Homes Article, Indonesia Tatler, January 2012

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homes Elegant Living

Receiving Room

Cosy sofas with silvery statement backdrop

Discover an abode with modern architecture that coexists with a traditional style, Tyara P. Hansel explores the residence of Thai Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Thanatip Upatising

A Thai Abode

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itting on an 8,000-square-metre land, the abode of H.E. Thanatip Upatising shares the same address with his office.

The vast area of land was bought in 1994, and the construction of the property started in 1997. However, due to the 1997/1998 Asian economic contagions, the construction process was stalled. It wasn’t until three years ago that the developer decided to take up where it left off. It took about 16 months to build and deck the house, inside and out, before HE Upatising could finally move in to the property on August 19, last year.

The architectural firm Non-Trungjai from Thailand was responsible for the blueprint of the residence, which gave natural emphases on

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open areas and ventilations, as this had been specially requested by the Ambassador himself before the construction process began.

As a consequence, the architectural features promote energy efficiency and sustainable solutions to Jakarta’s high levels of temperature and humidity. The concept of the residence is modern in style, yet without overlooking or ignoring the importance of Thai identity. “We want to show the uniqueness of Thai architecture. We want to let the people in our

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neighbourhood notice who we are by playing with space and structure,” says the Ambassador.

Blending modern components and the materials resembling natural products can give a structure—in general—a contemporary look and feel, adopting Thai style, while bringing nature closer to the heart of homeowners.

Another quality of modern Thai architecture is that it highlights the structure of the building.

Stepping into the residence, guests are welcomed in a cosy receiving room where they can witness the Ambassador’s Letter of Credence, nicely framed and put, issued and signed by the King of Thailand. Off-white and dark brown line and colours dominate the receiving room, perfectly creating a relaxing ambience. While most of the furniture is brought from Thailand, paintings displayed on the wall are mostly pieces by renowned Indonesian artists.

The residence consists of three levels and a basement used as a storage room. The first floor is dedicated to welcoming and entertaining guests. A vast sitting area, located immediately to the left when one enters the receiving room, is beautifully decorated with a collection of Thai historical pictures.

Further inside, there is a formal dining area with a seating capacity of 24, where the Ambassador usually hosts his honoured guests, serving formal dinners. Next to this room is another dining area, al fresco, with three long marble tables, wooden chairs, and artificial

homes Elegant Living

striking lines clockwise from top

24-seats dining table; the Ambassador and Madame; karaoke lounge; authentic Thai ornament

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homes Elegant Living

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grass. This area can comfortably accommodate around 100 people.

The first floor houses not only the dining areas but also a kitchen and karaoke room.

“Many ASEAN ambassadors do a regular karaoke night. We hold this event every month, alternatively at each ASEAN ambassador’s residence,” says H.E. Thanatip Upatising.

Meanwhile, the second floor allows a more intimate and private space, featuring a living room, where the Ambassador usually spends his free time watching TV or perfecting swings with his golf-hitting mat. The same floor also houses a spacious master bedroom and three guestrooms, one with twin beds, and the others with a queen-sized one—each equipped with a personal bathroom and walking closet.

Just like every other house in Thailand, which dedicates a small space to a Buddhist inside altar, the residence of H.E. Thanatip Upatising and out from top also has one on the third floor. The scared room The Ambassador’s is filled with a slew of candlesticks, a ceramic most favourite pot of incense sticks, and a couple of flower room; open air vases. The third floor also houses a service area, dining area; laundry room, small kitchen, and rooms for third floor Buddha loom the maids.

rizal pahlevi

We want to show the uniqueness of Thai architecture