Profile

Approaching architecture through a contemplation of the surrounding cultures for a contemporary solution, Wiyoga Nurdiansyah and Muhammad Sagitha make sure their vision leaves an influential mark on the path behind.

text by Sunthy Sunowo and Anindia Karlinda

words, which relates to the complex ideas that can be conveyed through a single image. This strikes a chord as to what SUB studio is all about, which is easy to identify from the way each of their projects transmits a bold vision of innovative thinking. Looking at the Grey House project, one will gasp over the fact that the single slope roof was meant to create an attic space; the zoning scheme for the areas, according to circulation hierarchy, gives effective function to a room; while the movable windows aim for flexibility of space; all in the name of a space-economizing strategy in response to the modest budget.

The level of commitment that SUB affords is the kind that addresses the local and social cultures surrounding the people in the making of an efficient solution for each particular case in each project. Such dedication is proven impressively through AN House, a private house project in Jakarta located in an aging residential complex that used to be swamp land with the absence of an interesting view within the vicinity. This unfavorable condition demanded an exploration of green space inside the house for the sake of having a patch of nature to enjoy. Designed with an inward-facing layout, the house opens up to a main garden that functions as the core activity area, with a large terrace accompanying the living and dining areas to let the natural breezes in, and a private roof garden for the master bedroom, while the children are able to enjoy an extended outdoor play space also within a large roof garden.

With the focus on architecture and design at all levels and scales, SUB offers an integrated design for the master plan, the architecture, the landscaping, the interior design and the furniture design, with a contemporary approach to problem-solving through innovative thinking. The vision shared by the two founders, Wiyoga Nurdiansyah and Muhammad Sagitha, is translated into a creative collaboration, through which they evolve towards an ingeniously inventive work as all visionaries do.

Wiyoga Nurdiansyah (WN): We started doing architectural projects together when we were in college. Our first project was designing a small house. Then, we realized that we both had the same architectural design chemistry. Muhammad Sagitha (MS): We’ve had the same interests ever since we met in university, we did some very small projects together and we both sought out architecture so that we could experience and learn from it. We both had a passion for architecture, and we learnt by experiencing it rather than sitting in the class. We grew together from being students of architecture until now.

WN: After I graduated from Parahyangan Catholic University in 2003, I joined one of the leading Indonesian architects, AndraMatin, who became my mentor and motivator. Andra taught me architectural design at every level, from site plan design and plan layout to the creation of space, material selection and detail ideas.

One of SUB’s project, House of Trimmed Reform (opposite) is built by ‘tightlacing’ the form or trimming some edges, and by implementing a flat roof design that compliments the surrounding single story house, while the visual focus on interior (above) of the house is inverted towards the inner court using large openings. Swadaya House project (left) displays the use of secondary skin on the house façade, as well as greeneries in the gate area. MS: I joined Budi Pradono Architect for one year before moving back to Bandung when my dad passed away. After that, Ridwan Kamil, the principal architect of Urbane, helped me join Urbane to do competitions, and then I got a very good chance to join WOHA in Singapore. I was very lucky to join the WOHA team and to do projects such as Alila Villas Uluwatu Bali, Sanya InterContinental China and Nest House Singapore, which have all been built. I learned from scratch and always gained inspiration from Wong Mun Summ & Richard Hassel. This office is a fine example of an architect’s responsibility to create diverse, innovative and exciting environments.

WN: After I worked with AndraMatin for six years, I thought I should pursue my dream to have my own architecture studio. When I called Agit in Singapore to talk about that, he agreed to make our studio, and we called it SUB. MS: We had a dream to start our own studio formally before we both reached the age of 30, we took a risk by giving up our fixed income at that time, but we stepped backwards to take a giant leap forward. We reached our goal within our age target.

Founder and principal architects of SUB, Wiyoga Nurdiansyah and Muhammad Sagitha (left) had been doing architectural projects together since in college. Located on swamp land without interesting surrounding views, one of their project in Jakarta, AN House (below), was designed with an inward facing layout which opens up to the main innercourt.

WN: I think the main obstacle was that Indonesian people were unaccustomed to hiring architects because they considered it too costly. So, we had to think about how to reach them with affordable architecture. After we designed a modest house project we started to try different design ideas, such as the Geomelt project or GH House, on which we created new unusual space for a dwelling function. MS: It’s hard to practice in a place where people think an architect is unnecessary because contractors will offer to design free of charge, that’s why we started with affordable architecture until we could prove ourselves to society through our published works, and let them selectively come to us.

WN: I think both of us are different, we both complement each other. In design terms, I prefer the conceptual design, as in how to create space and form, while Agit focuses on materials, details and project execution to fit the design.

WN: In terms of architecture and interiors, I like clean, raw design and modern architecture that still relates to our social and local cultures. For me, design should represent the time. The modern era creates more possibilities for us as architects to design with new ways and new ideas. Computer aided design really helps our work too. MS: I always reduce unnecessary things. It might be the same way with ‘form follows function’, but with a unique touch in every project. Every project has a different story, a different problem and different types of approach. And the basic thing is that we don’t want to be trapped in one style.

WN: Regardless of the scale, each project has a unique idea. It’s very hard to pick the best, for me it’s maybe the Grey House project. In spite of the limited budget for this project, we still managed to answer the basic needs, which then became a new idea for the typology of a Jakartan urban house. MS: I can’t decide which project is my favourite, every project is unique and has a different story. Maybe the recent projects will be the best; I am always trying to produce a better and better quality each and every time.

WN: We always discuss it together first, because each project for SUB has a different point of view. For example, in our AN House project, we started with an existing site condition. We decided to design a house without an orientation to the outside. Another example is the Grey House project for which we focused on construction

budget. So I think every project has different priorities based on the owner guidelines, the site condition, and other things.

WN : We started with residential, small sized projects, because residential is a basic need and during the economic crisis, small projects were not affected. MS : A unique touch is that every project has a different story, different challenges and different methods of approach. We graphically explain our design process so that our clients can understand our ideas. Normally, they will be satisfied with the result because they are involved in the process.

WN: As a conference speaker at DATUM KL 2010, an annual architecture conference held by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia. Why? Because we were the youngest architects from Indonesia talking in front of an audience of more than 3000. MS: Yes, we really enjoyed speaking at DATUM KL 2010, and we were proud to share our small projects.

WN: Architectural Traveling. I believe I will always find new ideas, not only about architecture but also about many other things. MS: Problems, ideas come when we try looking for ways to fix them. Face it and fix it, then you will have a story from the idea. And

SUB’s main vision in finding innovative solution is adapated through contemporary architectural approach, as seen from Sampit Apartment project (above) that embodies modernity without leaving out the need of green space, and Geo Melt Villa (right) which created space flowing with module that follows to the up and down contours of the ground. Grey House (below) on the other hand, shows how flexible a space can be, by adding a hidden stairs on master bedrom to access the attic.

with travelling we will learn so much when we face things firsthand.

We always see ourselves as partners to the client rather than as architecture consultants. Therefore, we believe there is always a good bond and new creative thoughts flowing from both sides.

Technically we want to grow up to be a global architecture office, known in the global industry regardless of the scale, while keeping a few people to control the design quality. SUB’s design always explores and studies to develop ideas further, while embracing the advent of a new style of Indonesian visionary architecture.