Cover An evening aerial view of the waterfront home in its affluent Pantai Mutiara neighbourhood
An evening aerial view of the waterfront home in its affluent Pantai Mutiara neighbourhood
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A cherished waterfront home is transformed with a sophisticated design that mitigates environmental challenges
In Jakarta’s prestigious Pantai Mutiara neighbourhood, a tale of two realities unfolds. On one hand, it’s a picturesque waterfront area populated with palatial homes with direct and private access to the sea; on the other, it’s a community grappling with persistent flooding and land subsidence.
Amid this paradox, one homeowner sought to transform her cherished property into a resilient abode. She came across K-Thengono Design Studio by chance, spotting the architect’s name on a construction project board in the neighbourhood during her morning runs. What started as a phone call turned into a two-year working relationship that yielded an exceptionally crafted waterfront home which has future-proofed its site while addressing her lifestyle needs.
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Above A daytime aerial view of the residential neighbourhood, the only one in Jakarta with private jetties
A daytime aerial view of the residential neighbourhood, the only one in Jakarta with private jetties
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“We designed with resilience in mind, ensuring that the structure could withstand future environmental changes,” shares the studio’s founding principal, Kelvin Thengono.
Having lived in the area for over 20 years, the homeowner was attached to the community. Despite the ever-increasing efforts to mitigate the perennial flooding and incremental land sinking that inevitably accumulated, which included having to install a basement pump to keep the water out, she had been set on staying and building a new house equipped for the site’s current and future condition.
Above A rear view of the house reveals the breathable quality of its architecture
A rear view of the house reveals the breathable quality of its architecture
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The task at hand for Thengono was monumental: to create an elevated sanctuary—literally and figuratively—that blends comfort with resilience, while still taking full advantage of its waterfront location. Fortunately, the architect and homeowner were on the same wavelength.
“The brief was straightforward, requesting a functional abode with living quarters that could function independently like apartments,” shares Thengono. The homeowner also agreed to the architect’s proposed 5,920 sq ft built area—which was a comparatively modest size in the neighbourhood.
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Above The V-shaped columns offer a more open view
The V-shaped columns offer a more open view
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The site sits 70 centimetres below sea level, and is projected to experience a further descent of an alarming three metres by 2041. Anticipating this, the architect employed a pile-slab foundation to resist the structural load, ensuring the home’s integrity amid shifting ground.
The living spaces are lifted to the top three levels, while the raised ground floor, which now stands at a safe height of 3.3 metres above the original terrain, is dedicated to a constellation of back-of-house functions connected by a large edible garden.
Above The homeowner’s pet Cavalier King Charles Spaniels happily exploring the ground floor
The homeowner’s pet Cavalier King Charles Spaniels happily exploring the ground floor
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Supporting the waterfront home's upper levels are distinct V-shaped composite steel stilts. “We wanted to maximise views while creating a flood-proof space. The V-shaped stilts allowed us to preserve clean aesthetics by minimising the number of columns, so we don’t have a dense forest of straight columns obstructing the ocean vistas,” Thengono elaborates.
The edible garden around the columns and the gravel pathways around the site also serve as roaming tracks for the owner’s beloved brood of pet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs.
A 4.5 metre-high dike along the canal-facing rear perimeter of the property guards against potential coastal flooding, while over-water timber decking makes the most of the house’s private connection to the sea.
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The kitchen, dining and living areas open up to the balcony, pool and sweeping views of the canal
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“The owner wanted a home that felt like a penthouse: simple and functional, yet luxurious,” Thengono says. “We achieved this by creating distinct levels that cater to different aspects of her lifestyle.”
The layout reflects the homeowner’s appreciation of simplicity and high functionality, with an emphasis on the quality of the spaces and finishes. Each level serves a unique purpose.
The master bedroom features a large wardrobe and a striking feature wall that hides the ensuite bathroom
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The second floor houses the home’s semi-private social space, its crowning jewels include the owner’s workspace and a spacious multipurpose balcony with an infinity pool overlooking the canal.
The third storey houses the bedroom suites, offering a private sanctuary with captivating sea views, while the top floor houses a dance studio with a corner bar and pantry.
This outdoor area on the second level does double duty as a zone for socialising or a spot for quiet contemplation
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The organically shaped floor plates follow the fan-shaped site; each is positioned to optimise natural light and minimise reliance on artificial cooling.
Thengono pointed out specific examples: “The second-level workspace is placed under a cantilevered volume that blocks harsh east-west sunlight. Similarly, the living room’s orientation towards the neighbouring park shields it from the intense afternoon heat.”
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The homeowner's spacious study overlooks the neighbourhood
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The interior finishes reflect the homeowner’s preference for a masculine and straightforward aesthetic. “We opted for pieces that are both functional and stylish,” Thengono says.
The master bedroom is finished in ironwood, a famed material in Indonesia to withstand sea water and corrosive coastal air, while the elevator core is wrapped in shou sugi ban timber.
The furniture is a curated mix of international and local brands sourced from reputable retailers like Moie and Casa Italia, pairing Carl Hansen & Søn’s pieces with Ong Cen Kuang’s luminaires, for example.
Charred shou sugi ban timber lends a stylish look to the elevator core
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K-Thengono Design Studio’s approach to this waterfront home demonstrates the potential for innovative design solutions in environmentally challenging locations. By integrating resilient construction techniques, sustainable features and thoughtfully selected materials and furnishings, the studio has created a luxurious living space that addresses both present needs and future environmental concerns.
This waterfront home serves as a practical example of how high-end residential design can adapt to and thrive in complex coastal settings, potentially influencing future developments in similar environments.
Above An evening view of the house from the water showcases its glowing interiors
An evening view of the house from the water showcases its glowing interiors
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Credits
Photography: Mario Wibowo
Jakarta-born, Bandung-raised and Singapore-based, Asih Jenie trained in Visual Communication Design at Bandung Institute of Technology and Architecture at Parahyangan Catholic University. She brings both rigour and heart to design journalism, infused with a distinct Southeast Asian voice.
As a child, she doodled on the edges of her schoolbooks and never outgrew her fascination with all things well-made and well-told. Her 15-year career spans editorial roles and bylines in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Australia, across spatial design titles such as Dwell Asia, Cubes, Design Anthology, Habitus Living, and Home & Decor.
After a brief stint in public relations, she returned to publishing in 2023 to lead Tatler Homes Singapore, where she continues to tell stories about how we shape the spaces that shape us.
