Villa Boë: Harmonizing Tropical Architecture with Lombok’s Mountainous Terrain
The Architectural Challenge of Steep Slopes
Steep slopes typically present a significant challenge for architects, requiring innovative design strategies to navigate difficult terrains. However, Alexis Dornier saw in this situation a unique opportunity, where others might perceive an obstacle. Villa Boë is situated on a sharply inclined plot within the Tampah Hills project in Lombok, a setting that makes most builders uneasy due to its steep angles.
Harmonizing with Nature Rather than Resisting It
Instead of fighting the slope, Dornier designed the house to align with the hills, as if it “climbs” the natural site, giving the sense that the villa’s presence was inevitable from the beginning. This approach reflects a design philosophy focused on leveraging the site’s inherent characteristics rather than forcibly altering them.
A Unique Design That Breaks Traditional Rules
The villa defies all conventional house design rules: there is no single roofline and no uniform facade. Its 1,151-square-meter area is distributed across separate units stacked along the slope, each angled to capture different views of the Indonesian coastline.
Meticulous Geometric Arrangement
The units are organized around circles and radiating lines, a geometric method that may appear complex on paper, yet provides a completely natural experience when moving through the villa. This arrangement enhances visual flow and open spaces, creating a dynamic interaction between the design and its natural surroundings.
Natural Materials and Finishing Touches
The materials used in the villa quietly tell the story of the place without excessive ornamentation. Local teak wood clads the protrusions, while light-colored stones and white walls maintain a cool feeling under the tropical sun. The color palette is limited yet warm, allowing the dramatic site to express itself freely.
Pool Design in Harmony with the Terrain
The pool extends across multiple levels, following the hill’s natural contours rather than imposing a rigid rectangular shape. This approach enhances the harmony between design and nature, making each part of the villa interact differently with light and the surrounding views.
Vertical Living Experience
Living in the villa means moving vertically throughout the day. The garage is located at the base of the hill, while shared spaces unfold across the central terraces. The double-bedroom wings occupy the upper levels, culminating in a circular platform for practicing yoga across the entire formation.
Each Level Offers a Unique Experience
Each level of the villa provides a distinct experience: intimate garden views at the lower levels, and expansive sea vistas at the top. In this way, the house becomes akin to a “vertical village,” where the details of daily life gradually unfold across multiple terraces, giving residents a continuous sense of connection to the place and the surrounding nature.
Effortless Tropical Architecture
What makes Villa Boë successful is not limited to its smart site planning, it also lies in Alexis Dornier’s understanding that good tropical architecture should appear natural and effortless. The spaces breathe with the landscape, capturing breezes and framing views seamlessly, without any jarring architectural elements. This design makes the house seem as if it has emerged from careful observation of how people live within Indonesia’s climate and culture.
A Balanced Contemporary Example
The project was completed in 2024, representing a rare example of contemporary architecture. It is modern without ostentation, rooted without nostalgia. The villa succeeds because it respects its dramatic site as well as the people who will inhabit it.
Design That Knows When to Step Back
In a world full of buildings demanding attention, Villa Boë stands out quietly yet powerfully. It earns the observer’s appreciation by knowing when to recede, allowing the Lombok hills to take center stage, reflecting a profound understanding of the balance between place and people.
FAQs About Villa Boë
How long did Villa Boë take to design and build?
The project was completed in 2024, although the exact timeline from initial design to completion has not been officially disclosed. Considering the complexity of building on a steep site, the construction process likely required meticulous planning and specialized techniques to ensure harmony between the villa and its natural surroundings.
Why is circular geometry important in the design?
The concentric circles and radial divisions are not merely aesthetic elements, they represent smart functional solutions. They orient each room toward specific views, whether ocean vistas, the Lombok mountains, or intimate glimpses of the garden, while perfectly adapting to the hill’s natural terrain. This geometric approach enhances spatial flow and creates a seamless, harmonious movement experience throughout the house.
How does the house address Indonesia’s tropical climate?
The design is based on traditional tropical architecture principles:
- Teak wood projections provide shade and protect from direct sunlight.
- White walls reflect heat, keeping interior spaces cool.
- Vertical planning allows cool breezes to flow through different levels, enhancing natural ventilation.
- The tiered pool also contributes to temperature regulation across terraces and levels, further supporting the villa’s environmental comfort.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
Villa Boë delivers a distinctive architectural experience, with a clear harmony between design and nature, giving the project a sense of balance and tranquility. The vertical layout and circular geometry reflect attention to detail and an innovative utilization of the site.
However, some residents may face practical challenges, such as constant vertical movement or a sense of isolation in certain upper-level spaces compared to the gardens and natural surroundings. Additionally, the costs and resources required to build on such steep slopes may make the project less replicable in other contexts.
Overall, the project remains visually and philosophically appealing, while presenting some practical considerations that may need to be balanced during implementation.
Prepared by the ArchUp Editorial Team
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