In the realm of architectural design, the concept of a circular home may seem unconventional, but it's a shape that has been embraced by Caceres + Tous, a local architecture practice in Indonesia. Their creation, House Kala, stands as a testament to the beauty of circular design and its ability to harmonize with the natural environment.
Embracing the Circular Form
House Kala, perched atop a hill on the Indonesian island of Lombok, boasts a 360-degree panoramic view of the sea and lush forest. To maximize this breathtaking vista, the architects designed a circular home, elevating it on a stone plinth. The contrast between the exposed facade of full-height glass doors and the secluded inner patio, enveloped by curved walls, creates an intriguing interplay of openness and privacy.
Earth-Toned Aesthetics
A key element of House Kala's design is the use of reddish-brown plaster, inspired by the soil tone of Lombok. This earthy color scheme extends to the terracotta-toned columns and plastered walls, creating a cohesive and natural aesthetic. The architects aimed to create a private sanctuary for the owner, and the circular form, influenced by the land's position, achieves this by offering an open, outward-facing shape while maintaining an enclosed, intimate patio at its core.
Space Organization and Views
The interior spaces of House Kala are thoughtfully organized to capitalize on the expansive views. A large, semicircular living, dining, and kitchen area is positioned to capture the most dramatic vistas, overlooking the sea and sunset to the southwest. Glass doors open this space to a terrace, featuring a decorative infinity pool and a swimming pool, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.
Capturing Sunrises and Sunsets
To the northeast, the bedrooms are strategically placed to welcome the sunrise, opposite a games room and cinema. A circular corridor connects all the home's spaces, wrapping around the central patio, which is surrounded by a curved wall. The circular entrance space, overlapping with the patio, features a small pool beneath a circular opening, allowing rainwater to create a unique sensory experience.
Glazed Skylights and Interior Design
Glazed skylights, positioned in the bedrooms and above a seating area in the lounge, bring natural light into the interior spaces. The terracotta-toned walls are complemented by dark stained timber carpentry, custom terrazzo floors, and black aluminum window frames, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This attention to detail and the use of natural materials reflect the architects' commitment to creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing living environment.
A Sanctuary in Nature
House Kala is more than just a circular home; it's a sanctuary that embraces the natural surroundings. The circular form, inspired by the land's position, creates a unique and intimate space while maximizing the breathtaking views. The use of earth-toned materials and thoughtful interior design elements further enhance the sense of connection to nature. This architectural masterpiece showcases how design can blend seamlessly with the environment, offering a private refuge for its owner.
Deeper Analysis
The circular design of House Kala raises intriguing questions about the relationship between architecture and nature. By embracing the circular form, the architects have created a space that feels both open and enclosed, offering a unique sensory experience. This design philosophy challenges traditional notions of privacy and openness, inviting us to reconsider how we interact with our surroundings. Furthermore, the use of natural materials and colors inspired by the local environment highlights the importance of cultural and environmental context in architectural design. House Kala stands as a testament to the power of design to create a harmonious and inspiring living space.
Conclusion
In my opinion, House Kala is a captivating example of how architecture can be both innovative and deeply rooted in its context. The circular form, combined with the use of natural materials and thoughtful space organization, creates a unique and inspiring living environment. This project showcases the potential for architecture to enhance our connection to nature and offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between design and the natural world.
