Elua House is a thoughtfully designed residence that embodies the journey of a newlywed couple, seamlessly translating their story into architectural elements. At its core, the design represents two distinct souls coming together, symbolized by two separate masses connected by a bridge—mirroring marriage. The front facade serves as a "blank white canvas," a metaphor for the couple’s fresh start and the limitless journey ahead.
A poetic design gesture enhances this concept: a tree positioned in front of the white masses casts a silhouette onto the facade, reinforcing the visual narrative. The enclosed exterior, with solid materials like batu curi (natural stone), reflects the couple’s introverted nature, while a perforated metal fence balances privacy with airflow.
The carport features dark-toned natural stone for durability and easy maintenance, aligning with the overall concept of simplicity and practicality. Indirect lighting dominates the front area of the house, creating a warm and inviting ambience. General lighting is used selectively to highlight circulation paths and key architectural features.
Upon entering, the design introduces a unique spatial experience by incorporating an indoor terrace. A zen garden and koi pond extend into the interior, blurring the boundary between nature and living space. A glass railing replaces solid barriers, ensuring an uninterrupted connection between the living space and the serene water feature.
Above the koi pond, a skylight floods the interior with natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Additionally, a strategic gap between the skylight and the walls facilitates natural ventilation. During the day, water from the koi pond evaporates, and incoming air cools as it passes over, creating an efficient passive cooling system that enhances indoor comfort.
Designing a first home for a newlywed couple is a significant challenge, as it must be both meaningful and adaptable to their evolving journey. For this introverted couple, the house needed to be a place for recharge and connection.
One of the key considerations was harmonizing their favorite activities. Thoughtful spatial planning integrates the husband’s passion for koi fish and their shared love for movies. This design reinforces the home’s role as a space for shared experiences.
The open-plan layout of the living, dining, and pantry areas promotes interaction while maintaining intimacy. Moderate ceiling heights maintain intimacy and enhance air circulation, while a lifted ceiling in the living area establishes a focal point and prevents the space from feeling too enclosed.
Elua House’s interior strikes a balance between depth and contrast. Dark wood paneling dominates the palette, lending a sense of warmth and sophistication. To counterbalance this, light marble is introduced in the pantry and flooring. Gold accents punctuate the design, adding a touch of luxury and preventing monotony.
Elua House is a thoughtful blend of functionality, aesthetic refinement and symbolism of its inhabitants' journey and personal connection. Born from the personal needs of its owners, it reflects mutual respect between them. This home provides a space where they can share their differences without disruption, allowing them to coexist harmoniously while growing together in a meaningful and enriching environment.