Rumah Batako Ekspos Bisa Sekeren Ini?!

Summary

In Surabaya, Rumah Mulas showcases a unique, child-friendly home designed by architect Mr. Hermawan. Built on a 10x20 meter plot with a semi-Japanese aesthetic, the house prioritizes family lifestyle, privacy, and budget efficiency. Lightweight polycarbonate, concrete bricks, and steel structures create an open, airy interior with flexible spaces, large windows, and multi-functional areas. The spacious garden and playful design make it ideal for children to explore safely. With minimal partitions and reused furniture, the home feels warm and practical. Completed under 1 billion IDR, Rumah Mulas blends creativity, functionality, and a sense of daily vacation, delighting both residents and visitors alike.

Takeaways

• 😀 The house, located in Surabaya, is built on a 10x20 land plot with a unique front view and materials that are intentionally unfinished.
• 😀 The house's design was created by architect Mr. Hermawan with the concept of balancing budget and functionality, utilizing the substructure of an old house.
• 😀 The garden slopes towards the house to provide privacy, enhancing the view from inside, and is specifically designed for the enjoyment of the residents, not the neighbors.
• 😀 The front gate is intentionally mysterious and set back far from the road to focus on the interior and create a sense of privacy, especially for the hijab-wearing homeowner.
• 😀 The house features lightweight materials like polycarbonate at the entrance to save costs, as it’s much lighter than glass.
• 😀 The house is designed to have a flexible layout with areas that evolved over time, such as a living room/dining area that was originally planned for an office.
• 😀 Concrete bricks were used for the walls, and modular concrete ceramic was used for the flooring, creating a simple, earthy, and homey atmosphere.
• 😀 The structure is mostly steel, which speeds up construction and reduces costs compared to using concrete for the foundation.
• 😀 The open concept design and visible systems like wiring and lighting fixtures emphasize utility aesthetics while ensuring ease of maintenance.
• 😀 The homeowner, Mrs. Syifa, expressed satisfaction with the design, emphasizing that the house is a playground for her children and that privacy from neighbors was a key consideration.
• 😀 The construction process took 2.5 to 3 years, with delays due to COVID-19, but the house's total budget remained under 1 billion rupiahs thanks to efficient use of space and voids.

Q & A

What is the concept behind Rumah Mulas's design?

The concept focuses on simplicity, openness, and functionality, with an emphasis on privacy and creating a child-friendly environment. It is not thematic but tailored to the homeowner's lifestyle and budget.

Why is the front of the house set back from the road and designed to appear mysterious?

The setback allows better budget allocation per square meter and creates privacy. It also ensures that the outdoor view is enjoyed primarily by the residents rather than neighbors or passersby.

How does the garden design enhance the interior experience?

The garden slopes inward toward the house, creating a visually pleasing green view from inside. This design prioritizes the residents' enjoyment rather than outside aesthetics.

What materials are used in the construction and why?

Lightweight polycarbonate is used for the entrance to reduce structural load and cost, concrete bricks for walls arranged neatly without finishing, concrete ceramic for flooring, and steel for structural support. These choices optimize cost, structural efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.

How is the house designed to be child-friendly?

The entire house acts as a playground with safe open spaces, railings on windows, and multi-functional areas for play. The garden and interior spaces allow children to run, explore, and engage with nature safely.

What is unique about the interior layout and furniture?

The house features open-concept living, dining, and kitchen areas, with loose, movable furniture mostly from the previous house. This flexible layout encourages flow, natural ventilation, and multi-purpose use of spaces.

How long did the design and construction phases take?

The design phase took about three months, while construction took around two and a half to three years, partly delayed due to COVID-19.

What was the total budget for Rumah Mulas?

The budget remained under one billion IDR, achieved through efficient use of space, lightweight materials, minimal partitions, and open void areas.

Why does the house feel open yet private at the same time?

The house uses a combination of setbacks, inward-sloping garden, high window placements, and selective access to create privacy while maintaining open, airy spaces inside.

What is the significance of leaving ceilings and beams exposed?

Exposed ceilings and beams reduce construction costs, maintain an earthy and raw aesthetic, and allow natural light and ventilation to flow freely.

How do the homeowners view the function of the house?

The homeowners view the house as an interactive space for children to explore and play safely. They value experiences and freedom over luxury or fully finished interiors.

Where can viewers see more of Mr. Hermawan’s architectural work?

His work can be viewed on Instagram at @hermawandash and through Ara Studio, the architectural firm he manages.