A modern reinterpretation of the Javanese house
Architects Bodhi Pradono Designs a series of open, semi-open and closed spaces for this purpose wood dwelling In the Indonesian Wnosegoro village. The project combines a reinterpretation of Javanese houses or “Java mother”, the traditional homes of people on the island of Java, with a spatial program that meets the needs of working from the modern home.
The location of the new house is about an hour’s drive from Semarang, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The rural plot is surrounded by rice fields, tropical forests and friendly people.
Photos submitted by Bodhi Pradono
design strategy
The architects explain that in the Javanese tradition, the house is a representation of nature, and the proximity to nature is indicated by the quality of open, semi-open and closed spaces, all linked in sequence. With this in mind, the primary design strategy for this residence was to connect with the landscape by making different spatial experiences on the terraced levels, resulting in serene yet distinct spaces.
Bendobo House: traditional wooden columns reinterpreted with stone plinths
The house of the pendubu
Just like the traditional Javanese houses, the program is arranged on a datum line where the spaces are interconnected but at the same time have their own privacy. The front side of the floor plan hosts the ‘Bendupo House’, a key element of Javanese architecture that forms here as an 11 x 11 meter open reception hall.
The new structure has already been reconstructed from a 60-year-old wooden building that has survived several earthquakes. Wooden joints are connected without nails using only wooden pegs.
The pendopo house is characterized by joglo construction, which is determined by the shape of its roof. The structure is designed to withstand earthquakes. Bodhi Pradono also added a contemporary element with stone plinths added to the bottom of the wooden columns. There is a small gap between stone and wood to represent the relationship between the two materials and the dialogue between modern and traditional.
Semi-covered kitchen and dining area
home damm
Behind the open reception pavilion is the “ummah dalem” or “inner house”. Its structure is similar to that of joglo but made of local bricks and wooden framed windows. This space is divided into four bedrooms and behind it there is a patio surrounded by other rooms.
The courtyard features Javanese sapoid plum trees as a symbol of the kindness that the owner will share with everyone. The spaces between the patio are the balcony, three bedrooms and one main dining room. The Support Services Building is located away from the main house.
To complete this modern home with traditional elements, the design team chose “straight and simple” materials. Teak wood and red bricks produced by the local community are combined with metal and river stone to give the Javanese construction concept new value.
View of one of the bedrooms