German architect Alexis Dornier has completed Villa Boë, an innovative residential project that gracefully cascades down a steep hillside in the Tampah Hills development on Lombok, Indonesia. Positioned at one of the highest points of the coastal site, the house required a unique vertical design approach that allows it to merge seamlessly with the natural terrain while maintaining a strong architectural presence.
The villa unfolds as a carefully orchestrated sequence of stacked volumes that follow the natural contours of the slope. The design begins with entry and garage spaces located at the lowest point of the site, with shared living areas stepping upward from there in a terraced arrangement. Higher up the hillside, two separate sleeping wings branch off from the main structure, each designed to accommodate a family. At the very top of the composition, a circular platform provides a dedicated space for yoga and contemplation, offering stunning panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding hills.
The architectural concept is organized around a sophisticated floor plan based on concentric circles and radial divisions. This geometric framework establishes the orientation of each roof section and defines the precise placement of volumes relative to one another. Rather than appearing as a simple vertical stack, the house reads as a terraced extension of the hillside itself, with its levels flowing upward to create a continuous topography that feels natural and unforced.
For Dornier, whose architectural studios are based in Berlin and Bali, the primary goal was to create a building that serves as a measured response to the vastness of the coastal site. The structure's gestures are deliberately composed and designed to settle humbly into the hillside without overwhelming the natural landscape. The swimming pool exemplifies this thoughtful approach, as it is fully integrated into the living sequence rather than placed as a separate element, moving gracefully with the landscape through terraced levels and gradual transitions.
Villa Boë employs a carefully restrained palette of materials specifically chosen to suit Indonesia's tropical climate. Warm teak wood lines the ceilings and soffits throughout the interior spaces, while crisp off-white walls help keep the interiors bright and airy. The floors are anchored by white Palimanan stone, a local material that adds authenticity to the design. These material choices establish a careful balance between durability, visual simplicity, and a genuine connection to the local environment.
The architectural design shows clear influence from iconic mid-century modernist figures, particularly John Lautner, whose work emphasized the importance of shaping outlooks and embedding architecture deeply within its natural site. At Villa Boë, the distinctive rooflines serve as carefully crafted frames for the surrounding landscape, transforming the house into both a comfortable dwelling and a strategic vantage point. This approach ensures that the home celebrates not just its immediate surroundings, but also the dramatic horizon beyond, creating a living experience that is both intimate and expansive.
