Coffe Hill Residence: Green Open Spaces to the Unique Blen

The house located in Semarang employs a unique design concept. Boasting an open and spacious atmosphere, the house, named "Inside Outside House," covers an area of 600 square meters. Conceptualized by local architect Tamara Wibowo Architects, this residence exudes a natural and bright ambiance both inside and outside its structure.

This dwelling is situated in a corner lot within a housing complex. Uniquely, the corner or junction of the house with two roads has a hilly terrain. The characteristics of the land contour played a significant role in the house's design. The house has two entrances and three separate building masses with different functions.

The first building mass constitutes the main living area, complete with the necessary rooms. The second mass serves as the service area, accommodating household facilities, the kitchen, and laundry. Meanwhile, the third mass serves as the office area, with the garage for motor vehicles beneath it. This area also houses the main entrance gate, serving as the primary circulation route for both vehicles and residents.

The entire house masses are covered in gray color, originating from its exposed concrete material. Wooden accents are a visible part of the exterior design. Mango trees also adorn the house, existing trees on the land that served as a reference point for the architect's design. Returning to nature is the vision of this house. The house walls are adorned with glass windows, allowing light to penetrate the interior, providing the residents with beautiful outdoor views. The house's freshness is further enhanced by various plants growing in the yard.

Each of the three masses has varying heights. For the garage and service areas, the building's land is lower than the main house floor, necessitating a long staircase to reach the main house mass. The garage building is situated on the ground floor of the house. The garage can accommodate two cars, and storage space is also designed within this area. Access to the office area on the upper floor can be reached through the staircase inside the garage, outside, or from the first-floor main living area. On the top floor of the office area, there is a rooftop garden that adds a touch of nature to the residence.

The main house building has an L-shaped mass design. Each mass is connected to an inner courtyard, creating a harmonious blend with nature. Another entrance door directly connects to the house's front yard. This house, surrounded by a concrete fence, offers a private space for its owners.

When guests enter through the vehicle gate, they need to climb stairs to reach the main living area mass. On the other entrance, it directly connects to the house's front yard. Through both entrances, there is a stone walkway directing guests to the outdoor living room at the building's corner. Comfortable sofas serve as seating for guests who come to visit. Moreover, the high ceilings give the impression of a spacious house.

This living room is connected to the indoor family room through its sliding glass windows. The family room is equipped with a television and large glass doors that can be fully opened towards the swimming pool area. There is also another room separated only by bookshelves. This room serves as a play area, a comfortable place to read, or just relax.

The dining area and pantry are combined into one. In the dining room, both sides of the walls are filled with long glass window frames, allowing everyone inside to enjoy views of the front yard and the middle yard connected to the swimming pool. This arrangement creates a calm and refreshing dining atmosphere.

The second floor of the main living area mass functions as the family's private area. There is a family room placed in the middle of this floor. A spacious master bedroom is equipped with an en-suite bathroom, a toilet, and a large dressing area. On the other side, there are two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a shared shower area.

A house with high ceilings and wide openings maximizes the relationship between the inside and outside of the house. Furthermore, the house enjoys excellent air circulation and natural light. Both the interior and exterior of the house complement each other seamlessly. What makes this house unique is the use of two materials that provide different impressions. Although both materials are natural, exposed concrete gives a cold impression while orange wood provides a warm one. These contrasting yet harmonious elements give the house its distinctive character.

The land of this house is quite spacious. However, the overall landscape of the residence is well-designed and wise due to the abundance of open spaces in the surrounding yard. It indeed aligns with its name and concept, offering a unique appearance inside the house and comfort for its residents.

Source: archdaily | inside outside house | photo by: Fernando Gomulya