Jakarta’s Most Creative Hotel

Accolade, Architecture and design, Jakarta, Kemang Icon, Sardjono Sani | by Doris Goh | December 15th, 2011 | 1 Comment

From http://www.starproperty.my/PropertyGuide/Living/17179/0/0

Indonesian architect Sardjono Sani is regarded as a modernist and has taken his concept of architecture and interior design to a whole new level with his Kemang Icon hotel project. Located in the affluent enclave of Kemang in the south of Jakarta, the 12-room boutique hotel is well-sited in an established part of the sprawling city.

Jakarta is touted as the most populous city in South-East Asia and the 10th largest in the world. It spans 661sq km and teems with 9.6 million people, at last official count. Jam-packed, sophisticated and trendy, Kemang is the preferred neighbourhood for any upscale business venture aimed at Jakarta’s affluent class. “In a matured urban society, there is a real need for personalised and unique services,” pointed out Sardjono, when explaining his hotel concept. “There is a segment in such a society that craves for fulfillment. This is where Kemang Icon comes into play.”

The building that houses Kemang Icon is located in the centre of Kemang, among hip cafés and trendy boutiques. But the hotel itself is rather hidden from the hustle and bustle of Kemang’s narrow streets. It is tucked away, behind art galleries and above office space that occupy the first two floors of the building. The hotel’s entrance is on the first floor. Here, impressive artwork decorates the wall and the tables. Take, for instance, a magnificent oil painting behind the concierge desk.

Maestro
Entitled, Nature in Meditation, and depicting the iconic image of the Borobudur temple complex, this painting is the work of Indonesian maestro, Srihadi Soedarsono, completed in 2000. There’s also a 1,000-year-old statue of Lord Ganesha in the corner of the lobby. And as you walk into the lobby, you will be greeted by an ancient Balinese topeng or mask, believed to have been made for the legendary royal servant-cum-clown, known as Panasar. Just when you thought that the interior of this boutique hotel is all about adding a contemporary edge juxtaposed against traditional Indonesian aesthetics, a pair of 17th Century French mirrors are hung on the wall. It is believed that the mirrors once belonged to the Sultan of Surakarta. “The emphasis on serious artwork hopefully conveys our commitment in providing one-of-a-kind services to guests,” explained Sardjono.

Affandi
A guest at Kemang Icon is treated as king, and Sardjono ensures that this was the way his guests were to be treated. “If the Srihardi painting isn’t your cup of tea, and you prefer an Affandi (Indonesian master) instead, I will make sure that you’re happy. You can request pretty much everything,” he said, with pride. “If you are to pay a premium price for a night in a hotel room, then why do you have to be given an architectural and design experience similar to 500 other guests in the same building? “I want to make Kemang Icon a place for people to indulge their ego, without feeling guilty. My guests shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting a ‘Me’ time,” said the veteran architect, adding that the desire to build a world-class boutique hotel has always been a dream for him and his wife.

Rave reviews
The dream finally came true in 2005, when the couple launched Kemang Icon. Rave reviews from Conde Nast Traveler’s, which named it among ‘Scene Stealing Hotels in Indonesia’. Los Angeles-based lifestyle website, Gayot, also included Kemang Icon in Top 10 Boutique Hotels in the world, making it on par with New York’s Gramercy Hotel and Paris’ Hotel Franklin D. Roosevelt. “It was about time that Jakarta has an establishment that forges energetic edge – one that symbolises a contemporary architectural icon. This was the main idea behind all the design decisions in this hotel,” said Sardjono, who obtained his degree in architecture from Parahyangan and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Colorado, Denver. Indeed, the hotel immediately stands out architecturally. From the distinctive blue-glass façade to the mezzanine floor on the third level, there is a perfect interplay of space and intimacy.

Art Deco
In terms of materials, there’s also a harmonious combination of granite, marble, onyx, glass, metal and wood. Adding to the richness of the materials are interior accessories featuring Art Deco paintings and artifacts. Meanwhile, the wall colour scheme is awashed with a subtle palette. “I took into consideration the style, creativity, function and well-being when designing the layout. The emphasis is on open, visually connected space that enhance the interaction of work, living and play. Transparent yet preserving privacy in a stylishly modern way,” pointed out Sardjono.

A dozen design themes
To facilitate ‘Me’ time for his guests, Sardjono carefully selected design themes for each of the 12 bedrooms available at Kemang Icon. “Each room caters to an individual’s needs and taste. For example, there’s a room with an Oriental theme popular among culture buffs. Here, we placed Wayang Potehi puppet collectibles – with real human hair, no less,” said Sardjono. In contrast, there’s a room that offers a minimal interior design scheme, with monochromatic wallpaper and clean-cut furniture. “This minimalist room usually hosts the same kind of guests: tech-savvy, urbane and fuss-free business travellers,” he said. An oval room on the third floor, which has an asymmetrical layout and an expansive view of Jakarta, caters to travellers who demand a luxe lifestyle with an edgier design taste. But the one that takes the cake, is the room that highlights Balinese aesthetics, evident in the mini padi field right outside the window. Those who keep coming back to this room, Sardjono explained, are travellers who appreciate the romantic, tropical living concept while holding on to their urban sensibilities. With such a deep commitment to understanding the urban market segment, Sardjono has advanced the Indonesian boutique hotel concept further. And in the process, defied stereotypical ideas about tropical resorts that have dominated the hospitality industry for more than two decades.