Australian design meets tropical living in Surabaya home

In the bustling residential area of western Surabaya, Indonesia, a unique home designed by architect Giovanni Gunawan harmoniously blends Australian architectural influences with the practicalities of tropical living. The owner, having lived in Australia and met his wife there, desired an aesthetic that reflected his experiences, but the site's urban setting and the region's humid climate presented distinct challenges.

Gunawan, an alumnus of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), leveraged his understanding of Australian design principles while drawing on his intimate knowledge of Indonesia's climate and cultural norms. To address the site's limitations, a busy road at the front and a neighboring guardhouse, he devised a C-shaped building massing that encloses a central courtyard. This inward-facing design ensures maximum privacy and creates a serene sanctuary shielded from the surrounding urban activity.

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We had to do some negotiation. Even though the finished product is not 100 percent what the owner wanted in the beginning, we translated it into something different that he still enjoys.

The home's design prioritizes multi-generational living and entertaining, as requested by the client. Large sliding glass doors seamlessly connect the interior living spaces with the landscaped courtyard, bringing the lush greenery into the heart of the home. The material palette features warm browns, grays, and creams, with a preference for natural finishes over high-gloss surfaces to cultivate a calm and understated atmosphere. This approach reflects the owner's appreciation for the "honesty in the usage of materiality," where materials are used as intended.

"We had to do some negotiation. Even though the finished product is not 100 percent what the owner wanted in the beginning, we translated it into something different that he still enjoys," said Gunawan, who leads the practice KantorGG with his father. The resulting three-and-a-half-story semi-detached house is a testament to thoughtful design, successfully integrating the owner's vision with the environmental and spatial realities of its Indonesian setting, creating a private, family-centric haven.

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The owner is attracted to the idea of honesty in the usage of materiality – that they should be used exactly like they are supposed to be.