The Villa at Rancamaya, A Sanctuary That Redefines Modern Tropical Living

Building home in a cool, close-to-nature area is known to give many benefits to its residents, especially in terms of physical health and mental well-being. The villa at Rancamaya is located in Bogor, a city surrounded by mountains and known for its cool, rainy climate. Situated on a 1171 square metres plot with 370 square metres building area, this villa at Rancamaya is intended for a retirement home.

The single-story residence with a semi-basement offers the perfect blend of comfort, simplicity, and deep connection with nature. The retirement home is designed in an elegant style that redefines modern tropical living.

The architectural approach embraces clean lines and minimalist aesthetics, utilising glass and sandwich panels as primary materials to create a warm, yet contemporary atmosphere. The design challenge stems from the owner's vision to construct a home mainly using sandwich panels, while still maintaining the essence of tropical architecture.

As sandwich panels are often associated with industrial-style application, the material is meticulously adapted to the residential setting by covering the entire building envelope from walls to roofing, supported by a steel structure. The thoughtful use of sandwich panels ensures not only durability and efficiency, but also contributes to the house's aesthetics appeal and thermal comfort.

The layout is thoughtfully arranged to enhance both functionality and openness. The open-plan design eliminates visual barriers, allowing seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces. An unobstructed view of the golf courses welcomes the residents and guests to the home, fostering a serene and relaxing environment.

The home consists of four bedrooms, each with a bathroom en-suite, a spacious living and dining area, a well-equipped kitchen, and expansive terraces at both the front and the rear. Each bedroom is designed with equal proportions, featuring bone white panels, wooden furniture accents, and warm lighting that evoke a resort-like atmosphere. The bathrooms embrace a minimalist style, prioritising functionality while incorporating natural elements such as wood and rattan to add more warmth.

Natural lighting plays a pivotal role in the home design. A long skylight stretches across the house, allowing sunlight to filter in and brighten the interiors. The skylight feature compensates for the extended canopies at the front and the rear which provide shade, but limit the light penetration. This arrangement creates balance between light and shadows, enhancing the cosy and inviting ambiance in the home.

One of the defining aspects in the project is its commitment to environmental preservation. All existing trees on the property are retained, ensuring the residence harmonizes with its lush vicinity. Surrounded by greenery and open spaces, the expansive yard serves as a perfect setting for outdoor gatherings, relaxation, and relations with nature.

More than just a place to reside, the retirement home at Rancamaya is a sanctuary where simplicity meets elegance. The project proves how architecture can respect natural context, designing a space to nurture a sense of peace and well-being.