renovasi rumah & pejabat (home & office renovation)

landscape & koi pond

2008-11-07T19:43:00.000+08:00

top: landscape garden, wall fountain with koi pond, koi pond

front gate

2008-10-01T18:52:00.000+08:00

view at start of construction

various stages of construction till completion

job - extension & garden - Setiawangsa

2008-09-01T17:44:00.000+08:00

extension & garden taking shape

extension completed

garden completed

job - kolam (fish pond) Setiawangsa, Kuala Lumpur

2008-06-06T16:48:00.000+08:00

Kolam kecil di depan rumah:

Mula kerja

siap dasar & dinding kolam

membina 'pathway'

Kolam siap

Saung Angklung Udjo, Bandung

2007-04-03T00:09:00.000+08:00

This is Saung Angklung Udjo, at Padasuka, near Cicaheum, Bandung. Here, you can play the Angklung and dance together with children.

Saung Angklung Udjo also present choices of bamboo art performances and traditional dances such as Tari Topeng (Mask Dances), Wayang Golek demonstration (puppet show) and many more. You could feel the atmosphere when you experience how to play angklung and being part of our performance all at once.

You can see, learn and play "The Angklung," one of Sundanese traditional musical instrument, with the colorful performances, the beautiful dances. Dance together for your memorable visit.

(Pictures: top left; hall for performance, bottom left: pipes to perform ablution (simple black stones here), top right: toilet, bottom right; surau and ofices)

Tips on Interior Style - think space

2007-03-21T02:10:00.000+08:00

Designing a house is all about space. Firstly, you need to figure out how much of it you need; secondly, how much you can afford; and thirdly how you will use it. But actual size doesn’t always have a direct bearing on a home’s sense of space.

In fact ‘spaciousness’ has more to do with factors such as flow, light, colour, ceiling height, consistency, and storage, rather than anything that can be quantified with a tape measure.

Over the last quarter century there has been a definite trend towards the ‘open-plan’ home. This has seen a move away from separate lounge, dining room, and kitchen towards a multi-purpose cooking, dining and living space. In principle, the idea is that you get more usable space from one big room than you do from a series of smaller rooms. In practice, that’s fine until you try living in a space that pits the TV against the stereo or food processor.

More recently families (and designers) are recognising the need to separate noise producing activities in the interests of family harmony. This doesn’t mean a return to the Victorian approach of a separate room for every activity (tea in the parlour anyone?), but it does mean that designers are becoming more inventive with creating spatial flexibility, finding new ways to allow spaces to be opened up to create room, or shut down into discrete areas.

Cavity sliders are the easiest way to create flexible spaces. A solid timber slider becomes a moveable wall, containing noise, and allowing a smaller, more intimate space to be created. This also has the advantage in winter of being easier to heat.

Moveable translucent glass panels create a sense of separation, without the solidity of a solid timber slider.

Moveable shuttered panels are another way to create a flexible separate space with the option to open up the shutter to allow ventilation and light through.

Large pivoting doors that sit back against the wall are another great option, and can create a dramatic effect if you have the wall-space to accommodate one.

When designing a room that opens up and shuts down, be aware that the spaces need to work in both configurations. This may have an impact on the way you arrange furniture. It is also important to consider how you will light and heat each space.

Use flooring to create integration or separation of spaces. Using the same flooring throughout will help create a visual flow, when the room is opened up, but by using a different flooring you can create a different mood. For example, carpeting will help to create a more cosy ambiance in a smaller area off a larger room with hard flooring.

If you don’t want to divide the room physically, there are many other ways to create a sense of separate spaces within a larger area:

Columns or timber or metal posts can used to ‘contain’ a dining area. James Hardie columns have been used in this way in the David Reid Show Home in Christchurch.

Raising or lowering ceiling heights within one space will create different ‘zones’. A lower ceiling will create a more intimate dining space for example. A double-height ceiling will create a sense of space even in a small area.

Change the floor level. A couple of steps up or down makes a big difference to the way we perceive the space.

Partially partition a room with a large built-in book or display shelf. By displaying well-lit objects on one side and books on the other, you will create two very different moods.

A change of wall colour can be used to define a separate area. For example, a darker, warmer colour in the dining area will help to create a sense of intimacy.

Lighting can also be used to create different zones. Make sure your lighting plan gives you flexibility to define individual areas and create different moods within the same room.

from:http://www.lookhome.com.au/GetIntoIt/GetIdeas/InteriorStyle/ThinkingAboutSpace.htm

water on the wall - Rumah Mode, Bandung

2007-03-02T00:05:00.000+08:00

toilet - Rumah Mode, Bandung

2007-03-01T23:57:00.000+08:00

Rumah Mode is the biggest factory outlet in Bandung and has various type of branded clothes. It gets very crowded on weekends especially with patrons from Jakarta.

Its a nice boutique type factory outlet with nice deco, even in the toilet. Click on the photo for a larger image

renovation tips

2007-03-01T13:25:00.000+08:00

#1 The RM $$ Rule

It really will take longer and cost more than you expect. Don't fool yourself into thinking otherwise!

#2 Reuse What You Can

Recycle.. recycle.. recycle.

#3 To DIY or Hire Out?

Do a cost benefit analysis when you're deciding whether to learn a new skill or hire out. In fact, this may not be the time to learn a new skill! Let me rephrase, you need to have a really good handle on your skill level. It depends too, on the level of renovation you are undertaking; if you're redoing a second bathroom—take your time and learn how to tile. If you've just gutted an entire house and don't want to live with your in-laws for the next five years, you may want to hire out for any tasks with which you don't have some experience and/or expertise.

#4 Do it Almost Yourself

You can save a lot of money by doing almost all of the work and having a professional finish up. However, you'll have to find someone who is comfortable with this proposition.

#5 Look for a "Re-Use-It Center"

Check your area for a centre that accepts donations of building materials and resell it to others. Since we were designing our own plan we can save ourselves a good bit of $$.

#6 Oops! Paint

You'll save time and money if you paint your house one color. Yeah, I know, pretty boring! But keep in mind that it's a lot easier to keep going with a nice cream color in every room than to change colors repeatedly. However, if you'd rather go with different colors—check out your paint supplier's returned. These are custom mixed colors that have been returned to the store. You may not find anything that you like, but if you do, you'll pay half as much for the "oops" paint.

#7 Low Hide Paint Colors

Have you ever seen the notation "low hide" on a paint sample and not understood what it meant? You'll find this on dark yellow, orange, and red colors. Quite literally, it means that the paint does a rotten job of covering the walls. Expect to apply 5-6 coats before you have a solid color. Do yourselves a favor and splurge on tinted primer; this will give you a head start and reduce the number of coats needed!

Did I mention it will take longer and be more expensive than you planned for?

#8 Will You Still Like Each Other When It's Done?

No matter the scope of your project, make sure your relationships can withstand the project! Where will you live while the renovation is underway? If you bunk with your parents or in-laws, be careful of your relationships. It's tough to live with anyone, but the stress of a big project like this and the inability to "get away from each other" will make it particularly challenging. If you're going to live in the house while renovating, think three times.

from http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~cnw52/tips.html

Sumatera Barat, Indonesia - building

2007-02-28T23:30:00.000+08:00

West Sumatra (Indonesian: Sumatra Barat, abbreviated to Sumbar) is a province of Indonesia. It lies on the west coast of the island Sumatra, and borders the provinces of North Sumatra (Sumatera Utara) to the north, Riau and Jambi to the east, and Bengkulu to the southeast. The capital of the province is Padang.

The history of West Sumatra is closely related to the history of the Minangkabau people. Archaeological evidence indicates that the area surrounding the Limapuluh Koto regency forms the first area inhabited by the Minangkabau. Limapuluh Koto regency covers a number of large rivers which meet at the eastern part of the Sumatran coastline. The rivers were known have provided important sailing transportation from the previous era to the end of the last century. The Minangkabau ancestors were believed to have arrived on this route.

koi pond

2007-02-07T20:01:00.000+08:00

(L) construction stage 1, (R) pond taking shape

4 photos from various positions of the completed koi pond

front porch

2007-01-30T23:49:00.000+08:00

renovation of front porch, mix of decorative stone and wood (click on picture to enlarge)

tips on creating the Wow factor

2007-01-10T23:41:00.000+08:00

from: Katia Guida, Interior Designer*

Katia Guida is an award-winning Brisbane-based interior designer and decorator who spends much of her working life adding inspirational finishing touches to display homes throughout Queensland.

Katia works with many of the Sunshine State’s most successful project home builders to give their displays the ‘WOW’ factor that, so often, is the difference between ‘Sale’ and ‘Fail’!

We asked Katia to share some of her experience with a few simple tips. Here’s what she had to say.

“How you live is almost a definitive statement of who you are, so don’t be afraid to reveal your true personality with the colours, textures and objects you choose.” says Katia. “Remember, it doesn’t have to be outrageously expensive to make an impact.”

Paint
“There’s nothing like a splash of colour to liven up or tone down a room. The effect can be subtle or dramatic, it’s really up to the individual. I find that creating a feature wall by using a contrasting colour to the rest of the room is amongst the most effective approaches. Ideally, to work well as a feature, the wall should have no visual interruptions – no windows, doors or recesses.”

Rugs
“One of the basic principles of interior design, particularly when working in an open plan environment, involves creating visual anchors. With fewer walls to place furniture against, if you’re not careful chairs and tables can appear to ‘float’. A rug will define an area in the same way that walls once did, as well as adding in colour and textural interest.”

Artwork
“Interesting prints can be surprisingly affordable and are widely available from retailers such as Freedom Furniture. One large print makes the greatest impact, but combining a number of similarly themed and framed pieces also works well.”

Cushions
“Priced around $15-$30 each, decorative cushions are a brilliant way to add colour, shape and texture. Today’s cushion has come a long way from the relatively humble and anonymous item it once was. Crafted in suede, fur, leather, satin and even beads, they are taking on a more artistic flavour that can really help add to the overall design signature of any room.”

Lighting
“It’s often overlooked, but it’s incredible the difference a well thought out lighting plan can have on a room. If you’re in the process of building a new house or renovating, don’t just sit idly by and take what you’re given – you can have input into the way lighting works in your home. There are three basic lighting styles to consider:

Ambient – generally, this is the overall lighting that illuminates the room. Can be fitted with a dimmer switch to add interest.
Task or functional – ideal for specific purposes, such as lighting up a painting or a kitchen work surface. Task lighting is usually able to be angled directly where it’s required.
Decorative – used to create mood and focal points in a room, for example using a lamp to create a pool of light or uplights to bounce light off ceilings and back into the immediate environment.

Read more about lighting:

Lighting by design
Room-by-room lighting considerations

Personal effects
“Personal family belongings, photos, nick-nacks and even sporting memorabilia add vivid colour to what is really a snapshot of your life. So make liberal use of items that reveal the real you. If children are part of your household, get them involved in the decision-making too.”

Glassware, crockery and utensils
“Don’t hide them away, put them on display! Items like glassware, crockery and even kitchen utensils such as saucepans contribute shape and interest to the overall interior. It’s almost like staking out your territory and making your own mark.”

*Katia Guida is available for in-home design consultations through her own company Facades and Interiors. Katia can be contacted at cguida@optusnet.com.au or by calling 0412 734 937.

from: http://www.lookhome.com.au/GetIntoIt/GetIdeas/DesignAndLook/CreatingWowFactor.htm

front gate and porch

2006-12-21T19:14:00.000+08:00

click on the picture to enlarge
clockwise from top left: front gate, pergola, open front gate,side wall

tips on external colour scheme

2006-11-11T15:44:00.000+08:00

Things to consider...

If your house is close to neighbouring houses consider a colour scheme that is harmonious with them. That’s not to say that you can’t express your own tastes, but be aware that using outlandish colour combinations on traditional house styles can limit resale value. Colour combos that might look great on a new house can kill the classic lines of a federation home or a bungalow.

When you’re working out the colour scheme, consider all the exterior aspects that will have an impact. Pools, paving, decks, fencing and planting all need to be integrated. For example, a large expanse of terracotta paving will create a big impact on the overall colour-effect of your outdoors, while pebbles or stone provide a more neutral palette. Pools do not have to be bright blue – today many pools are being painted darker colours to integrate with their surroundings.

Consider the immediate environment. Do you want to blend in or stand out? If the house is surrounded by bush, or at the beach you may want to consider colours that will enable the house to ‘disappear’ into the landscape.

Consider the effect of texture on colour. What works on smooth weatherboards may not work on a concrete wall. Think about how the colour will age and weather on different surfaces – this can be used to wonderful effect.

Plant for colour. Plants that starkly contrast against the background walls or weatherboards will draw the eye. On the other hand, plants which are similar shades to a background wall will emphasise interesting or sculptural forms.
To help enhance the flow between indoor and out, consider continuing the exterior colour inside – this is particularly effective with flooring/paving.

Consider the colour of outdoor furnishings – cushions, umbrellas and awnings and pots and planters. A bright splash of colour that picks up a featured garden colour might be all it takes to lift a small outdoor space out of the ordinary. Climate and culture can make a big difference to your choice. A hot Mexican colour combination of orange and blue can work brilliantly at the beach, but it may fall flat in the city on a grey day in July.

Consider the fact that you might want to change your mind! Remember that it’s a lot cheaper to change the colour of the outdoor cushions, or the planters, or even the fence or shutters , than it is to repaint the entire house!
Make your spaces work beautifully.

from: http://www.lookhome.com.au/GetIntoIt/GetIdeas/ExteriorStyle/ExternalColourScheme.htm

DIY - Do IT Yourself

2006-10-19T22:50:00.000+08:00

Not everything is as easy as it appears on TV do-up shows. Some jobs, such as tiling, are a lot harder than they look and are best left to professionals. Another thing you should consider is whether your time is better spent earning money doing what you are good at in order to pay someone else to do the job for you!

When you do DIY remember that DIY also stands for “Don’t Injure Yourself”. A fall from a ladder, or an accident with a powertool could end up costing you a lot more than money.

Do DIY...

Painting – interior and exterior.
It’s important to know what you’re doing. Don’t rush preparation and be careful up ladders, on scaffolding and on roofs. If you are not certain about your colour scheme it is worth painting a section of wall to help visualize what it will look like. Bear in mind that a big painting firm will be able to buy paint cheaper than you can. Don’t use cheap paint – it’s cheap because it’s not as good as the top brands. Remember to factor in the cost of scaffolding.

Landscaping. While a landscape designer might seem like a luxury, a good one will add huge value to your home. Think about it – if you’re planting trees that are going to take ten years or more to reach maturity, you should be absolutely sure that you’re planting the right ones! If your budget is tight, consider getting a landscaper to design a plan - and do the grunt work yourself!

Laying lino or timber veneer flooring is fairly straightforward, but do your homework and make sure you have the right gear.

Putting hardware on doors is do-able for the average home handyperson.

Don’t DIY...

Gib stopping – looks easy, but you don’t want to feel annoyed every time the light catches the irregularities in your walls.

Tiling – again you can do it, but if you get it wrong it’s costly to undo to get right!

from:http://www.lookhome.com.au/GetIntoIt/GetPractical/TheBuildingProcess/BuildingBudgets.htm

house renovation - side view

2006-10-15T18:55:00.000+08:00

construction in progress - side view

clock wise (from top left): view from the inside looking at the wooden wall, view from outside with small side gate, construction-final stage, side view from the road

koi pond and fountain

2006-10-06T19:26:00.000+08:00

click on the picture to enlarge
clockwise from top left: pond & fountain nearing completion, early stage construction, completed fountain, koi pond

left: side wooden gate, right: koi pond - view from 1st floor

Tips on room by room lighting

2006-09-21T18:02:00.000+08:00

Each room of your home has a different lighting requirement – here are some things to consider to enable you to get the best out of each room.

The Hallway

Hallways can be enclosed dark spaces – but as the entrance to many houses the goal is to make them warm and welcoming. Lighting should be warm. Also consider skylights to create shafts of light.
Referred light can also be used to brighten up a hallway – bringing light in from other rooms at ceiling height – either through open sections – or through glazing.

The Living Room

A room used for a variety of purposes needs a variety of lighting sources – ambient lighting for general activity, kinetic lighting from fireplaces to create warmth , accent lighting and decorative lighting to draw attention to particular features.
Dimmer switches are essential to create lighting specific to the room’s many uses.
Mixing tungsten and halogen lighting will provide ‘warm’ and ‘cool’ areas.
Mini spotlights and coloured lights can be used in and around shelving to highlight special objects and create dramatic effects.
Remember that generally, down-lighting has a flattening effect while carefully used ‘up-lighting’ creates drama.

The Kitchen

First and foremost, kitchen lighting has to be functional. Mood lighting is all very well, but not much help when you’re trying to chop an onion. Good task lighting over the bench and stove are important.
Natural light is very important too. Consider a skylight over the work-stations to bring more light in – but be aware that you do not necessarily want the kitchen floded with direct sunshine in the middle of summer.
Be mindful of the fact that a body working at a kitchen bench shouldn’t block the light source, throwing the work station into shadow.
Consider the effect that reflective surfaces will have on the overall lighting scheme. Stainless steel benches and kitchen appliances will reflect a lot of cold light to great effect – but it can also be warmed up with warm lighting.
Light under cupboards, or shelves can create dramatic effects, especially when glassware is lit.

The Dining Room

This is the room where decorative and accent lighting are most important. Nobody wants to each under intense lighting, so keep the mood soft.
Dimmers are essential, allowing you to adjust the light level down to a low level when you are using candles, or to lift the luminosity for everyday meals with the family.
An adjustable light over the centre of the table that can be raised up to spread light, or dropped down to focus it works well.
Think more about lighting walls, than lighting the table.
If you have a dark table, be aware that this will absorb a lot of light - while a glass table will reflect it.

The Bathroom

Bathrooms, like kitchens, require good task lighting. The mirror must be well lit to make shaving and applying make-up easy.
Many bathrooms tend to be over-lit and clinical. Don’t forget that you may want to relax in the bath in a more subdued light – or even candle light.
Lighting around mirrors needs to be carefully designed to avoid glare and create a flattering light.

The Study

One of the most important things to consider when lighting a study is the need to create good ambient light without creating glare – particularly when you are working at a computer screen.
A good way to achieve this is by using a wall mounted up-lighter fitted with a soft reflector bulb. The lower the light is mounted the greater the area of ceiling that is lit.
A good directional task light is also important to allow flexibility – an anglepoise lamp is ideal.
Halogen lamps provide a white light which is the best light for reading, writing and working on the computer.
Bookshelves and storage areas also require lighting – and can look dramatic with accent lighting.

from: http://www.lookhome.com.au/GetIntoIt/GetIdeas/InteriorStyle/RoomByRoomLightingConsiderations.htm

front gate - entrance

2006-08-23T17:55:00.000+08:00

wooden gate

Budget

2006-08-19T20:53:00.000+08:00

How much is enough?

Before you get to the exciting process of planning and building your new home, you have to go through the hard work of setting a budget. For most people this is not so much a question of costing what you would like, as it is about working out what you can afford.

The best place to start is probably with your bank manager, mortgage broker, or financial advisor. Developing a good working relationship right from the start with the person, or institution providing the money is a smart move.

A good advisor will always encourage you to allow some breathing space in your budget. Building a home is utterly different from buying an existing home. No matter how accurately you estimate the costs, there are always going to be unknowns and contingencies.

Take your time and do your homework: the best way to save money on your new home is to avoid having to make rushed decisions. The more time you put in up front, the better. Even when you are having your home built on a full contract, it pays to take the time to understand the building process, so you have enough information to ask your builder the right questions – and to accurately assess competitive quotes.

Break costs down and down and down: The more you break costs down, the more accurate it will be. Don’t just look at the overall cost of the bathroom, look at the cost of the taps. This process will give you a better idea of how much you should be spending and where your priorities should be.

Your time is money too: The more you undertake to do yourself, the more you need to know… and the more time it takes to get that knowledge. We’re talking whole weekends taken up with visits to hardware suppliers building suppliers, and appliance stores. One of the first questions you should ask yourself is whether this is the best use of your time. Know what decisions you want to have input into, and what is best left to your builder.

At some point almost everyone who builds a new home has to face the fact that there is a discrepancy between what they would like to have and what they can afford. So where do you draw the line?

How do you cut costs without cutting corners, or quality?

The golden rule, good planning and honest communication with your builder and designer right from day one.

It’s natural that everyone wants to achieve a little bit more than they have the budget for. That’s where you have to be able to sit down with a designer and builder who really know their stuff and talk honestly about what you’re trying to achieve to work out your priorities to establish where you can save some money without compromising the quality.

Good design doesn’t necessarily cost any more than bad design, In fact a poorly designed home often ends up costing more in the long-run.

There are, however, some basic design factors that will have a big bearing on the price.

The more external corners, the more expensive your house will be.
Rooflines have a big impact on price. Multiple rooflines add interest – and cost money. Gabled roofs are more expensive than hip roofs.
Higher ceilings create a sense of spaciousness, but cost more money.
The more windows and external doors, the more cost.
Open plan spaces cost less than a series of rooms – the more internal walls and doors, the more expense.

Bearing that in mind, not many people want to live in a low-ceilinged, window-less box! A good designer will know which elements should be preserved and which can be sacrificed without sacrificing design integrity.

Good interior flow can certainly make a house seem bigger, “And good use of colour makes a huge difference. But the one thing that makes the biggest difference is choosing the right builder and developing a good trusting relationship with them. Going for the cheapest builder could cost you a lot more in the long run – stress-wise and dollar-wise.”

Kitchens and bathrooms are the areas of the house that really chew up money, but there are some great products available today that don’t cost a fortune and replicate the look of more expensive materials, for example:

Vinyl plank flooring or interlocking timber veneer flooring creates a very authentic timber ‘look’ at a fraction of the cost of timber flooring. There is a great range of timber-looks available.
‘Granite bench tops are very up-market, but there are cheaper options – “Granite-look’ laminate bench tops are a good option.
‘V’ grooved melamine kitchen cabinets create a ‘country-style’ kitchen look without the expense of going to real Tongue'n'Groove timber finish.
Melamine ‘timber-look’ kitchen cabinets give a very similar look to timber or timber veneer finishes.

from: http://www.lookhome.com.au/GetIntoIt/GetPractical/TheBuildingProcess/BuildingBudgets.htm