different\t kind\t of\t refuge\t and\t prospect\t is\t offered\t by\t the\t roof\t of\t the house\tin\tthe\tform\tof\ta\tJapanese\tstone\tgarden\twhich\truns\tfrom\tthe\thome office\t to\t the\t front,\t providing\t a\t space\t for\t relaxation\t and\t meditation,\t along with\tsome\tstunning\tviews. The\t house\t is\t thus\t divided\t into\t three\t domains\u2014social,\t family\t and work.\t As\t the\t clients\t say,\t \u2018These\t are\t three\t different\t yet\t intertwined aspects\t of\t modern\t life.\t We\t strive\t to\t achieve\t a\t harmonious\t balance\t of these\tthree\telements\tin\tour\thouse.\u2019 The\t decision\t to\t adopt\t a\t curvilinear\t principle\t as\t the\t design\t driver\t for the\thouse\thas\tresulted\tin\ta\tdistinctive\tunity.\tThe\texternal\tcurved\tform\tis mirrored\t on\t the\t inside\t by\t the\t free-flowing\t spaces\t downstairs,\t the dramatic\t curved\t staircase\t to\t the\t second\t storey,\t culminating\t in\t a\t curved balustrade\twhich\tboth\tdefines\tanother\tsitting\tarea\tand\tsignals\tthe\tstart\tof the\t journey\t to\t the\t guest\t rooms,\t the\t stairway\t to\t the\t rooftop\t home\t office and,\tfinally,\tthe\tstone\tgarden. It\t is\t a\t design\t concept\t which\t sustains\t a\t unique\t way\t of\t life\t both\t in terms\tof\thow\tpeople\tlive\tinside\tthe\thouse\tand\tin\tterms\tof\thow\tthe\thouse responds\t to\t its\t context\u2014basically\t by\t turning\t its\t back\t on\t the\t urban context\tbut\tembracing\tthe\tcontext\tof\tthe\tnatural\tworld.","The\tmaster\tbedroom\tenjoys\tits\town\tprivate\tdeck. A\tsmall\tsitting\tarea\tat\tthe\ttop\tof\tthe\tstairs. The\tcurved\twall\ton\tone\tside\tenlivens\tthe\tsitting\tarea\tso\tthat\tit\tis\tmuch\tmore\tthan\ta\tglass\tviewing box.","The\tlibrary\toffers\ta\tquiet\treading\tspace\taway\tfrom\tthe\trest\tof\tthe\thouse. A\tsitting\tarea\ton\tthe\tsecond\tlevel\twith\tthe\tspiral\tstaircase\tto\tthe\thome\toffice\tin\tthe\tbackground. Part\tof\tthe\thome\toffice\ton\tthe\troof\tof\tthe\thouse\thas\tviews\tback\tinto\tSentosa\tand\ta\tcanal.","Looking\t back\t from\t the\t water,\t it\t is\t possible\t to\t appreciate\t the\t dynamic\t splayed,\t thrusting\t form\t of the\tbuilding\tand\tthe\tway\tit\topens\titself\tup\tto\tits\tlocation.","Three\tsupporting\tcolumns\tpresent\tas\ttrees\ton\ta\ttiny\tisland\tin\tthe\tmiddle\tof\tthe\tpool.","COVE\tGROVE\tHOUSE\t2 SINGAPORE BEDMAR\t&\tSHI Seen\tfrom\tthe\twaterfront,\tthe\thouse\tsits\tbehind\ta\tfence\tof\twooden\tbollards,\twith\tthe\teye\tdrawn\tto its\ttropical\troof\tform.","Ground\tfloor\tplan. \u2018This\t house\t is\t designed\t to\t make\t full\t use\t of\t the\t view.\t We\t wanted\t every room\tto\tenjoy\tthe\tview\twhile\tremaining\tprivate.\u2019\u2014Ernesto\tBedmar On\tSentosa\tIsland\tthere\tare\tviews\u2014and\tthere\tare\tviews.\tThis\thouse has\tthe\tview,\tout\tto\tthe\tocean\tand\tseveral\tsmall\tislands\tand\tenlivened\tby the\t off-centre\t flotilla\t of\t moored\t ships\t and\t the\t constant\t to\t and\t fro\t of smaller\tvessels. Cove\t Grove\t House\t 2\t is\t a\t typical\t Ernesto\t Bedmar\t house\t in\t that\t it gives\tlittle\taway\tfrom\tthe\tstreet,\tquietly\tinsisting\ton\tits\tprivacy\tand\tturning its\t back\t on\t the\t road\t in\t order\t to\t open\t up\t to\t the\t sea\t at\t the\t rear.\t Entry\t to the\t house\t is\t via\t stepping\t stones\t \u2018floating\u2019\t over\t a\t pond\t which\t extends down\t the\t side\t of\t the\t entry\t vestibule.\t Once\t inside,\t the\t visitor\t faces\t a glass-enclosed\tvoid\twith\ta\ttree\tgrowing\tup\tfrom\tthe\tbasement\tlevel.\tThe choice\t then\t is\t either\t to\t proceed\t directly\t ahead\t down\t a\t corridor\t leading past\t two\t guest\t bedrooms\t to\t the\t master\t bedroom,\t to\t turn\t right\t into\t the","main\tguest\tbedroom,\tor\tto\tgo\tup\ta\tfolded\tstaircase\tto\tthe\tupper\tlevel. Led\t by\t the\t light\t in\t the\t double-height\t glass\t vestibule,\t the\t choice\t is\t to ascend\t the\t stairs.\t At\t the\t top,\t it\t becomes\t clear\t that\t this\t is\t an\t L-shaped building\tembracing\ta\ttropical\tgarden\tand\ta\tswimming\tpool\twith\ta\tgazebo. Once\tagain,\twe\tcan\tturn\tright,\tthis\ttime\tinto\tthe\tdining\troom\tand\tkitchen, or\t proceed\t straight\t ahead\t down\t a\t corridor\t lined\t on\t the\t left\t by\t timber shelving\twith\ta\tvariety\tof\ttraditional\tartefacts\tlit\tby\tinset\tLED\tlights. Now\t the\t whole\t purpose\t of\t the\t house\t is\t revealed\t as\t we\t enter\t a splendid\t living\t pavilion\t leading\t directly\t to\t a\t 4.5-metre\t cantilevered\t deck and\tpanoramic\tocean\tviews.\tThe\tdeck\textends\tthe\tfull\twidth\tof\tthe\thouse and\t is\t covered\t to\t provide\t protection\t from\t the\t western\t sun.\t Inside,\t the living\t room\t is\t a\t fine\t example\t of\t Bedmar\u2019s\t signature\t tropical\t refinement. The\t ceiling\t is\t steeply\t pitched\t to\t emulate\t a\t typical\t tropical\t home.\t The frame\t is\t steel\t but\t the\t trusses\t are\t timber-clad\t to\t simulate\t a\t more traditional\t structure.\t At\t the\t apex\t is\t a\t triangulated\t skylight\t screened\t by timber\t battens.\t The\t high-pitched\t roof\t and\t the\t Boffi\t ceiling\t fans\t minimize the\tneed\tfor\tair-conditioning. The\t long\t elevation\t shows\t how\t the\t guest\t and\t dining\t pavilion\t is\t almost\t independent\t of\t the\t main house.","The\t timber-framed\t gazebo\t by\t the\t pool\t responds\t to\t the\t enfilade\t of\t timber\t screens\t masking\t the bedrooms.","A\tmezzanine\tentertainment\tspace\tsits\tabove\tthe\tliving\tarea.","The\t theme\t of\t refined\t timber\t detailing\t is\t announced\t at\t the\t street\t entry\t of\t the\t house\t which, typically,\tgives\tlittle\taway. The\t living\t area\t enjoys\t a\t tropical\t high-pitched\t timber\t roof\t cooled\t by\t Boffi\t fans,\t with\t a\t dynamic circular\tstaircase\tgoing\tup\tto\tthe\tentertainment\troom.","The\tentry\tvestibule\tis\ta\ttransitional\tspace\twith\ta\tceremonial\tfeel. A\t spiral\t staircase\t leads\t up\t from\t the\t living\t area\t to\t a\t mezzanine,\t a more\t intimate\t sitting\t room\t with\t its\t own\t special\t framed\t view\t out\t to\t the sea. Flooring\t throughout\t the\t house\t is\t Canadian\t brushed\t oak,\t which contrasts\t with\t the\t use\t of\t teak\t for\t the\t exterior\t cladding\t and\t the\t vertical batten\t screens\t that\t provide\t privacy\t down\t the\t northern\t side\t of\t the\t house which\t has\t some\t exposure\t to\t the\t neighbours.\t The\t use\t of\t timber\t is counterpointed\t against\t the\t use\t of\t a\t neutral\t beige\t limestone\t and\t a\t dark grey\t polished\t granite\t floor\t at\t the\t downstairs\t entry.\t The\t only\t departure from\t the\t refined\t tropical\t finishes\t are\t the\t customized\t rough-hewn\t timber tables\tfrom\tBali\tin\tthe\tliving\troom\tand\tthe\tlong\ttable\tin\tthe\tdining\troom.","The\tentertainment\tspace\tsits\tunder\tthe\tpitched\troof. The\tguest\tbedroom,\twhich\tis\timmediately\toff\tthe\tentry,\tenjoys\ttotal\tprivacy. Downstairs,\tthe\tcorridor\tacts\tas\ta\tspine,\twith\ttwo\tguest\tbedrooms\toff to\t the\t side,\t culminating\t in\t the\t master\t bedroom\t which\t looks\t straight\t out through\ta\tfeature\twindow\tto\tthe\tsea.\tBut\tthe\tsetback\tof\t6.5\tmetres,\talong with\t a\t small\t grassy\t berm\t separated\t from\t the\t public\t walkway\t by\t timber bollards,\t ensures\t complete\t privacy.\t A\t combination\t of\t cantilevered\t deck and\texternal\tscreens\tmeans\tthe\tground\tlevel\tremains\tshaded\tand\tcool. Upstairs,\t the\t corridor\t opens\t on\t to\t a\t small\t television\t sitting\t room separated\t from\t the\t main\t living\t room\t by\t a\t timber\t cube\t containing\t a powder\troom.\tOnce\tagain,\tthe\tdeck\twith\tits\ttimber\tcanopy\tmodulates\tthe light,\t provides\t protection\t from\t the\t sun\t and\t captures\t the\t sea\t breeze, making\tthe\tuse\tof\tair-conditioning\trarely\tnecessary. The\tmodulation\tof\tlight\tthroughout\tthe\thouse is\t an\t aspect\t of\t the\t way\t Bedmar\t has\t been\t able\t to\t provide\t privacy\t while still\t engaging\t with\t the\t view.\t The\t main\t guest\t bedroom\t is\t an\t excellent example.\t On\t the\t ground\t floor,\t it\t forms\t the\t foot\t of\t the\t L\t shape.\t Right\t by the\t entry,\t it\t is\t quite\t separate\t from\t the\t rest\t of\t the\t house\t and\t enjoys\t a sublimely\t intimate\t view\t out\t to\t the\t garden,\t past\t the\t pool\t and\t out\t to\t an","edited\t view\t of\t the\t sea.\t Directly\t above\t it,\t the\t dining\t room\t is\t more\t light- filled\t and\t offers\t a\t more\t expansive\t view\t of\t the\t water\t as\t well\t as\t views down\tinto\tthe\tgarden\tand\tpool. The\t house\t is\t for\t a\t single\t man\t who\t uses\t it\t as\t a\t weekend\t retreat\t and for\t entertaining\t friends.\t This\t is\t just\t as\t well\t because,\t if\t one\t lived\t here permanently,\t one\t would\t never\t want\t to\t leave.\t It\t is\t a\t beautiful\t balance\t of intimacy\t and\t openness.\t The\t views\t range\t from\t the\t grand\t seascape\t to private\t garden\t nooks.\t It\t also\t offers\t a\t variety\t of\t spatial\t experiences\t so that\t the\t house\t has\t many\t stories\t to\t tell.\t In\t addition,\t the\t house,\t like\t all Bedmar\t houses,\t has\t a\t powerful\t haptic\t or\t tactile\t quality\t due\t to\t the finishes,\t the\t subtle\t decorative\t touches\t and\t the\t rhythmic\t organization\t of the\tspaces.\tIn\tshort,\tCove\tGrove\t2\tHouse\tis\tan\temotionally\tand\tsocially sustaining\t house\t whose\t ample\t natural\t light\t and\t ventilation\t also\t lend\t it strong\tenvironmental\tcredentials. The\tmaster\tbedroom\tlooks\tdirectly\tout\tto\tthe\tgarden\tand\tthe\tsea.","The\tmaster\tbathroom\thas\tviews\tout\tto\tthe\tpool\tgarden. In\ttypical\tBedmar\tfashion,\tthe\tfront\tof\tthe\thouse\tis\telegantly\tunderstated\tand\treserved.","THE\tPARTY\tHOUSE SINGAPORE W\tARCHITECTS \u2018The\t ritual\t is\t that\t you\t enter,\t have\t a\t drink,\t then\t progress\t to\t dinner upstairs.\t It\t is\t really\t a\t series\t of\t coloured\t boxes\t and\t each\t room\t is\t treated like\ta\tlittle\tjewel.\u2019\u2014Mok\tWei\tWei Describing\t this\t house\t with\t its\t opulent\t finishes\t as\t \u2018sustainable\u2019\t might be\t just\t a\t touch\t tongue\t in\t cheek,\t but\t only\t a\t touch\t because\t there\t is\t a serious\tside\tto\tthis\thouse,\tbuilt\tmainly\tfor\thaving\tparties.\tAfter\tall,\twhat\tis a\t party\t if\t not\t something\t designed\t to\t sustain\t a\t social\t network, relationships\t and\t friendships?\t Many\t houses\t devote\t part\t of\t their\t plan\t to entertaining\t family\t and\t friends\t but\t this\t one\t devotes\t itself\t entirely\t to\t this agenda. Relationships,\t whether\t between\t family\t members\t or\t between\t friends, invariably\t have\t a\t ritual\t element\t to\t them.\t In\t fact,\t the\t ritual\t is\t crucial\t to sustaining\tthose\trelationships.\tWe\tmeet\tat\tcertain\ttimes\tand\tin\tthe\tsame place,\t we\t do\t the\t same\t things,\t eat\t the\t same\t food,\t and\t do\t everything according\tto\ta\tset\tand\tmutually\tagreed\troutine\tor\torder.\tBy\tobserving\tthe ritual,\t we\t are\t silently\t reassuring\t one\t another\t that\t our\t relationship\t is\t still alive\tand\twell. This\t house\t on\t Singapore\u2019s\t Sentosa\t Island\t is\t designed\t to\t embody, indeed\t express,\t that\t ritual.\t It\t consists\t of\t a\t basement\t area,\t two\t levels above,\t along\t with\t what\t the\t architect\t calls\t an\t \u2018attic\u2019\u2014a\t box\t sitting\t on\t top of\tthe\tmain\tstructure\u2014with\tan\tadjacent\trooftop\tdeck\tand\tswimming\tpool. As\tthe\tarchitect\tcomments,\t\u2018the\tdesign\tcreates\ta\tsequence\tof\tspaces\tto form\ta\tunique\tstage\tfor\tentertainment\u2019.","There\t is\t a\t ritual\t progression\t in\t the\t experience\t of\t the\t house.\t This begins\t by\t walking\t down\t a\t slope\t to\t the\t basement\t for\t pre-dinner\t drinks. This\troom\t is\t a\tshell\t of\t off-form\t concrete\tdefined\t by\t pools\tof\t light\t and\t a soaring\t double-height\t void\t containing\t the\t dining\t area,\t effectively\t a mezzanine,\tlinked\tto\tthe\tbasement\tby\ta\tgrand\tstairway.\tThe\tbasement\tis like\t a\t cavern,\t a\t kind\t of\t moody,\t underlit\t domestic\t nightclub.\t Down\t one side\t is\t a\t long\t glass\t wall,\t behind\t which\t is\t a\t tropical\t garden\t with\t a\t green wall\tand\ta\tpond.\tThis\tgarden\textends\tto\tthe\toutside\tof\tthe\thouse\ton\tthe southern\t or\t sea\t side,\t becoming\t a\t double-height\t green\t wall.\t The basement\talso\tcontains\ttwo\tbedrooms,\tone\tenjoying\ta\tdry\tpebble\tgarden courtyard\tat\tthe\tbottom\tof\ta\tlightwell. The\tupper\tlevel\tof\tthe\thouse\tcan\tbe\tscreened\toff\tby\tan\taluminium\tchain\tcurtain. Plan\tshowing\tthe\tbasement\tlevel\tand\tmezzanine\tfloor.","After\tdrinks,\tthe\tguests\tproceed\tto\tthe\tdining\tarea\twith\tits\tlong\tdining table\t lit\t by\t the\t extravagant\t Karim\t Rashid\t \u2018Topography\u2019\t chandelier.\t This space,\t which\t is\t at\t ground\t level,\t looks\t out\t to\t sea\t with\t a\t small\t berm serving\tto\tblock\tout\tthe\tpublic\twalkway\tin\tfront\tand\tcreate\tthe\tillusion\tthat the\t view\t belongs\t exclusively\t to\t this\t house.\t On\t this\t level\t and\t above,\t the robust\toff-form\tconcrete\tis\treplaced\tby\tpolished\tblack\tgranite\tflooring\tand black\tmetal\tceilings. After\t dinner,\t guests\t make\t their\t way\t up\t to\t the\t second\t level\t where there\tare\tthree\tentertainment\trooms\tclustered\taround\ta\tlong,\tilluminated onyx\tbar.\tEach\troom\tis\ta\tglowing\tglass\tbox\twith\tits\town\tdistinctive\tcolour which\t is\t refracted\t after\t dark\t by\t the\t fretting\t covering\t the\t lower\t third\t of every\twall.\tThe\t\u2018Gentlemen\u2019s\tClub\u2019\tis\tyellow,\tthe\t\u2018Ladies\u2019\tWinter\tRoom\u2019\tis white\t with\t a\t glowing\t drop\t ceiling\t made\t of\t glass,\t sunken\t seating\t and\t a fireplace,\t while\t the\t \u2018Karaoke\t Lounge\u2019\t is\t a\t decadent\t purple.\t This\t level\t is completely\t surrounded\t by\t a\t wide\t verandah\t with\t a\t continuous\t aluminum chain\t curtain\t which\t eliminates\t the\t need\t for\t framing\t and\t which\t can\t be drawn\t or\t pulled\t aside\t to\t embrace\t the\t view.\t This\t verandah\t is\t accessed through\t glass\t doors\t where\t glass\t meets\t glass\t to\t create\t the\t illusion\t that there\tis\tno\tseparation.","At\tnight,\twith\tthe\taluminium\tcurtain\topen,\tthe\tinternal\tglazed\trooms\tgleam\tlike\tlanterns.","The\twomen\u2019s\tafter\tdinner\troom\tis\ta\twhite\tlantern\twith\tsunken\tseating. Guests\tenter\tat\tbasement\tlevel\twhere\tthe\tmood\tis\tmore\tlike\ta\tnightclub\tthan\ta\thome.","The\tsection\treveals\thow\tguests\tmove\tthrough\tthe\thouse\tas\ton\ta\tjourney. The\tattic\tspace\tis\tthe\tfinal\tstage\tof\tthe\tritual.\tIt\tis\ta\t\u2018summer\troom\u2019,\ta broad\tpavilion-like\tspace\twhose\tfolding\tglass\tdoors\topen\ton\tto\tthe\tdeck and\tthe\traised\tinfinity-edge\tpool\tclad\tin\tglittering\tmosaic\ttiles.\tThis,\tsays the\tarchitect,\t\u2018connects\tthe\tsky\tand\tthe\tsea\u2019.\tTo\tsit\there\tor\tlounge\tin\tthe pool\tis\tto\tfeel\tthat\tit\tis\tjust\tyou\tand\tthe\tview\twith\tthe\tneighbours\tcropped out. Here,\t the\t ritual\t reaches\t its\t apotheosis.\t From\t the\t moody,\t almost rugged\t \u2018lower\t depths\u2019,\t up\t through\t two\t refined,\t polished\t and\t richly coloured\t levels,\t the\t journey\t culminates\t in\t casting\t aside\t all\t sense\t of enclosure\t as\t one\t enjoys\t the\t marinescape\t on\t a\t balmy\t tropical\t night tempered\tby\tthe\tsea\tbreeze.","Looking\t up\t from\t the\t basement\t entry,\t guests\t can\t immediately\t see\t the\t vertical\t progression\t of spaces\tand\thow\tthe\tevening\twill\tunfold.","From\tthe\trooftop\tcabana,\tthe\thorizon\tis\tilluminated\tby\tthe\tlights\tof\tmoored\tships. The\tlong\tdining\ttable\ton\tthe\tmezzanine\tfloor.","The\tmen\u2019s\tafter\tdinner\troom\thas\tthe\tpalette\tof\ta\tgentlemen\u2019s\tclub. Over\tthe\tinfinity\tedge\tof\tthe\tpool,\tthe\tlights\tof\tmoored\tships\tcan\tbe\tseen\ton\tthe\thorizon.","The\t pool\t and\t cabana\t are\t set\t back\t from\t the\t front\t of\t the\t house\t to\t provide\t privacy\t from\t the\t public walkway\tbelow. At\t night,\t from\t the\t public\t walkway\t along\t the\t waterfront,\t the\t house\t glows\t like\t a\t multicoloured lantern.","INDONESIA","Looking\ttowards\tthe\tsmall\ttraditional\tgate\tthat\tleads\tguests\tthrough\tgarden\tcourts\tto\tthe\toutdoor entertainment\tarea\tat\tthe\trear\tof\tthe\thouse.","BRAWIJAYA\tHOUSE JAKARTA,\tINDONESIA\tHAN\tAWAL ARCHITECTS \u2018For\t me,\t the\t outcome\t of\t this\t house\t was\t different\t from\t other\t houses\t I have\t worked\t on.\t Yori\t and\t his\t client\t gave\t soul\t to\t the\t house.\t I\t pulled\t the concept\t together\t from\t the\t architect,\t the\t client\t and\t the\t craftsmen.\u2019\u2014Rudi Dodo,\t interior\t designer\t Architect\t Yori\t Antar\t has\t a\t passionate commitment\tto\tsustaining\ttraditional\tIndonesian\tarts\tand\tcrafts,\tincluding traditional\t building\t practices.\t He\t has\t initiated\t and\t documented\t projects on\t Flores,\t Sumba\t and\t Nias,\t helping\t villagers\t to\t build\t new\t homes employing\ttraditional\ttechniques. With\t the\t Brawijaya\t House,\t he\t was\t able\t to\t pursue\t his\t agenda\t of cultural\t sustainability\t in\t an\t urban\t context\t because\t his\t client\t was\t equally passionate\t about\t sustaining\t a\t living\t culture,\t especially\t Javanese\t dance. Indeed,\tone\tenters\tthe\thouse\tthrough\ta\trecreated\ttraditional\tpendopo\tor reception\thall,\twhich\tthe\tclient\tuses\tfor\tdance\tperformances. The\t owner\t had\t requested\t a\t house\t inspired\t by\t the\t Javanese\t kraton style,\t that\t is,\t the\t traditional\t house\t or\t palace\t of\t the\t sultan.\t Yori\t Antar\u2019s response\t was\t to\t design\t the\t house\t in\t a\t blend\t of\t the\t traditional\t and\t the modern.\tWalking\tthrough\tthe\tBrawijaya\tHouse\tfrom\tthe\tentry\tto\tthe\trear pool\tand\tthe\tgarden,\tthe\texperience\tis\tindeed\tone\tof\tfluid\ttransition\tfrom the\ttraditional\tto\tthe\tmodern. Surrounded\t by\t a\t high\t wall,\t the\t house\t is\t not\t very\t visible\t from\t the street.\tOnce\tinside,\thowever,\tit\tis\tapparent\tthat\tthe\thouse\toccupies\tmost of\tthe\tplot.\tThere\tare\ttwo\tentries.\tFrom\tthe\tporte\tcoch\u00e8re\tthere\tis\ta\tsmall traditional\tgate\tleading\tto\ta\tlovely\textended\tgarden\tdown\tthe\tside\tof\tthe","house,\t which\t acts\t as\t a\t kind\t of\t public\t arrival\t route\t leading\t to\t the swimming\tpool,\tcabana\tand\tentertainment\tdeck.\tFrom\tthe\tpool\tgarden\tit is\t possible\t to\t see\t how\t the\t architectural\t form\t of\t the\t house\t echoes traditional\t practice,\t in\t particular\t the\t high-pitched\t roof\t (joglo)\t and\t the deeply\trecessed\tverandahs. The\tmain\tentry\tto\tthe\thouse\tis\tthrough\timposing\tdouble\ttimber\tdoors carved\t by\t the\t Balinese\t wood\t sculptor\t Made\t Sudiana,\t whose\t wife\t is Javanese\tand\twhose\twork\tshows\ta\tstrong\tJavanese\tinfluence. The\tpoolside\tcabana\tat\tthe\tback\tof\tthe\thouse\tcontinues\tthe\ttheme\tof\ttraditional\tbuilding\ttypes.","The\tdouble-height\toutdoor\tentertainment\tarea\tviewed\tfrom\tthe\tcabana. These\t doors\t are\t an\t early\t signal\t that\t the\t house\t will\t reflect\t the\t highly eclectic\t nature\t of\t Javanese\t culture,\t which\t has\t been\t influenced\t over\t the centuries\t by\t China\t and\t India\t via\t the\t trade\t routes,\t by\t the\t arrival\t of\t Islam and\tby\tthe\tDutch\tand\tBritish\tcolonialists.\tThe\tcultural\tmix\tis\texpressed\tin the\t architecture\t through\t high-pitched\t roofs,\t deeply\t recessed\t verandahs and\tcovered\tlinked\twalkways\tthrough\ttropical\tgardens,\twhile\tthe\tinteriors feature\t traditional\t timber\t carving\t and\t an\t eclectic\t mix\t of\t Javanese\t and colonial\tantiques. Once\t inside,\t the\t first\t space\t is\t the\t pendopo\t with\t its\t traditional\t high- pitched\t roof\t and\t exposed\t central\t square-framed\t truss\t supporting\t the upper\troof.\tThe\thigh\troof\tvolume\tand\tcentral,\tcustomized\tterracotta\ttiles from\tJogjakarta,\tdesigned\tby\tRudi\tDodo\tand\tbased\ton\ttraditional\tmotifs, are\t natural\t cooling\t elements.\t A\t traditional\t chandelier\t throws\t light\t up\t to the\tcarved\ttimber\tceiling\tto\tcreate\ta\tplay\tof\tshadows,\twhile\tthe\tspace\tis decorated\twith\ta\tvariety\tof\tantique\tpieces,\tsuch\tas\ta\tlarge\tcolonial\tmirror and\tcabinets\tand\ta\ttombak\tor\tJavanese\tspear\tstand.","The\t main\t living\t area\t is\t a\t mix\t of\t the\t old\t and\t the\t new.\t A\t central\t galleria\t leads\t to\t the\t dining\t room while\tside\tdoors\tlead\tto\tcontrasting\tcourtyards.","The\t dining\t room,\t which\t transitions\t from\t the\t traditional\t gebyok\t walls\t and\t screen\t doors\t across\t to the\tcontemporary\ttropical\twater\tgarden. The\t pendopo\t celebrates\t traditional\t Javanese\t craft\t and\t is\t a\t room\t dedicated\t to\t dance performances.","The\tluxuriant\tpool\tgarden\thas\tthe\tfeel\tof\ta\ttropical\tresort. The\tentry\tto\tthe\tpoolside\tcabana\twith\tits\tstone\tstructure\thints\tat\ta\tbathing\tritual. The\t next\t space\t is\t the\t dining\t room,\t a\t long\t room\t which\t literally transitions\t from\t old\t to\t modern\t from\t one\t side\t of\t the\t room\t to\t the\t other. Here\t we\t find\t the\t pi\u00e8ce\t de\t r\u00e9sistance\t of\t the\t whole\t house,\t the\t recreated","gebyok\t or\t traditional\t Javanese\t wall.\t Originally\t four-sided,\t this extraordinarily\tintricate,\thand-carved\tfeature\tis\teffectively\ttwo-sided,\twith mirrors\t and\t internal\t lighting\t used\t to\t simulate\t the\t four\t sides.\t A\t three- generation\t company\t of\t craftsmen\t was\t employed\t to\t carve\t the\t wall\t and doors,\t based\t on\t initial\t designs\t by\t Rudi\t Dodo,\t which\t open\t out\t on\t to\t a spacious\tterrace\tand\tgarden.\tOn\tthe\tother\tside\tof\tthe\tdining\ttable,\twhich is\tcarved\tfrom\ta\tsingle\tpiece\tof\tteak,\tthe\tspace\tbecomes\tmodern\twith\ta white\tstone\twall\tand\tfolding\tglass\tdoors\tleading\tto a\twater\tgarden\twith\ta\tblack\tgranite\tziggurat-shaped\tfountain\tdesigned\tby Yori\tAntar. From\tthe\tdining\troom\tone\tmoves\tinto\tthe\tliving\troom,\twith\tthe\tmaster bedroom\t off\t to\t the\t right.\t It\t is\t a\t further\t progression\t from\t the\t old\t to\t the new,\t an\t essentially\t modern\t room\t but\t decorated\t with\t antiques\t sourced from\t Kota\t Gede,\t near\t Jogjakarta.\t The\t progression\t culminates\t in\t a double-height\tterrace\tlooking\ton\tto\tthe\tswimming\tpool\tand\tacross\tto\tthe cabana,\ta\tperfectly\tsymmetrical\texample\tof\ttropical\tmodern. The\t Brawijaya\t House\t successfully\t maintains\t cultural\t continuity\t while making\t a\t major\t statement\t about\t how\t traditional\t crafts\t can\t be\t sustained through\tcontemporary\tapplication.\tIt\tis\talso\tan\texcellent\tdemonstration\tof how\t traditional\t architectural\t practice\u2014for\t example,\t the\t deep\t verandahs which\teffectively\tcreate\tgarden\trooms\u2014can\tnaturally\tcool\tthe\thouse\tand provide\ta\ttropical\toasis\tin\tthe\tmiddle\tof\ta\tbusy\tcity.","The\twater\tgarden\toff\tthe\tdining\troom.","Detail\tof\tthe\tcarved\ttimber\tentry\tdoors\tby\tMade\tSudiana.","A\tgalleria\tlinks\tthe\tpendopo\tand\tthe\tliving\tspace\twith\ta\tside\tentry\tinto\tthe\tdining\troom.","SENJAYA\tHOUSE JAKARTA,\tINDONESIA\tRT+Q ARCHITECTS There\tis\tnothing\tmore\tsustaining\tthan\tan\toasis.\tThis\thouse\tis\tan\toasis\tin the\t middle\t of\t hectic,\t noisy\t Jakarta,\t defined\t by\t a\t necklace\t of\t filigreed bushida\t trees\t whose\t delicate\t tracery\t helps\t screen\t the\t house\t from\t the street\twhile\tshading\tthe\thigh\tprotective\twall\tand\tthe\tgardens\twithin. Like\tany\toasis,\tthere\tis\tan\touter\tscreen\tand\tan\tinner\tdomain\twith\tthis house,\t a\t world\t within\t a\t world.\t In\t this\t case,\t after\t entering\t from\t the\t porte coch\u00e8re\t through\t a\t timber\t door\t set\t in\t a\t rough-hewn\t local\t Craggy\t Lava stone\tfeature\twall,\tthere\tis\ta\ttranquil\tgarden\tcourtyard\twith\ta\tkoi\tpond\tat the\t far\t end.\t The\t house\t wraps\t itself\t around\t this\t green-grassed\t central space\t in\t a\t U\t shape.\t On\t all\t three\t sides\t of\t this\t embrace\t there\t is\t total transparency\t as\t the\t house\t opens\t itself\t up\t to\t the\t cool\t central\t court.\t On one\tside,\tthere\tis\tthe\tliving\tpavilion,\tseparated\tfrom\tthe\tmain\thouse\tby\ta breezeway.\tThis\tpavilion\tis\tthoroughly\ttransparent,\tboth\tfrom\tthe\tinternal garden\t court\t and\t to\t the\t deck\t and\t pool\t on\t the\t other\t side.\t Opposite\t the living\t pavilion\t is\t the\t pantry,\t a\t word\t that\t hardly\t describes\t this\t light-filled and\t expansive\t breakfast\t room\t which\t is\t set,\t somewhat\t theatrically,\t on\t a raised\t podium\t and\t reached\t by\t walking\t up\t a\t low\t set\t of\t steps.\t This\t gives the\t pavilion\t a\t temple-like\t feel,\t which\t in\t turn\t transforms\t the\t garden\t court into\t a\t kind\t of\t forecourt,\t a\t transitional\t space\t leading\t to\t the\t crucial\t inner sanctum.","The\tsection\tshows\thow\tthe\ttimber-screened\tbox\tappears\tto\tfloat\talmost\tindependently\tof\tthe\trest of\tthe\thouse. The\t porte\t coch\u00e8re\t where\t the\t Craggy\t Lava\t stone\t wall\t and\t looming\t \u2018keep\u2019\t immediately\t create\t a sense\tof\tentering\ta\tcastle. All\t of\t this\t suggests\t another\t analogy\t at\t work\u2014the\t subtle\t hint\t of\t a Japanese\t castle.\t From\t the\t street,\t what\t catches\t the\t eye\t is\t the\t soaring triple-storey\t timber-screened\t tower\t above\t the\t living\t pavilion.\t In\t terms\t of the\t castle\t analogy,\t this\t is\t the\t tower\t or\t keep\t (tenshu).\t Like\t any\t castle, there\tare\tspaces\twithin\tspaces.\tHence,\tat\tthe\tentry\toff\tthe\tstreet\tthere\tis","a\t massive\t stone\t wall\t (uchikomihagi),\t the\t equivalent\t of\t the\t base\t of\t the temple.\tWhat\tfollows\tis\ta\tprogression\tinto\tthe\tinternal\tgarden\tcourt,\twith the\t ceremonial\t steps\t up\t to\t the\t breakfast\t room\t and\t a\t view\t up\t to\t the elegant,\tdark-stained\ttimber\tkeep,\tits\thorizontal\ttimber\tlouvres\tscreening the\tmaster\tbedroom\tand\tthe\troof\tterrace\tabove\tit.\tNow\tthe\thouse\tconjurs up\timages\tof\tthe\tfloating\tJapanese\tcastles\tknown\tas\tukishiro,\tbuilt\ton\tflat land\t and\t surrounded\t by\t water.\t On\t top\t of\t the\t tower,\t fittingly,\t the occupants\t can\t look\t out\t over\t the\t neighbourhood\t from\t an\t expansive, shaded\t rooftop\t sitting\t area.\t Effectively\t double-height,\t this\t is\t a\t space\t for relaxation\t and\t for\t enjoying\t barbeques.\t Sitting\t on\t top\t of\t the\t house,\t it captures\t any\t breeze\t that\t may\t be\t blowing,\t while\t the\t embracing\t timber louvred\t screens\t provide\t privacy\t and\t beautifully\t modulated\t light,\t at\t the same\ttime\tgiving\ta\tsense\tof\tconnection\twith\tthe\toutside\tworld.","The\t castle\t \u2018keep\u2019\t floats\t mysteriously\t above\t the\t fully\t transparent\t living\t room\t and\t timber-decked pool.","Looking\tfrom\tthe\tliving\troom\tto\tthe\tfloating\tpoolside\tdeck. The\t elevated\t pantry,\t an\t elegant\t modernist\t glass\t pavilion,\t is\t across\t a\t grassy\t courtyard\t from\t the living\troom.","The\tground\tfloor\tplan\tillustrates\tthe\tsense\tof\tentering\ta\tcastle\tcourtyard. Although\t the\t house\t transitions\t from\t public\t to\t increasingly\t private domains,\tthere\tis\ta\tunifying\ttransparency.\tThe\tU\tshape\tis\talmost\tentirely glazed,\t and\t when\t the\t sliding\t glass\t doors\t on\t either\t side\t of\t the\t living pavilion\tare\topen,\tthere\tis\ta\tcontinuous\tspace\tfrom\tgarden\tthrough\tliving to\t timber\t poolside\t deck.\t Even\t inside\t the\t house,\t a\t single\t pivoting\t timber door\taccesses\tthe\tpowder\troom\twhich,\twith\tits\touter\ttimber\tscreen\tdoors open,\tis\tin\teffect\tpart\tof\tthe\tpool.\tLikewise,\tthe\tground\tfloor\tdining\troom off\tthe\t crossbar\tof\t the\tU\t shape\t opens\ton\t to\ta\t small\topen-air\t court\t with another\trough-hewn\tstone\twall.\tUpstairs,\ton\tthe\tcrossbar,\tis\ta\ttelevision room,\tagain\tfully\tglazed,\tthis\ttime\topening\ton\tto\ta\ttimber\tdeck.","The\tupstairs\tliving\/entertainment\troom\thas\tits\town\texternal\tcourtyard. The\t clients\u2019\t brief\t to\t architect\t Rene\t Tan\t and\t his\t design\t team\t of\t T.\t K. Quek\t and\t Jonathan\t Quek\t had\t been\t simple:\t \u2018It\t should\t be\t a\t very\t relaxed house\t and\t generate\t air\t circulation.\u2019\t In\t these\t ways,\t the\t architect\t and\t his team\t have\t delivered\t on\t the\t clients\u2019\t requirements\u2014a\t socially\t sustaining house\twith\tample\tcross-ventilation\tand\tno\tgreat\tneed\tfor\tair-conditioning. This\t cross-ventilation,\t along\t with\t the\t use\t of\t timber\t screens,\t shading trees,\tgrass\tcourtyard\tand\twater,\tis\thighly\teffective\tin\tcooling\tthe\thouse. This\t is\t supported\t by\t the\t orientation\t of\t the\t house\t and\t a\t variety\t of interventions\u2014trees,\t blank\t walls\t and\t blade\t walls\u2014which\t minimize\t the house\u2019s\texposure\tto\tdirect\tsun. Essentially,\t the\t house\t is\t a\t community\t of\t spaces,\t separate\t yet connected.\tFor\tthis\treason,\tit\tis\ta\thouse\twhich\tsustains\tthe\tcommunity\tof the\tfamily,\tbringing\teveryone\ttogether\tyet\tstill\tproviding\tprivate\tspace,\tfor example,\t in\t the\t way\t the\t parents\t and\t children\t have\t their\t own\t wings. Complementing\tthis\tsocial\tsustainability\tis\tthe\tway\tin\twhich\tthe\thouse\tis so\teffectively\tcooled\tand\tventilated\tnaturally.","The\trooftop\tentertainment\tdeck,\twith\tits\toperable\ttimber\tlouvred\tscreens,\tgives\tthe\tsense\tof\tliving amongst\tthe\ttreetops. The\tmaster\tbedroom\tsits\tin\tthe\tlower\tlevel\tof\tthe\ttimber-screened\tbox.","The\tmaster\tbathroom. Looking\tback\tfrom\tthe\tpantry\tacross\tthe\tcourtyard\tto\tthe\tliving\tpavilion,\tits\tentry\tgate\topen.","The\texquisite\tpowder\troom-cum-breezeway\thas\ta\tdirect\tlink\tto\tthe\tpool. The\tfloating\tpool\tdeck,\twith\tthe\tpowder\troom\tto\tthe\tleft,\tis\tpart\tof\ta\tserene\ttropical\tgarden.","The\tdynamic\tform\tof\tthe\tliving\tpavilion\tthrusts\tlike\ta\tboat\tpast\tthe\tpool."]