This Jakarta Home is a Family Affair
This light-filled retreat in Jakarta was a labour of love for Studio Getty, designed for Stephanie Getty's sister and her family, and with elements produced in their father's woodworking shop
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. When it comes to design duo Stephanie and David Getty of Studio Getty and Surrounding Objects, an appreciation for fine craftsmanship and raw aesthetics certainly runs deep in their family. ‘My sister Nathalia approached us to curate a family house in Jakarta for her and her husband Francis, as well as their three young children,’ explains Stephanie. ‘And we were able to use our father’s woodworking shop just outside Jakarta to mill all the flooring and trims.’
Among a large housing complex, the stately red-brick structure is comprised of two newly established volumes, the result of a year’s study in Finland by David and an attending admiration for Alvar Aalto’s brickwork in university campus buildings. While red brick is commonly used as infill and plaster in the region, the duo decided to give the residence a bare exterior that radiates artistry. ‘We wanted masonry to suggest a connection with the local community,’ says David.
To fulfil the couple’s need for an open, efficient and adaptive dwelling, the duo created a spacious environment governed by natural light and fluid transitions that accommodates a sewing studio for Nathalia and a loft studio with a roof terrace for Francis. Housed within the 200-square-metre larger volume are the living, dining and kitchen areas, and two floors for bedrooms. On the second floor, a bridge leads to the other volume where a garage, maid’s quarters and two studios are located. The designers also introduced a brick wall that provides separation from the street and doubles as a backdrop for thriving greenery.
Behind the raw, textured exterior is an equally idiosyncratic indoor setting. The open, placid space comprising the kitchen and a dining and living room is completed with a picturesque garden view. A rare find in Jakarta, the floor- to-ceiling windows bring in natural light and glimpses of the private outdoor space. These peaceful elements resonate harmoniously with the extensive teak accents. ‘We envisioned how the people would interact with the house and aimed to curate the spaces for a joyful living experience,’ says David. ‘While window frames are typically used as visual cues for openings, we used them as low seating units for the whole family to gather around in the kitchen. These small details create a solid foundation for pleasant memories.’
The rest of the house is also filled with thoughtful details. Puncturing the kitchen ceiling is a rectangular skylight that floods the space with sunlight; a slatted divider conceals the guest bathroom and doubles as a shoe closet frame; a built-in cabinet for storing necessities resides under the stairs. Three Golden Bell pendants by Finnish furniture company Artek above the dining table add a personal touch, inspired by the family’s three children.
The outdoor space is a testament to the designers’ combined sensibilities. The free- draining, semi-smooth crushed stone surface requires zero maintenance and allows the family to walk across it freely with bare feet. Air plants and ferns take centre stage in the open canopy, while the rest of the outdoor area is just as striking with its green walls, flowering trees and cacti.
The Gettys made only a few trips to the site to supervise construction; the majority of the meticulous design was conceived at the studio’s base in the US. ‘Work was done on and off, but that allowed us to fine-tune details without rushing into anything,’ says Stephanie. ‘It needed time and patience from all parties, and we couldn’t be happier with the result.’
Text / Nikey Cheng
Images / Mario Wibowo
