- Project: Le Kawan House
- Architect: W+M Design Studio
- Location: Indonesia, Payangan
- Year: 2022
- Area: 455 m2
- Photography: Indra Wiras
Le Kawan House by W+M Design Studio
Le Kawan House is a striking example of contemporary tropical architecture that draws inspiration from the traditional Javanese Joglo house while seamlessly adapting to the modern lifestyle. Designed by W+M Design Studio, the residence sits in the lush landscape of Payangan, Indonesia, where forested surroundings and cultural heritage played a central role in shaping the project.
The architects sought to create a home that preserves the authenticity of Javanese architectural language while meeting the functional demands of modern living. The result is a harmonious architectural composition that integrates a Pavilion, a Bungalow, and Staff Quarters into a cohesive yet diverse complex.
Inspiration from the Joglo
At the heart of the project lies the traditional Joglo, a heritage house once occasionally used by the family. With its rhythmic wooden columns and stone wall enclosures, the Joglo embodies openness, community, and cultural symbolism. Rather than replacing this historic structure, W+M Design Studio preserved and enhanced it, designing complementary buildings that reinterpret its essence.
Natural materials—including wood, sandstone, terrazzo, and colorful cement tiles—formed the base palette for the new buildings. This approach ensures that each new addition resonates with the existing Joglo while introducing modern architectural twists that enrich the spatial experience.
The Pavilion: Extension of the Joglo
The Pavilion, attached to the Joglo, serves as an indoor living extension of the original house. Designed with horizontal proportions and rhythmic column continuity, it mirrors the openness of the Joglo’s terrace. Cantilevered above the garden, the Pavilion adds a contemporary floating aesthetic, blending tradition with innovation.
The Bungalow: Private Guest Retreat
Set on the edge of the sloping site, the Bungalow offers privacy and panoramic views. It was intentionally sunken into the landscape to preserve unobstructed sightlines from the Pavilion behind it. With its roof garden, the Bungalow integrates seamlessly into the natural environment, functioning as an independent living unit that can accommodate guests or even be rented as a separate retreat.
Staff Quarters: Supporting the Residence
The Staff Quarters complete the residential ensemble, thoughtfully positioned to balance practicality with discretion. Together with the Pavilion and Bungalow, they form a spatial composition that respects the Joglo while fulfilling the diverse living requirements of a modern family.
Material Palette and Craftsmanship
The interiors celebrate heritage through locally sourced materials. Bathrooms highlight vibrant colored cement tiles, paired with terrazzo floors and wooden louvers that echo the Joglo’s design details. These design elements not only emphasize cultural continuity but also provide durability and tactile richness.
A Contemporary Interpretation of Tradition
Le Kawan House is more than a residence—it is a dialogue between heritage and innovation. By respecting the Joglo and expanding it with carefully designed new structures, W+M Design Studio created a residence that honors tradition while embracing a sustainable, modern lifestyle. The interplay of architecture, landscape, and cultural heritage ensures that Le Kawan House will remain timeless for generations.
