Giovanni Gunawan's SE House in Surabaya turns inward for privacy

In Surabaya, Indonesia, architect Giovanni Gunawan of KantorGG has designed the SE House, which covers 2,528 square meters on a 1,261 square meter corner lot. The residence, built for a family of five with connections to Australia, emphasizes open spaces and covered terraces to promote a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living. To improve air flow and natural light while reducing afternoon heat and visibility, Gunawan wrapped the south side in synthetic woven rattan. The house features a U-shaped central courtyard, with the ground floor dedicated to living areas and the second floor to bedrooms, including a main suite finished with timber-stamped concrete. The rooftop includes an office, tea room, and prayer space, while the basement offers a karaoke area, billiards, a bar, a cigar lounge, a golf simulator, gaming zones, an indoor pool, a gym, a sauna, and a moss corridor influenced by Japanese dry gardens. Materials like travertine, green marble, and rattan were chosen for their authenticity and climate compatibility. Gunawan particularly appreciates the waiting area behind the rattan screen at the entrance. KantorGG is also working on projects in Jakarta, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Phuket, Dubai, Singapore, and Perth.