Botanica Apartment: A Subtle Sanctuary

3/10/2017

Sontani+Partners have crafted a subtle elegance for this apartment in Keboyaran, South Jakarta, that takes advantage of high-rise living to create an oasis amid the metropolis.

Photo by Fernando Gomulya

Busy days will soon be forgotten when entering this space. The apartment has a strong modern design to match the Zeitgeist. The interior is finished in solid rectangles, while walls are painted in white. Panels are built-in, hiding multiple storage spaces behind the aesthetics.

The living room greets guests when arriving. It has a monochromatic decor with wood that stands out from the pale walls. A comfortable three-seater is positioned in the centre to create a comfy feeling. Two sofas and a sleek wooden chair asymmetrically frame the three-seater to lighten the look. These rigid rectangles are made casual by the combination of a round white coffee table and several stools used as end table.

The dining room sits side by side with the living room, with which it shares a harmonious colour scheme. Six soft dining chairs ensure comfort while spending time together for lunch or dinner. These chairs have thick tops balanced by steel stick legs. An opposite look is brought by the dining table, which comprises a thin table top and thick legs for support, all made of wood. The proportions makes for a good-looking appearance. Additional lighting comes from three hanging stainless steel cones. These direct down lights make the food served become the centrepoint of the room. The dining room has lower ceiling to make the atmosphere more intimate when dining together.

The living and dining rooms share a tray ceiling that is indirectly illuminated from the sides. A tray ceiling also hides the air conditioning inside a gyspum panel so as not to interfere with the overall interior. Curtain rails are kept above the gypsum, so the curtain falls in line with the wooden wall panels. Both rooms have marble tiles flooring, which compliments the natural look.

The apartment has three bedrooms. Each is filled with different panel designs, lighting fixtures, artwork and furniture while still having the serene ambiance. The interior designer avoided direct downlight. In the master bedroom, which has a cream colour scheme, indirect lighting comes from a tray ceiling and headboard. A rug placed below the bed brings closure to the room. Symmetry appears in the other bedrooms. One has a ribbon of indirect uplighting from the headboard, while two cone lamps are hung low for bedtime reading.

Another bedroom in the apartment, the smallest, has been converted into a study with a desk and chair featuring bold tops and slim legs that makes the room feel spacious. These are located by the window, so people can read and work under natural light during the day. One wall has a storage panel. The clarity of the room offers serenity.

The modern design here consists of the bold execution of minimalist patterns. The apartment is decked out with simple pieces of furniture in neutral colours, making the sanctuary feel spacious, even when welcoming guests or holding gatherings. The subdued decor and calming colours offer a soothing vibe for all who enter, while the apartment has a warmth that will offer solace after a full day of activity–all while enjoying views of the cityscape below.

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Barbara Hahijary
Author
Barbara earned her bachelor's degree in architecture from the Interior Architecture Program of the University of Indonesia in 2013. Historical or heritage buildings, as well as utilitarian design, fascinates her as it is the interaction between people and architecture that remains her favourite topic to explore. Besides architecture, her interests include design, handcrafts, literature and social issues.