Sumatra, known for its vast traditional architecture, houses spectacular art deco homes in its diverse landscapes. One particular area of Sumatra to explore is Aceh, which has the highest concentration of traditional homes. Additionally, these homes are built atop raised concrete platforms to adapt to the local flooding and prevent water damage. Amongst these homes, one can find vibrant hues and unique geometric designs combined with antiques. Not to be outdone, modern Indonesian furniture is popular to create a soothing environment within these homes.Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Sumatra
Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Sumatra
Java is another Indonesian island noted for its traditional houses. Locally, the architecture found in Java is referred to as Joglosemar, meaning "the Eastern Sea Coast". These homes are typically constructed with stone and feature a design that is often likened to that of Italian-style villas. As a nod to its Indian cultural roots, smaller details like intricate carvings are added to these homes. To further personalize them, many are finished off with vibrant batiks, mosaics, and arabesques.Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Java
Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Java
The island of Bali is one of the most popular spots for tourists and locals alike due to its enchanting traditional Balinese architecture. Constructed from Magi wood, Bali homes show off rustic wood beams and ornate carvings, all of which exude a serene and relaxing ambiance. With an exterior boasting intricate patterns, it isn't unheard of to see homes featuring grand front entrances as well.Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Bali
Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Bali
Kalimantan is known for its diverse styles of traditional homes. These homes can range from simple huts to grand-scale buildings. Here, old and modern furnishings and artifacts are often present in the design for a unique look. Of all the regions in Indonesia, Kalimantan is also where one is most likely to find multifunctional homes, which are designed to be both comfortable and useful.Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Kalimantan
Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Kalimantan
Sulawesi is home to many traditional styles of homes, such as Bajo and Bugis. These homes typically feature open-style living arrangements with plenty of windows and high ceilings. Large central staircases to the second floor provide a dramatic feature, while main rooms often make use of personal touches with vibrant fabrics and accessories. Additionally, these homes also have ample natural lighting, allowing one to enjoy plenty of sunshine each day.Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Sulawesi
Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Sulawesi
The Moluccas has become increasingly popular amongst tourists due to its unique traditional homes. These homes are often designed with a unique blend of the Arabian and Spanish styles, with the former providing an elegant flavor to each property. Not only does this style incorporate high windows and large entryways, showcasing the living spaces within these homes, but also decorative fixtures to further enhance the aesthetic. All of these create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation.Indonesian Traditional House Designs: The Moluccas
Indonesian Traditional House Designs: The Moluccas
Nusa Tenggara is known for its unique architecture, distinct from the rest of Indonesia. These homes are designed with an emphasis on strong vertical lines and dark wood accents. For colour, vibrant yellows and reds come together to create an inviting atmosphere. These homes also feature unique furnishings and sculptures to really stand out. Plus, the traditional statues from the area make for excellent conversation pieces and bring a story to each home.Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Nusa Tenggara
Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Nusa Tenggara
Papua is renowned for its traditional wooden homes built with local materials. Located in a humid tropical climate, these homes overtime transition into a warm orange tone. Here, the wood accents, arches, and doors create a stunning contrast with even more intricate decorations such as vibrant rugs and holes carved in the walls, allowing natural light to enter the main living areas of the home.Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Papua
Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Papua
Borneo is home to many beautiful traditional houses, which are often built with grand entrances, spacious courtyards, and traditional carvings. Such homes have roofs made from terracotta tiles and bark, while interior walls and floors are finished with bamboo. That said, certain homes are also designed to have more luxurious touches, such as ornate finishes, elaborate wood carvings, and vibrant furniture.Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Borneo
Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Borneo
The islands of Celebes are known for their unique traditional homes, typically made with wood and bamboo. To add aesthetic value to these homes, detailed features such as ridges, intricate carvings, and grand rooftops are often added to the design. Additionally, the walls may feature small openings to let in natural light and ventilation, while intricate weavings, grab rails, and antiques make up some of the decorations.Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Celebes
Indonesian Traditional House Designs: Celebes
Exploring Indonesian Traditional House Design
The Indonesian archipelago is home to an abundance of unique cultures and exceptional diversity in architecture, particularly the traditional design of its houses. In Indonesia, traditional home design has adapted to the local environment and culture, using exacting craftsmanship to create a strong connection between the man-made and natural settings. Indonesian traditional homes are typically built with simple materials such as wooden boards, ropes, and slate, and feature a multitude of rooms as well as ornamental
details
that give it an unmistakable Southeast Asian aesthetic.
The Supraroup Features of an Indonesian Home
An Indonesian home typically follows the traditional supraroup features of native dwellings, which includes a spacious porch, large covered verandah, extensive living area, and a thatched roof. These houses are usually made from indigenous materials, including bamboo, wood,
thatch
, and woven mats, and feature complex structural post and beam techniques that create an airy, open feeling. These elements also allow for easier adaptation of other cultural elements and adaptations to suit the needs of the family or region occupying the home.
Ornamental Details and Artistic Elements
On top of the supraroup features, many Indonesian homes display ornamental onward details and artistic elements that highlight the region’s culture. The carved timber gates are commonly set in the walls, while the front door will usually be embellished with intricate carvings, gold and silver lacquer, or even tiny paintings. Elsewhere in the house, woven mats, baskets, and even geometry-inspired wall designs enhance the
characteristic
decoration that defines traditional Indonesian house design.
Adapting to a Changing Climate
In recent decades, Indonesian traditional home design has adapted to a changing climate, taking into account new technologies that allow for faster construction times and more efficient use of materials. Contemporary adaptations also frequently include additions such as a rainwater collection and storage system, air-conditioning, electrical wiring, and other modern amenities. By adding these elements, Indonesian homeowners are able to keep their traditional home design elements while also being able to enjoy the comforts that contemporary dwellings can provide.
