Omah Tanah House by Budi Pradono Architects – Sustainable Coastal Living in Sukabumi

Omah Tanah House, situated near Lodji Beach in Sukabumi, Indonesia, is a striking reinterpretation of traditional Indonesian architecture with a contemporary lens. Nestled between rice fields and coastal sands, the site slopes gently from the main road toward the hills, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest, terraces, and the distant industrial landscape.

Contextual Design Inspired by Local Heritage

The design concept draws inspiration from the adjacent village houses, creating a modern reinterpretation of traditional Indonesian forms. The residence revolves around multiple courtyards: one functions as a parking space with solar-transparent roofing, while another hosts a swimming pool acting as the centerpiece and spatial datum for the home. The floating pool design minimizes the environmental footprint, preserving farmland for the local community.

Innovative Roof and Structural Solutions

Omah Tanah House features a distinctive gable roof, elevated above traditional proportions and supported by an iron frame rafter system. This innovative approach maintains the natural breathability of the roof while allowing for modern construction techniques. While wood is traditionally used in Indonesian architecture, the architects employed concrete fins and interlocking systems to echo traditional methods in a contemporary context.

Rammed Earth Construction – Sustainable Materiality

The house emphasizes soil as the primary building material, particularly rammed earth, connecting the design to local building traditions. Inspired by local brick-making practices, the architects sourced soil nearby, avoiding deforestation for fuel. Extensive research of soil strata up to 60 meters deep ensured structural integrity, with specially formulated soil hardeners enhancing durability. Wall construction involved layered compaction within iron-frame formworks, allowing the structure to dry efficiently in just 1–2 months despite coastal humidity.

Water and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability is central to the project. Rainwater is collected and filtered for daily use, while solar panels installed on the garage and service room roofs maximize renewable energy utilization. These systems reflect a commitment to environmentally conscious coastal living.

Site Conservation and Community Integration

Only 30% of the 1.8-hectare site is occupied by the residence, leaving most of the land—primarily rice fields—available for local farming. The thoughtful stacking of buildings near the road, combined with minimal footprint elements like the floating pool, ensures the project respects the surrounding environment and empowers the local community.

Omah Tanah House exemplifies a harmonious blend of tradition, sustainability, and modern design, redefining residential architecture in Indonesia.