Modern Tropical Home in Indonesia // Living ASEAN

Everything about this modern home presents a perfect example of tropical residential architecture. Check this out.

/// Indonesia ///

Story: Wuthikorn Suthiapa /// Photo: Soopakorn Sriskul /// Designer: Andra Matin

Andra Matin, the homeowner and designer of AM House, greeted us with a smile in his spacious multi-purposed room dominated by a solid-wooden long table. His tropical modern home was made of concrete, its unique stilt structures was outstanding. These elements intrigue us to hear what he had to say about the house.

The living room on the second floor is visible from the street. Patches of greenery provide a camouflage for privacy

According to Matin, this state-of-the-art work took five years to finish. “I began building this house in 2008, starting out with cube-shaped design. As construction was underway, more details were added. By slowly and gradually building the house, I had time to consider best option for our family.”

The pathway glides past a pond to the second floor. The entire ramp is paved with strips of timber set at half-inch intervals.

A wood deck extends from the multi-purpose space.

Matin is widely known for his attention to details. Ranking among the top-rated architects who is responsible for pioneering modern tropical design projects across Indonesia. When it comes to designing a house to suit hot and humid climate, he relied mostly on nature and a clever floor plan. There are only two air-conditioning machines in the house. One is located in the basement bathroom, to control the humidity. And the other is on the top-floor bedroom.

The multi-purpose room on the second floor is easily adaptable. The design is in accordance with tropical climates.

The cooking station is built into the tabletop. An oven and a nearby refrigerator are disguised by Ulin, Indonesia native timber.

The staircase is protected by a screen of vertical strips that double as a handrail.

“I have always been interested in spatial relationships rather that the form per se.” Matin mention his interest which he adopted to his works and the designing of his home.

“Good design is the one that takes ‘Spatial Relationships.’ into account. It looks into all kinds of activity that will take place within, and not just the room hemmed in by four walls. In reality, there exists an in-between space that subtly tells one room apart from the next, be it sitting or sleeping, walking or standing. After that, we look for the form or configuration that best fits in with those spaces, the climate, and ways of living.”

The spiral staircase leads to a spacious bathroom with a walk-in closet. A shower area and a bathtub lie under a skylight.

A small lodge in the backyard is Matin’s favorite hideout spot.

The third-floor living space is adequately lit by natural light via the skylight right. On one side, floor-to-ceiling windows allow soft, diffused light in. During the day, there’s no need for an artificial light.

Matin sourced materials locally. This is not only to support the locals, Matin believe local artisans knows their stuff. “Local builders have insight know-hows and skills. These materials weren’t hard to find and savvy,” said Matin

Apart from architecture, Matin also has a strong passion for travel. Hence, this house is full of fun gimmicks to make walking from room to room like an exciting adventure. The entrance is through the hill. Followed by a lounge area with a spiral staircase as a shortcut to a rooftop on one side and a tilted floor leading to a small lodge. A children room is also accessible through the lodge. A working space on the ground floor also has a backdoor hidden behind a bookshelf. The endless wonder in this modern tropical home is indeed no less than Peter Pan’s Neverland.