House in Dual-Axis Harmony
In House in Dual-Axis Harmony, vertical and horizontal lines converge to compose a quiet spatial rhythm. Through shifting volumes and contrasting materials, the architecture becomes a dialogue between balance and movement, light and landscape.
- StatusIn Preparation
- Project TypeResidential
- Year2025
- SiteBandung, West Java, Indonesia
- Site Area1.278 sqm
- Building Area1.528 sqm
Nestled in the elevated neighborhood of Rancakendal, Cibeunying Kaler, Bandung, Indonesia, House in Dual-Axis Harmony sits on a dynamic 1,200 sqm corner lot defined by a dramatic 14-meter elevation shift. Responding to both topographical and urban challenges, the design embraces a modern tropical approach that celebrates the balance between vertical and horizontal elements to achieve a sense of spatial and visual harmony.
The primary form consists of three horizontal volumes stacked and shifted to follow the natural topography. These black-toned masses, clad in charred wood and dark brown teak wood, house distinct functions. The lowest volume is dedicated to a semi-public gallery, a space for the client to showcase their art collection while also serving as a community workshop or gathering venue. Above, two residential volumes are gently set back to offer panoramic views and enhanced privacy, buffered from street-level activity and urban noise.
Contrasting this horizontal rhythm are two striking vertical volumes clad in white travertine and flagstone. These upright masses act as connective spines, housing ramps, a lift, and integrated greenery. Not only do they allow for smooth transitions across the multi-level home, but they also embody inclusivity, ensuring accessibility for all, including those with mobility challenges. The ramps offer a gentle, experiential journey through the home’s stacked forms without the fatigue of stairs.
Rather than imposing on the landscape, the building elevates itself, supported by concrete columns reminiscent of stilt houses. This respectful gesture preserves the natural contours and opens up an atmospheric space beneath the house, a shaded, contemplative zone where architecture meets terrain.
At the rooftop, a sky pool rests atop the second horizontal volume, directly accessible from the private bedroom area. It offers the family a tranquil retreat with sweeping views of Bandung. Glass-dominated façades invite light deep into the living spaces, while generous cantilevered roofs provide shade and subtly reference vernacular traditions. This combination of lightness and protection is at the heart of tropical modernism.
The harmony of the project lies in its contrasts. Horizontal elements in dark teak and charred wood meet vertical planes of light travertine and flagstone. Each axis fulfills a distinct function, yet together they compose a unified architectural language rooted in balance, light, and the beauty of the land.