In the realm of architectural design, where creativity knows no bounds, the House Kala in Lombok, Indonesia, stands as a testament to the power of circularity and earthy tones. This remarkable residence, designed by the local architecture practice Caceres + Tous, is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends form and function, offering a sanctuary of privacy and breathtaking views. What makes this structure truly captivating is its innovative use of curved walls and textured, terracotta-toned plaster, creating a harmonious relationship with the surrounding natural environment.
The core concept behind House Kala is a private retreat, a sanctuary for the owner amidst a site with 360-degree exposure. Caceres + Tous achieved this by crafting a circular home perched atop a hill, with an exposed facade of full-height glass doors contrasting the secluded inner patio. The choice of reddish-brown plaster, designed to mimic the tone of Lombok's soil, adds a layer of cultural sensitivity and a subtle nod to the region's vernacular architecture. This plaster, combined with the circular form, creates an outward-facing open shape while maintaining an enclosed, private patio at its heart.
One of the most intriguing aspects of House Kala is the organization of its spaces. The large, semicircular living, dining, and kitchen area is positioned in the most exposed location, overlooking the sea and the sunset to the southwest. Glass doors, framed by chunky terracotta-toned columns, allow this space to seamlessly open out onto a terrace, featuring both a decorative shallow infinity pool and a swimming pool. This design not only maximizes the views but also creates a fluid connection between the interior and the outdoors, blurring the boundaries between the two.
To the northeast, the bedrooms are strategically positioned to capture the sunrise, opposite a games room and cinema. A circular corridor connects all the home's spaces, wrapping the central patio and providing the main circulation. This circularity is further emphasized by the overlapping circular entrance space, where a small pool sits beneath a circular opening that allows rainwater through, creating a sense of fluidity and movement throughout the structure.
The interior of House Kala is a symphony of textures and materials. The terracotta-toned walls, complemented by dark stained timber carpentry, create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Custom terrazzo floors and black aluminium window frames add a touch of elegance and sophistication. The use of these materials not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also ensures a sense of connection with the natural environment, a key theme in the design.
House Kala is not just a building; it is a testament to the power of architecture to create a sanctuary of privacy and breathtaking views. The circular form and earthy tones create a harmonious relationship with the surrounding natural environment, while the innovative use of materials and spaces ensures a sense of connection and fluidity throughout the structure. In my opinion, this design is a masterpiece that showcases the potential of architecture to transform a site into a private refuge, offering a unique and captivating experience to its inhabitants.
What makes this design particularly fascinating is the way it challenges traditional notions of architecture. The circular form, for instance, is not just a stylistic choice but a functional one, maximizing views and creating a sense of openness while maintaining privacy. The use of terracotta-toned plaster, inspired by the local soil, adds a layer of cultural sensitivity and a subtle nod to the region's vernacular architecture. This design is a testament to the power of architecture to transcend boundaries and create a unique and captivating experience.
In my view, House Kala is a shining example of how architecture can be used to create a sanctuary of privacy and breathtaking views. The circular form and earthy tones create a harmonious relationship with the surrounding natural environment, while the innovative use of materials and spaces ensures a sense of connection and fluidity throughout the structure. This design is a masterpiece that showcases the potential of architecture to transform a site into a private refuge, offering a unique and captivating experience to its inhabitants.
