Nusantara

Project idea

Indonesia, being the home to a rich diversity of cultures, languages and customs, have began to lose its essence throughout the years due to modernisation, technological advances, foreign claims towards the cultural heritage, difficulties of connecting with society, as well as misappropriation by unauthorised productions.
As of 2019, it is recorded that about 2,7 million of Indonesian birth or descent are living in Singapore. Naturally, the feeling of homesickness and nostalgia develop after being apart from their comfort zone for a long time.

Project description

Nusantara (meaning Indonesian Archipelago in Javanese) will be a farm-to-table restaurant serving both well-known and endangered Indonesian cuisine. Located in Gillman Barracks, Singapore, the restaurant-spa hybrid is also inclusive of a Balinese spa offering traditional massage services. The project aims to help prevent the extinction of the nation’s heritage, maintain its cultural identity, as well as to bring a little ‘home’ to the Indonesians staying long-term in Singapore. The design ensures that accessibility and sustainability is prioritised to allow access for all and also to be as environmentally-friendly as possible. Socially, Nusantara will be a place where people, especially the Indonesians in Singapore can come together, dine in and do various activities offered in the facility. In terms of environmental settings, the project uses organic, eco-friendly materials and hydroponic plants installed around the staircase to promote the concept of farm-to-table.

Technical information

Indonesian architecture is well known for its use of natural materials such as terracotta, lava stone, rattan, bamboo, oak wood, sandstone, granite and clay. The project therefore incorporates these organic elements as a win-win solution in supporting the concept of sustainability and to enhance the authenticity of a local Indonesian restaurant and spa. The colour scheme hence follows a natural, warm palette inslusive of dark brown, yellow and contrasting greens from the plants.