Bare-metric Office Lab: Eksperimen Industrial di Atas Struktur Lama

Presented by Surya Tan from Baskara Design and Planning, at ARCHINESIA “10X10=INFINITY” in Surabaya; Thursday, September 18, 2025

[English text below] Bare-metric Office Lab lahir dari bangunan eksisting yang sebelumnya berfungsi sebagai rumah sekaligus kantor perusahaan penyedia mesin laboratorium. Alih-alih membangun dari nol, arsitek memilih untuk mengolah struktur lama yang sudah ada—menjadikannya eksperimen desain industrial yang berpijak pada konteks dan efisiensi. Dari sinilah nama “Bare-metric” memperoleh maknanya: keterbukaan dan kejujuran dalam menampilkan struktur, material, serta proses desain itu sendiri.

Bangunan ini berlokasi di kawasan Pucang, Surabaya, dan terdiri dari dua massa utama yang awalnya terpisah. Bagian lama difungsikan terlebih dahulu sebagai ruang kerja operasional, sementara di sisi lain klien telah membangun struktur tambahan yang masih kosong. Melalui pendekatan bertahap, arsitek membantu klien menata urutan pembangunan: menyelesaikan satu lot agar bisa segera digunakan, lalu melanjutkan konstruksi pada bagian baru hingga kedua massa akhirnya tersambung secara utuh pasca pandemi.

Desain Bare-metric Office Lab menampilkan karakter industrial yang lugas namun terukur—sebuah “bare metric” dalam arti sebenarnya. Seluruh elemen struktur dipertahankan dan diekspos, dari kolom, balok, hingga sistem kelistrikan dan pemipaan yang sengaja dibiarkan terbuka namun ditata rapi. Arsitek memilih material dengan ekspresi jujur seperti beton ekspos, bata tanah liat, dan baja yang tampil tanpa polesan berlebih. Pendekatan ini bukan hanya soal estetika, melainkan cara menonjolkan keaslian material serta efisiensi konstruksi.

Pada fasad, orientasi bangunan yang menghadap barat direspons dengan secondary skin dari bilah kayu jati solid. Elemen ini dipasang dengan variasi kemiringan untuk mengurangi silau dan panas sore hari, sekaligus menciptakan ritme visual yang dinamis pada tampilan luar bangunan. Hasilnya adalah wajah arsitektur yang tetap sederhana, kontemporer, dan hangat, selaras dengan fungsi interior yang sarat peralatan laboratorium namun tetap nyaman.

Menariknya, proyek ini juga menjadi tonggak pertama bagi Baskara Design and Planning yang datang melalui media sosial, sekaligus pengalaman pertama di mana nilai desain mereka diterima tanpa negosiasi. (uci)

Bare-metric Office Lab: An Industrial Experiment Upon an Existing Structure

The Bare-metric Office Lab originated from an existing building that previously served as both a home and an office for a laboratory machine supplier company. Rather than starting from scratch, the architect opted to process the existing old structure—turning it into an industrial design experiment rooted in context and efficiency. This is where the name “Bare-metric” derives its meaning: openness and honesty in showcasing the structure, materials, and the design process itself.

The building is located in the Pucang area of Surabaya and consists of two main masses that were initially separate. The old section was utilized first as the operational workspace, while on the other side, the client had already erected an empty additional structure. Through a phased approach, the architect assisted the client in organizing the construction sequence: completing one lot so it could be immediately occupied, then continuing construction on the new section until both masses were fully connected after the pandemic.

The design of the Bare-metric Office Lab exhibits a frank yet measured industrial character—a “bare metric” in the literal sense. All structural elements are preserved and exposed, from columns and beams to the electrical and piping systems, which are intentionally left open but neatly arranged. The architect chose materials with an honest expression, such as exposed concrete, clay brick, and steel, all presented without excessive polish. This approach is not merely about aesthetics; it is a way to highlight material authenticity and construction efficiency.

On the façade, the building’s west-facing orientation is addressed with a secondary skin made of solid teak wood fins. This element is installed with varying degrees of tilt to reduce glare and heat from the afternoon sun, while also creating a dynamic visual rhythm on the building’s exterior. The result is an architectural face that remains simple, contemporary, and warm, harmonizing with the interior function, which is equipped with laboratory gear yet remains comfortable.

Interestingly, this project also marked the first milestone for Baskara Design and Planning, who were connected via social media, and their first experience where their design value was accepted without negotiation. (uci)