Omah Pantai

"Omah Pantai," which means "beachside house," is a private villa spanning 350 square meters on a one-hectare plot in Jayapura, Indonesia. This property has direct access to a public beach and is located in a pristine panhandle area of Jayapura Bay, which has recently become more accessible following the construction of a bridge connecting it to the city center.
The house's concept is inspired by its site, where it runs parallel to the sea. Thus, the main structure consists of a building mass that runs parallel to a body of water. This structure consists of two intersecting rectangular sections: one contains public spaces, such as the living room, dining area, and entry foyer, while the other comprises three bedrooms and their bathrooms. Each room has direct access to the body of water. As you enter through the main door, you walk along a path that parallels a fish pond. This pond continues into the living and dining areas, forming an L-shape before it subsides beneath the living room and transitions into a swimming pool in front of the bedrooms.
The architecture draws inspiration from traditional vernacular Indonesian houses, featuring a steeply pitched roof and a low, flared overhang supported by central pillars. This design is particularly effective in this coastal area, where strong ocean winds are prevalent. The double-pitched roof and low overhang help deflect wind and mitigate salt exposure, allowing a gentle flow of air into the interior. Additionally, the high, open roof design facilitates passive cooling, permitting hot air to rise and creating a constant influx of cool breezes from the sea.
The house's design is intended as a retreat villa, emphasizing its connection to the sea and creating a sense of seclusion from urban life. The rear of the property faces a busy main street, prompting a design approach that prioritizes relaxation toward the ocean. To ensure privacy and minimize street noise, the elevations facing the street are constructed with solid walls clad in natural stone, featuring minimal windows and only sturdy wooden doors. In contrast, the sea-facing facade is designed to be open and inviting, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows, some of which open as foldable doors. This design provides uninterrupted views of the sea and allows fresh ocean breezes to flow through, blurring the boundary between exterior and interior. Additionally, interior materials are predominantly wood, which withstands climate conditions and helps create a cool and warm atmosphere that enhances the retreat's homey feel.
Given the building's location directly in front of the sea, which is prone to storms and seismic activity, reinforcement measures are essential to withstand natural-disaster forces. The structure employs a concrete pile foundation anchored deep in bedrock, which is crucial given the sand and clay topsoil. The site has been compacted and elevated by 3.5 meters above the highest recorded sea level, with the building floor set an additional 1.5 meters above this elevation to protect against potential flooding from storm surges. Furthermore, a retaining wall with cantilevered eaves, derived from an inverted roof design, encircles the building to effectively resist and redirect surge forces during natural disasters. The house's structural framework consists of concrete columns and marine-grade, coated steel beams, finished with wood cladding to enhance corrosion resistance.
For sourcing materials, we prioritize local resources and craftsmanship in our woodwork, including the lumber for the ceiling, cladding, and details such as rattan lamps and wooden furniture. We use local woods such as teak and ironwood, selected for their durability and resistance to local climatic conditions and termite damage. To enhance sustainability, we incorporate reclaimed materials from deconstructed projects, like ironwood repurposed for rafters and roof trims. Additionally, we have created a mosaic wall at the entrance and hallway using a mix of leftover andesite stone fragments.
This project aligns with our core value at Upper Room Collaborative Studio. Each residence we craft weaves a unique narrative tailored to the specific textures and rhythms of your lifestyle. While our portfolio spans a diverse spectrum of aesthetics—from minimalist glass structures to warm, rustic retreats—we never lose sight of the soul of the space. We believe a building truly becomes a sanctuary when its design language conveys an unmistakable sense of belonging. No matter the blueprint or the boldness of the vision, the final result is always anchored by that timeless, intuitive feeling of being home.