Villa Rumah Tebing

A single-storey cliff house above Malimbu Bay

CategoryResidential
LocationLombok, Indonesia

Location: Malimbu, north-west coast of Lombok, Indonesia
Site: Narrow, steep rocky ledge facing west-north-west
Built area: Approx. 450 m², single-storey
Outlook: Sunset over the sea behind the Gili Islands

Villa Rumah Tebing

The site is a rocky ledge above Malimbu Bay, on the north-west coast of Lombok. Every evening the sun sets into the sea behind the Gili Islands and, on clear days, behind Mount Agung in Bali. The plot is narrow and very steep, exposed to wind and sea spray. The brief: a place to slow down and host our children and friends for several months a year.

Every choice answers a constraint of the site. The single-storey villa stays below the tree line. Its dry-stone plinth, built from dark volcanic stone found on site, holds back the ground without cutting into the rock. A thick roof slab with a generous overhang keeps the doors open even in the rain, and the sea breeze runs through the house, so that air conditioning is only a back-up.

Board-marked concrete, plantation teak and veined travertine form a short, durable palette. Some of the furniture is designed to be woven and made on the island by local craftspeople.

Materials

Board-marked reinforced concreteStructure, roof slab and its edgeEarthquake-resistant, with thermal inertia and a large protective overhang
Plantation teak (jati)Roof soffit, vertical slats, headboard, vanity unit, bench, tableVisual warmth; holds up well in humidity
Veined ivory travertineColumns, floors, walls, kitchen island, bathtub, vanity topsLight, stays cool underfoot even in full sun
Black steelFrames of the sliding glass doorsSlim, they disappear in front of the view
Dry volcanic stoneRetaining wall below the poolStone from the site, it anchors the villa to the cliff
Dark blue-green stone tilesPoolGives depth to the water
Rattan and canePendant lights, stools, chairsWoven on the island, light
Linen, jute, burl wood, ceramicsCurtains, bed linen, rugs, coffee table, vases and lampsRaw materials that age well, ceramics by island potters
Brass and matt black metalWall lights, lanterns, tapsDiscreet touches of warmth and contrast