House of the Summer is a residential project aimed at the revitalization of an old building that had long been abandoned, left unused and neglected for decades. The building had fallen into such a state of disrepair that it was no longer suitable for habitation. Recognizing the historical and architectural value of the structure, the owner sought to initiate a profound transformation, not only to restore its functionality as a residence but also to breathe new life into the building, ensuring that it could once again serve as a comfortable, modern living space. This project exemplifies the merging of preservation and innovation, combining a respect for the building's past with an eye toward its future usability.
The design of this house is deeply rooted in architectural styles that were once popular during the colonial period in Indonesia, with a particular focus on the Art Deco aesthetic that thrived during that time. However, the design does not simply replicate the past; instead, it adapts the Art Deco style to meet the specific environmental conditions of the tropical climate and incorporates contemporary elements to ensure relevance in the modern era. This stylistic fusion, which we have termed Neo-Retro, blends nostalgic references with forward-thinking solutions, resulting in a design that honors the past while remaining attuned to present-day architectural practices. The reinterpretation of Art Deco, with its geometric forms and bold lines, is softened and modified to respond to the realities of tropical living, such as the need for proper ventilation and thermal comfort.
Situated uniquely between two roads, the house occupies a rare and intriguing position that gives it the advantage of dual facades. Each facade faces a different street, presenting an opportunity for two distinct yet harmonized architectural expressions. This dual-frontage condition was utilized to create two individual facade designs, each with its own character and identity, while still maintaining a common thematic thread that unifies the overall aesthetic of the building. On one side, the house presents a single-story elevation, while the opposing facade rises to two stories, creating a noticeable contrast in the building’s form and spatial organization. This deliberate asymmetry not only highlights the functional differences between the two faces but also enhances the visual complexity of the house, making it a dynamic presence in the urban fabric.
The interior of the house is designed to prioritize both comfort and functionality, with three bedrooms strategically positioned on the first floor. Each of these bedrooms is thoughtfully designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, with every room featuring its own window to the outside. Additionally, each bedroom benefits from direct access to open spaces, enhancing the sense of connection to nature and the outdoors. One bedroom opens onto the front terrace, providing a visual and physical link to the street, while the other two bedrooms are oriented towards an inner garden, offering a more private and tranquil outdoor experience. This configuration not only enhances the quality of life for the occupants but also allows for effective cross-ventilation, ensuring that each room maintains a comfortable indoor climate, which is especially important in tropical regions.
In keeping with the overall design philosophy of blending form and function, the doors and windows of the house have been carefully crafted to serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. The doors and windows feature distinctive arches at the top, creating a sense of elegance and historical reference, while jalousie-style windows have been incorporated in strategic locations to facilitate natural airflow. This design choice was particularly driven by the need to mitigate the high temperatures typical of tropical environments. The use of cross-ventilation, in which fresh air flows through multiple openings, is crucial in such climates to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems and to maintain a pleasant indoor environment. Furthermore, the integration of plants both inside and outside the house serves a dual purpose: not only do they enhance the visual appeal of the space, but they also contribute to improved air quality, creating a healthier and more sustainable living environment.