“Suaka Wastana Residence: Eclectic Mediterranean Home Amid Lembang Hills”

Nestled in the serene hills of Lembang, West Bandung, the Suaka Wastana Residence is a testament to creativity, individuality, and architectural storytelling. Designed by Atelier NARK+, this 105 m² residence was completed in 2024 for Wastana Haikal, a Bandung-based illustrator and artist, who envisioned a home that would serve as both a sanctuary and a living canvas.

The term “Suaka,” meaning shelter, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this residence. From the outset, the project sought to harmonize modern Mediterranean design with personal expression, crafting spaces that are both functional and full of character. The home offers sweeping views of the surrounding hills, connecting interior spaces seamlessly with the lush natural environment.

Architectural Concept and Design Narrative

Atelier NARK+ approached the design as spatial consultants, translating Haikal’s eclectic tastes into an architectural language that merges Mediterranean, cottagecore, Bauhaus, Memphis, modern folk, and tropical design elements. The exterior of the house is minimal yet striking, featuring clean lines, textured paint walls, and sections left “naked” to emphasize natural aesthetics. Large windows and openings ensure abundant natural light and ventilation, fostering a comfortable, eco-conscious home environment.

The design prioritizes interior versatility, allowing Haikal to personalize each room. The residence comprises:

• Master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom
• Art studio, reflecting the Whimsy Goth aesthetic
• Guest room
• Shared bathroom
• Kitchen and dining area
• Living room

Each space is thoughtfully curated, blending multiple stylistic influences while maintaining an overarching eclectic harmony. The home embraces the modern folk aesthetic, combining contemporary furniture with rustic, warm elements. Distinctive chairs, earthy tones, and tropical plants contribute to a layered yet cohesive atmosphere.

Interior Design – A Canvas of Creativity

Haikal’s lifelong passion for room decoration shines throughout Suaka Wastana. The studio exudes a Whimsy Goth vibe, marrying playful, imaginative elements with darker tones, creating a private yet inspiring workspace. The bedroom evokes a tropical sanctuary through natural textures and greenery, while the living room leans into Bauhaus principles, balancing modern furnishings with vintage touches.

The kitchen and dining area are a rich blend of cottagecore, tropical, and Peranakan influences, integrating traditional materials and patterns with contemporary design. Haikal’s philosophy emphasizes freedom in color, scale, and arrangement, avoiding rigid symmetry while celebrating unique, personalized details in every corner.

Materiality and Sustainable Approach

Material selection played a crucial role in defining Suaka Wastana’s aesthetic and functional identity. The exterior combines wood and exposed concrete, reflecting a modern tropical style that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. Terracotta tiles and wooden elements enhance visual richness, while natural ventilation and local materials reduce environmental impact, minimizing reliance on air conditioning.

The courtyard serves as a central focal point, linking the dining and kitchen areas, providing natural light, and creating a tranquil outdoor retreat. The art studio enjoys a secluded position, offering both privacy and connectivity to nature, enhancing creative focus. The interplay between modern and traditional materials ensures that each space is not only visually compelling but also highly functional.

Suaka Wastana Residence – A Living Expression of Artistic Identity

Suaka Wastana is more than a residence; it is a living, breathing canvas for Wastana Haikal’s artistic expression. Every room tells a story, every material choice reflects thoughtful design, and every corner balances eclectic influences with cohesive harmony. From its Mediterranean-inspired lines to tropical touches, the house perfectly embodies personalized, art-driven residential architecture in Indonesia.

Project Details:

• Architects: Atelier NARK+
• Lead Architect: Nahja Akbar Khalid
• Area: 105 m²
• Year: 2024
• Photographs: Arte Haus
• Manufacturers: Aica Kogyo, Dulux, Jaya Board, Taco, Toto
• Contractors: Sideshop
• Location: Kecamatan Cisarua, Indonesia

All photographs are works of Arte Haus