Architecture
Studio Pulau: Adaptive Archipelago Architecture
Modern architecture reimagined for Indonesia's tropical climate, cultural heritage, and evolving future.
Our Approach:
Adaptive Archipelago Architecture
Adaptive Archipelago Architecture creates buildings that breathe with Indonesia's tropical environment, using passive design strategies like cross-ventilation, deep overhangs, and elevated structures to naturally regulate heat and humidity. We embrace material honesty through locally-sourced elements—such as engineered bamboo, reclaimed teak, and volcanic stone—crafted with a blend of traditional techniques and contemporary methods. Our spaces engage the senses through the thoughtful interplay of light, shadow, and texture, while fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments. Like Indonesia's islands that have adapted to their surroundings over millennia, our architecture evolves with its context, creating resilient spaces that honor cultural heritage while embracing modern innovation.
Climate Adaptation
Buildings that breathe with the tropics through cross-ventilation, deep eaves, and porous façades—regulating heat and humidity naturally.
Material Honesty
Celebrating locally-sourced materials—engineered bamboo, reclaimed teak, volcanic stone—crafted through both traditional techniques and modern fabrication.
Contemporary Vernacular
Reinterpreting traditional Indonesian forms in a contemporary language, where asymmetry and material integrity define aesthetics rather than decorative excess.
The Steps
Site Analysis: Understanding climate, context, and cultural factors
Material Research: Selecting materials for performance and integrity
Design Development: Development of the initial idea into 3D and rendering with consideration of all aspects of: form, proportion, room flow, layout, material, and landscape
Construction Drawings: Provide comprehensive general architecture drawings for the construction process as well as drawings for permit requirements
Construction Oversight: Provide supervision on the site, twice a month on maximum, as well as provide shop drawings and solution-based drawings on site if needed. Ensuring quality execution and craftsmanship
Casa Kedungu
Casa Kedungu is a private villa near Kedungu Beach, designed as a sunlit, breezy retreat that prioritizes privacy and functionality for families and pets. Its modern tropical aesthetic features large windows for natural light and fresh air, while Balinese elements honor the local culture. The villa consists of two structures, with a gym in a box-shaped volume suspended above the garage, blending contemporary comfort with traditional charm.
Rumah Bindu
Nestled in the lush tropical landscape of Ubud, Bali, Rumah Bindu embodies simplicity and contemporary elegance, seamlessly opening to panoramic rice field views. Crafted from locally sourced stone, teak wood, and limewash walls, it offers a serene retreat with a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The main house features airy interiors and elevated bedrooms with stunning vistas, while a separate guest pavilion and a tranquil natural pool harmonize with the surrounding environment.
Jungut Batu Residence
Perched atop the scenic hills of Jungut Batu, Nusa Lembongan, this private and commercial residence offers uninterrupted views of the Bali Sea while harmonizing with the island’s natural contours. Designed as a cluster of four-bedroom pavilions, the structures are connected by a wooden-louvered bridge, creating a dynamic interplay of light, shadow, and privacy. Using local materials like exposed limestone, reclaimed teakwood, and handcrafted terrazzo, the architecture blends contemporary tropical living with the raw beauty of Nusa Lembongan’s coastal landscape.
Material Honesty
At Studio Pulau, materials tell the story. We select locally-sourced, climate-appropriate materials that age beautifully while performing efficiently in tropical conditions. Our ongoing material research explores innovative applications that honor Indonesian craft traditions while embracing contemporary techniques.
Engineered bamboo
Reclaimed teak
Volcanic stone
Rammed earth
Raw concrete
Charred wood
Founded by Talisa Dwiyani
After co-founding ADA Studio and extensive research in sustainable materials, I've established Studio Pulau to create architecture that breathes with Indonesia's tropical environment. Drawing from both Indonesian heritage and European design education, my work embraces material honesty, climate adaptation, and cultural context. Like islands adapting to surrounding elements, our architecture responds intelligently to place—creating spaces that belong to their environment while meeting contemporary needs.