HOUSE LAYANG
Lombok, Indonesia
2023
Layang is located on the island of Lombok, Indonesia, just east of Bali. Known for its pristine beaches, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Lombok offers a quieter and more authentic atmosphere than its more famous neighbour. The house was conceived as a tropical retreat for two young twin brothers from Sweden, providing a place where they could escape the European winter and spend time with their families. With toddlers and an active family life, the brief called for generous communal spaces for gathering, cooking, and swimming, alongside bedrooms that remain close to one another while maintaining privacy.
Perched on a steep hillside, the house is anchored between two natural ridges. The bedrooms occupy the lower level, allowing a large, flat platform to be created above for the swimming pool and an expansive open living area. This main communal space is sheltered beneath a lightweight metal-and-timber roof inspired by the form of traditional Indonesian layang-layang kites. Dark interior tones draw attention outward, transforming the architecture into a frame for the surrounding landscape and panoramic views of Lombok.
Nearly every element of the house was custom-designed and crafted by the studio, including the beds, kitchen, bathrooms, sofas, and dining tables. In the main seating area, a bespoke sofa is paired with a hand-carved coffee table that introduces a distinctly Indonesian character. Through its response to the challenging terrain, climate, and family-oriented programme, House Layang is carefully integrated into its natural surroundings, offering a calm and elevated vantage point from which to experience the island.
