Jakarta native Ed Gunawan always felt drawn to the ocean, and in 2022, he finally made the move to Bali. But when it came to building his home, his aim wasn’t grandeur—it was to honor the land. “In a Balinese village, the temple should be the only structure that stands out,” Gunawan reflects.
This guiding principle led him to Spanish architect Alejandro Borrego, known for his expertise in tropical architecture. Together, they designed a home that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. The centerpiece is a serene pavilion with a simple pitched roof, reflecting the traditional forms of the nearby village. At first glance, it creates the illusion of no house at all.
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Borrego’s design embraces the Balinese way of life, merging the home with its environment. Lush greenery envelops the pavilion, extending into the nearby jungle and rice paddies. “We believe in placing houses in gardens, not the other way around,” Borrego notes. Over time, the garden takes on a life of its own, becoming the home’s main feature. The open pavilion invites soft light and gentle breezes, with the sound of a nearby stream completing the tranquil atmosphere.
Gunawan’s respect for the natural contours of the land led Borrego to create an adjacent structure for the bedrooms, constructed from palimanan, a locally sourced cream-colored sandstone. This minimalist, eco-conscious design minimized the environmental impact while using sustainable local materials.
Inside, Gunawan curated a collection that pays homage to Indonesia’s rich craftsmanship. He traveled to remote villages to find unique pieces, including antique ceremonial bowls from Yogyakarta, Naka chairs from Jakarta, and Kamasan-style artworks.
Every aspect of this home is marked by subtlety and intention, which is why Gunawan named it after the majegau tree. Traditionally used for incense, its bark releases a fragrant aroma when burned—a fitting metaphor for his home: an aromatic tribute to the spirit of Bali.
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Author: mediastaff
- Alejandro Borrego
- architectural collaboration
- architectural harmony
- architectural integration
- Architecture
- blending architecture
- contextual architecture
- discreet architecture
- eco-friendly design
- environmental design
- illusion architecture
- landscape architecture
- minimalist design
- natural architecture
- Nature
- pavilion design
- pitched roof architecture
- seamless design.
- serene architecture
- sustainable design
- Travel
- Tropical architecture
- village architecture
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