In the North Jakarta enclave of Kelapa Gading, ostentatious properties are the norm in an area increasingly favoured by the new breed of super, successful Indonesian businessmen. In this neighbourhood, the market price for real estate goes up to RM7,000 (S$2,865.80) per square metre.

Classic European architecture - with Roman Columns, Grecian pillars and Renaissance statues - has long been a popular feature of newly-built mansions in this area.

Sophisticated, yet minimalist Click on thumbnail to view

But for long-time residents Keddy Panjandaja and Miranti Setiobudi, a tastefully-designed, minimalist house was all they ever wanted. The couple's three-storey house, sited on 420sq m of land, has a built-up area of 700sq m. And it stands out from the rest of the mansions and villas here, for its understated concept.

"We have never been interested in heavily decorated houses. In fact, we always wanted a minimalist house," says Miranti, "What's important is a house that is easy to maintain, with good ventilation and big windows."

Understated luxury

The construction of the house commenced in 2005. Three years and three architects later, the four-bedroom house was ready to welcome the couple and their two sons.

The ground floor serves as a basement which accommodates a large garage, kitchen, storeroom and private chapel. The entrance to the house is located on the first floor, where a swimming pool, pantry and two bedrooms flank a spacious living-cum-dining area. Meanwhile, the second floor consists of the family quarter that includes two master bedrooms.

"The construction and the layout of this house are simple. All four bedrooms are vertically aligned, with large windows overlooking the swimming pool. From the outside, all you can see is a square building," points out Miranti.

But that doesn't mean the house lacks character. For Miranti, the simple concept - with glass doors, white marble flooring and minimum details - simply means a well-lit and airy space for her family and friends.

"The minimalist concept actually emphasises the spirit of openness. A house with intricate carvings and details is rather intimidating for both the dwellers and guests," she says, referring to the living-cum-dining area on the first floor.

"The living-cum-dining area is the heart of the house. This is where we spend quality time with family and friends," says Miranti, whose two sons are both married to Malaysians but reside in Jakarta.

The minimalist taste is also evident in the choice of finishing materials and colours. The floor and columns are paved with Bianca Palisandro white marble, while the walls are coated in white, black and grey.

The interior

Despite the minimalist concept, the house exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Miranti credits it to the eclectic décor scheme, which includes ethnic-inspired mirrors in the dining room to souvenirs she acquired during family trips to various countries.

Various artwork and paintings by notable local artists such as Maria Chui (Affandi's famous protégé) also add a unique character to the house.

The living-cum-dining area is where the owners spend quality time with their family and friends.

"We do like Maria's works. But I reckon that the plants we grow around the house play a bigger part in making this house cosy. My husband is a big fan of gardening," she adds.

When asked what's the most extravagant piece she has bought for the house, Miranti points to her pantry on the first floor. Specially designed by Stella Mobili, the pantry cabinets are made out of solid cherry wood and finished with a whitewash. They cost over RM120,000 (US$40,000).

Complementing the pantry is a Leiber refrigerator as well as an elegant dining table that seats eight and a set of furniture in similarly understated design and colour tones.

"It is essential to combine the living and dining area with the pantry, so that the house feels spacious and less formal. Our family members spend a lot of time here, so we need this to be an area where everything is within reach - food, television and even swimming pool," Miranti adds.

Across the pantry is a pair of sliding glass doors that provides easy access to the swimming pool. The glass doors not only allow in sunlight but fresh air when fully opened. The result is a relaxed family house with an irresistible, modern appeal.