Designed by: Alexis Dornier.
Location: Pererenan, Bali, Indonesia | Latitude: 8.64712˚ S
The unique A-frame roof of this one-bedroom house is incredible. The striking A-frame roof and loft space create a stunning home, though just a one-bedroom house.
Alexis Dornier is the architect for the River Studio.
This one-bedroom house had to respond to a few site constraints. However, the shape of the lot allowed the architect to do something unique and creative.
House Location and Site
River Studio is in the village of Pererenan in Bali, Indonesia. Pererenan is a coastal village in the south of Bali.
With its beaches, river and rice fields, it is a beautiful village that attracts ex-pats and tourists. River Studio is a one-bedroom villa for short-stay visitors. It is in a prime location to attract guests and creates a fantastic vacation stay home in the tropics.
The site this house sits on is unique. It is one of two houses on the property. However, the River Studio is at the entrance of the property.
Another challenge is that the site is narrow at that location. That is not enough constraints on this site. The studio also sits next to the access road to the main house on the lot.
Hence, Alexis Dornier had to be creative to ensure the one-bedroom house with gardens, and a pool could fit comfortably on the site.
House Design Brief
The River Studio is a one-bedroom house for short-stay visitors. It houses two guests.
Its construction was completed in 2019, and it occupies 137.4 m2 or 1,479 sq. ft.
House Design Approach And Layout
The space on the site is less than 8m (26ft) wide. Therefore, the primary rooms in the house are parallel to the road. However, the architects rotated the northern wall slightly. This strategy makes the views outside a bit larger than if they were parallel to the boundary. It also creates more space for outdoor activities.
On the ground floor are the public spaces. These include open-plan living and dining rooms and a kitchen. In addition, these areas open unto a deck, small swimming pool and garden. The connection occurs through a large glazed bifold door that connects the interior and exterior spaces.
A stair takes you to the one-bedroom studio loft on the upper floor.
One-Bedroom Studio Loft
The architect was creative with the bedroom loft.
As mentioned, the site has the constraints of the access road to the main house. Therefore, Alexis Dornier suspends the bedroom over the driveway. It cantilevers off the house’s main structure and has one studio bedroom and a bathroom.
Photo: KIE
The bedroom is somewhat of a loft as it has glass walls surrounding it. Therefore, it visually opens to the spaces below. It is also open to the outdoors because of the large A-frame roof.
Unique A-Frame Roof Design
The unique A-frame roof is probably the most characteristic feature of this short-stay rental house. It floats high over the main spaces downstairs.
“On the formal layer, we lofted an A-frame roof with the cube that is resting over the driveway to generate an untypical roofline that shields from excessive sun exposure and creates privacy.”
– Alexis Dornier
Photo: KIE
A ceiling fan hangs from the ceiling along with a beautiful, white pendant light fixture that resembles a flower.
From the outside, the asphalt shingles follow the fluid form of the A-frame roof. Its slight curves and points create a dramatic and beautiful roofline that is not typical. The wood batten ceiling is as striking and characterises the quality of the space.
Photo: KIE
The roof climbs high over the living areas and frames the large, glazed opening of bifold doors and panels.
In addition, the height of the roof and ceilings help keep hot air away from the spaces below. This feature in a roof has benefits in tropical climates.
Indoor-Outdoor Connection Through Glass Doors
The glazed bifold doors and the glazed panels above them create strong connections with the natural environment outside.
Photo: KIE
Connections to the outside through the extensive glazing feel expansive. This expansive feeling is because of the height and shape of the A-frame roof,
When the glazed bi-fold doors open out to the deck, pool and garden, the outdoor areas become a seamless extension of the interior rooms.
The lush tropical garden, wooden deck, and the pool’s water provide natural elements. This biophilic design response significantly enhances the quality of the indoor rooms.
House Materials and Colours
The primary materials in this house are steel, wood and concrete.
Photo: KIE
Colours in the home are soft and natural and connect well with the environment.
“The soothing colour palettes connect to the surrounding green, earth tones and carefully selected artwork make this place a good fit and use of space.”
– Alexis Dornier
Conclusion
The River Studio is a small but beautiful home. Its dramatic A-frame roof is an impressive feature of this one-bedroom house.
With its strong connection to the outdoor rooms and nature, this project is a unique tropical modern getaway for visitors to Bali.
Architect: Alexis Dornier
Photographer: KIE
Landscape: Bali Landscape Company