andyrahman brings elements of traditional indonesian architecture to 'omah boto'

situated in the sidoarjo regency of east java, indonesia, andyrahman architect has designed the ‘omah boto’ residence to incorporate elements of traditional indonesian architecture. developed together with dedicated craftsmen, the project focuses on the use of red brick as the main construction material, which relates to the architectural history of the region. located near the pari and sumur temple, the house intends to combine the spirit of craftsmanship with contemporary design.

all images © mansyur hasan

east java, in particular, has a history of red brick architecture since the majapahit kingdom era, and the basic material and manufacturing techniques are still used by current craftsmen. the architect‘s use of red brick characterizes ‘omah boto’ and even gives the project its name, as it means ‘brick house’. the brick becomes the main element of the architecture and its dimension (5x10x20 cm) is the main measuring standard for all the architectural parts, such as sill height, door or window width, and even the room area.

a variety of brick patterns or motifs that were obtained from andyrahman architect’s experiments are applied within the house. the 13 brick patterns in ‘omah boto’ are built with tectonic techniques that require high accuracy, forming a visual communication between the architect and craftsmen. the result is a very interesting rhythm and character from the external façade to the interior walls and ceilings. the design also combines other elements of traditional indonesian architecture, such as bamboo, wood and rattan.

the floor plan of the house adopts the traditional ‘javanese’ program by using three main zones: pendhapa (a public or communal area in the front side of the house), pringgitan (a transition area in the middle), and dalem (a private area in the back). traditionally, these areas are arranged horizontally while in ‘omah boto’, they are arranged vertically. the first floor is for the communal room, second floor for the living room, and the third floor for bedrooms.

the house also contains a prayer room or ‘musholla’ which provides a sacred area. with the floor, wall, and ceiling all built using brick construction, the space intends to remind people of their origin and purpose of life. the exterior of the residence is articulated by a red brick skin façade, designed to reduce glare, maximize airflow while maintaining the homeowner’s privacy. overall, with the considerate use of vernacular building elements, the project aims to fuse traditional elements into a contemporary living space. 

project info:

project name: ‘omah boto’

location: sidoarjo, east java, indonesia

architect: andyrahman architect

principal architect: andy rahman a.

architect: imam prasetyo, muchammad ubay, cipta hadi, sulfa heksania, maghfira asri m.

contractor: pt. hasta prajatama

brick tectonic leader: cv. graha karya mandiri

teak wood supplier: cv. elaxa wijaya

woven bamboo supplier: bamboo pacet

vertical garden supplier: cv. panorama alam jasa

furniture supplier: cv. dwi manunggal karya

electricity supplier: cv. mona jaya

iron supplier: cv. kemuning jaya steel

photography: mansyur hasan

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom