Ruang Tekuni Apartments / DDAP Architect

Curated by Hana Abdel

Architects: DDAP Architect
Area: 800 m²
Year: 2018
Photographs:Sonny Sandjaya
Manufacturers: AutoDesk, Lumion, B Panels, Daikin, Desjoyaux, Hafele, Mortar Utama, Nippon Paint, Niro Granito, Ong ceng Kuang, Rumah Roster, Toto, Trimble, Vivere

Text description provided by the architects. Ruang Tekuni, an oasis inside the urban peak of life. Ruang Tekuni is a boutique apartment located in Seminyak Bali. Exclusively for young expats, this boutique apartment consists of 12 studios across two levels, and a penthouse for the owner. On the ground floor, there is a lobby, administration room, also maintenance and service room. Balconies circulate around and look over a central courtyard filled with Brazilian fern trees and a pool with trickling water.

Designed by DDAP Architect, an architect studio based in Ubud Bali, the concept is to bring tropical rain-forest on the apartment’s design. “We proposed the idea of a tropical rain-forest by placing green and zen elements in the center to create a sensory experience in terms of the visual and in the rustling of leaves in the trees and light breeze that blows on to the skin to present buildings that are in harmony with nature” says Dirgantara I Ketut, principal of DDAP Architect.

Ruang Tekuni Apartments / DDAP Architect - Interior Photography, Brick, Beam, Deck, Handrail — Courtesy of DDAP Architect

The aim of this concept is to make a contemplation space, an oasis to hear the natural sound such as the sound of flowing water, leaves, and the blowing of cold air. It can be enjoyed by apartment users through small windows designed facing the courtyard. The courtyard is designed to combine the water, stone, trees, and light elements. On the second floor, there is a communal swimming pool and rooftop garden to enjoy the sunrise, watch the stars or enjoy the prevailing breeze. Greenery cascades throughout Ruang Tekuni to amplify the tropical feel.

Ruang Tekuni Apartments / DDAP Architect - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade, Garden, Courtyard — © Sonny Sandjaya

The nature elements also expressed the use of selected wood materials in building and furniture inside to enhance the sense of calm and tropical feeling. Most of the material in this design using the reclaimed lumber and recycled roof which was carefully selected by the owner, Pitched terracotta-tile roofs are inspired by the traditional Balinese rice-barn roof shape and help to create more interior space.

Terracotta blocks were applied for the façade screen, with the small openings in each block allowing light and air to filter through and giving intricate patterns to the building. The studios are rustic and comfortable with concrete pattern wall panels and recycled timber for the staircases and floors. An ancient Chinese house, as a penthouse for the owner’s house, crowns the building, with his private library and workspace on the top floor.

Ruang Tekuni Apartments / DDAP Architect - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade, Handrail, Balcony, Courtyard — © Sonny Sandjaya

His artwork collection and his personal touch into the design is also accommodated throughout Ruang Tekuni , and it creates a homely feel. To support the function of the building and the convenience of the users, Ruang Tekuni also has a roof garden, which can be used to enjoy the sunrise and have a BBQ party at night. Such a paradise home living!