In the bustling metropolis of Jakarta, a new private home stands as a quiet assertion of cultural lineage and contemporary luxury. The D+S Residence, a sprawling five-level structure by global architecture and interior design practice KantorGG, demonstrates a refined dialogue between Javanese heritage, family identity, and its tranquil coastal setting

Spanning 2,030 square meters, the residence is meticulously designed to dissolve the boundaries between its sumptuous interiors and the sweeping harbor vistas that grace both the front and rear. This open-plan philosophy, coupled with a commitment to natural materials, creates an immediate harmony with the tropical surroundings. The owners’ deep connection to Javanese philosophy is subtly integrated through intricate ethnic motifs found on gates, screens, and doors, anchoring the contemporary design in a rich cultural narrative.

The home’s journey begins with a strong expression of individuality: the imposing six-meter-tall pivot door. Crafted from locally sourced engineered merbau wood, this monumental entrance features intricate fingerprint engravings of the family members, a bespoke detail symbolizing their unity and unique identity. The door’s scale immediately introduces the double-height volume of the entryway, creating a dramatic, yet contemplative, transition from the outside world.

Inside, materiality takes center stage, articulating a luxurious yet grounded aesthetic. Bold stone textures and intricate wood carvings are juxtaposed with the subtle sheen of marble and bronze accents, a sophisticated palette that mirrors the waterfront setting. Warm timber ceilings, textured stone walls, and expansive glass façades frame the living spaces as a continuous, flowing architectural experience. The heart of the home, the double-height living room, opens directly onto a pool terrace, where stone and timber meet shimmering water. This space is crowned by a bespoke sculptural chandelier, a cluster of forms inspired by small sea creatures like starfish and seashells. Giovanni Guanawan, Managing Director and Architecture Design Principal at KantorGG, notes, “The batik-carved timber panels, the bespoke chandelier, and the thumbprint on the main door reflect what matters to the owner—their Javanese heritage and the identity of her family.”

Commitment to craftsmanship continues in the dining area, clad in full-height timber panels intricately carved with Javanese-inspired batik motifs traditionally associated with prosperity. It cultivates a ceremonial atmosphere for gathering, where material richness is layered with restraint, allowing the fine detailing to enhance rather than overwhelm the space. The central staircase is conceived as a sculpture—a ribbon of bronze gliding elegantly between stone and glass. Its deliberate proportion and reflective surface transform circulation into a moment of pause. Bathed in the soft, golden light of the setting sun, the staircase becomes a gentle ritual, inviting family members to reflect on the day.

Ascending through the floors reveals a sanctuary-like vertical narrative, with the second and third floors dedicated to private retreats and rejuvenation. The journey culminates on the top level: a rooftop garden offering panoramic views and open-air living. This urban sanctuary completes the home’s ambition—a space for contemplation, intimate gatherings, and sunset rituals.

D+S Residence is a calibrated expression of memory, identity, and place. KantorGG’s design affirms a commitment to bridging cultural heritage and innovation, resulting in a home that is both a contemporary masterpiece and an enduring legacy for generations to come.