Excerpt: House 1 by Alexis Dornier explores the fusion of contemporary architecture and traditional Indonesian craftsmanship by framing three historic Javanese artifacts as independent centerpieces. Rather than integrating them structurally, the residence treats them as ‘objet trouvés,’ highlighting their presence within a modern framework. This creates a dynamic dialogue between past and present, emphasizing contrast, preservation, and experience.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Designed around a collection of three historic artifacts, the design of House 1 seeks to explore the boundaries of contemporary architecture and traditional Indonesian building styles. Framing the carved, wooden ‘centerpieces’, once main structural elements of an ancient Javanese residential housing typology, the roof becomes the contemporary framework without actually touching or utilizing these elements.
Skylights and a floating mezzanine level highlight the 3 artifacts as ‘objet trouvés’. The house wants to be experienced in a 3 dimensional way by meandering along a transparent gallery, around a collection of objects in space. It forms plateaus to create different perspectives through the living room towards the inside and the surrounding exterior landscape.
Under the loft like living room are two master guest suites with bathrooms – accessed through a suspended spiral staircase. The master bedroom is situated on the westerly end, forming a separate entity. The composition seeks to give space and wall space to an eclectic collection of art, photography, fine art, and a collection of design objects from mid century modern to traditional Balinese crafted wooden sculptures.
The suspended ceiling is made from compressed bamboo fiber, and all hard surfaces are made from polished lava terrazzo. All wooden floors are made from reclaimed teak wood. Transparent facades frame the building’s surroundings of the lush jungle of Bali. The house overlooks a winding creek and rice fields.
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