WHYY architects

Forest Ancol House | Jakarta (2024)

Located within Cluster The Forest, Ancol, this private residence stands on an 11 × 16.5 meter plot, surrounded by neighboring houses of significantly larger scale. Rather than competing through height or mass, the design adopts a classical architectural language allowing proportion, symmetry, and elevation to establish a sense of grandeur beyond its actual size.

The house is composed as a 2.5 storey residence, carefully layered to balance daily functionality and visual presence. The ground floor is elevated 1.5 meters above street level, enhancing privacy while giving the building a dignified, commanding stance from the public realm.

The first floor accommodates car parking for two vehicles, living and dining areas, kitchen, two bedrooms for parents and guests, and complete service spaces including staff quarters, laundry, and storage. The layout prioritizes ease of movement and comfort for everyday living.

On the second floor, a vertical void opens above the dining area, allowing daylight and spatial continuity to flow between levels. This floor houses the master bedroom with a private bathroom, a child’s bedroom, and a dedicated playroom designed to support both family intimacy and long term adaptability.

The attic level is intentionally built only on the front half of the house. This strategic decision strengthens the facade’s vertical proportion, allowing the residence to appear stately and monumental when viewed from the street, without overwhelming the scale of the site.

The classical facade with its layered moldings, balanced openings, and refined detailing ensures the house reads as elegant and timeless. Despite its relatively compact footprint, the residence holds its presence confidently among much larger neighboring homes.

Designed for a young couple and their daughter, this house reflects a vision of a refined family home where classical form meets contemporary living needs, and architectural restraint becomes a statement of confidence.

Amandaya Canggu | Bali (2021)

Inside, the architecture opens into a courtyard oasis where 20 rooms encircle the pool in a quiet, breathing rhythm. At blue hour, the space reveals its deeper character; soft shadows, warm glows, and vegetation that becomes part of the atmosphere.

The family focused loft suite on the top floor adds a private retreat, while the second floor sunbathing deck offers a gentle transition between architecture and the tropical landscape below.

The interior language continues the modern Balinese expression; natural textures, warm tones, and subtle ornamentation that feels timeless rather than thematic. What begins as a simple form outside becomes an intimate resort like experience within.

A space crafted not only to function, but to be felt.
If you’re imagining interiors with refined planning and a serene identity, we’d love to create them with you.