Archisteem 31: Friendly Architecture Curation - Graha Lakon of Java

Today's curated project: A Old-Fashioned Contemporary House in Java

Today, let us appreciate a rather contemporary office + house but filled with unique traditional features from the past in Java. Previously, I also wrote about this architect’s work at A house = A tree.

This individual studio house project is led by Andyrahman Architect a local Indonesian architect firm and took place in Madiun, East Java, Indonesia. The project covered an approximate 1,270m² of 2 stories individual house unit and was completed in 2017.

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Like the previous project of Jungalow House in India that I curated, this owner also has a liking on collecting wooden materials which were featured in the design house + office. I love this building due to its strong cultural influence with the elegant stroke of contemporary style. The balance between old and new makes this building a rather refreshing image to see in the local context.

Graha Lakon, which means a harmony contrast as translated by the architect (or old-fashioned contemporary) is the main theme for the building design. Lakon itself is an Indonesia and Malay word that can be translated to the actor (usually the protagonist). This specific name was chosen due to the client’s high participation in the whole design process and execution. In terms of client and architect relationship, it is good to have a client that is able to brief and work closely with the architect to realize the dream. However, the client needs to have a certain level of trust on the architect to execute the design so that the collaboration can be a smooth and successful one. As for the architect, it is crucial to gain the trust by making the client understand the role and commitment of the consultant.

The façade of the building is a harmony contrary juxtapose of brick and ethic wood panels to form a different layer of patches with a diverse feeling and texture. We can sense the different amount of porosity from the façade and this will make the interior space much interesting. Subsequently, there are concrete, glass, and steel being used as supplementary building materials to unite the whole design. In overall, the architect wanted to bring out the tension and intimacy through the touch of design.

Again, the interior spaces circulated around the central courtyard planted with a Frangipani Tree that is aesthetic and easy to maintain. The spaces in within are well ventilated and lit with generous openings with glass louvered windows, old wooden panels and vent blocks. The clever insertion of crippling plants on the courtyard opening had softened the daylight penetrated through it, bringing in green into the center of the house. I personally love the detail door frames and some brick made vent blocks the were carved with the floral patterns that usually appear on the traditional house of Javanese.

If it is a individual family living house, would you prefer such design? Or a rather secluded one with less opening?

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Source of images used and reference article. Click here

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Hope you enjoy the curation. If you have any projects that you wished to be curated, do drop a comment to me. Any critics and suggestions about my curation are welcome!

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This is an #archisteem post.

A new tag that is to curate our existing built environment and also future built environment development. Want to know more? Read here.

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