Rumah Hujan

Architect Maximilian Jencquel Honors Ancient Balinese Traditions in Ubud

When Venezuelan architect Maximilian Jencquel first traveled to Bali, he felt a passionate and heartfelt connection to the island's tropical beauty and the vernacular architecture, and promptly relocated his studio from Paris. Settling in the highlands of Ubud among some of the island's most celebrated landscapes, he began work on a growing portfolio of stunning island residences and commercial projects.

Nestled into the jungle just outside of the village, this compound transports you into a private world of inspiring natural beauty in harmony with the architecture. Designed and conceived in its entirety by Jencquel, the property was crafted almost entirely by hand, working with Indonesian craftsmen using simple tools dating back centuries. Created using reclaimed wood, locally sourced lava stones, and natural, minimalist style, the site dictated the design, and all of the land and trees remained undisturbed.

Set in splendid privacy away from the hustle and bustle, this is a stylish return to basics that celebrates the beauty of the land and the merging of two crafts.

Perched on the edge of the Tjampuhan ridge overlooking a lush tropical valley above the Wos river, this cluster of homes was artfully designed and situated to immerse you in nature while providing a sense of shelter and privacy. Three different stays are available: 

Rumah Hujan (The House of Rain): Built almost entirely of wood from a bridge in Borneo,  this home's spacious living room and dining area share the lofty open air space with a modern fully equipped kitchen that is the social heart of the house. There is a large master surrounded by glass walls with the feeling of absolute immersion in nature and two additional double bedrooms each with a private outdoor bath. The pool is centralized for access from anywhere in the house with a large wraparound deck and lounge spaces all overlooking the valley below.

Rumah Senja (The House of Twilight): A traditional Javanese wooden house, or Joglo, this treetop home is built around a soaring central atrium hung with oversized Balinese lamps and cushy common areas created for communal living. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal a startling panorama, and the living/dining pavilion opens onto the pool terrace. Rich, dark woods anchor the home in its lush natural canopy downstairs, with reclaimed wood used for a lighter touch on the upper level, surrounded by contemplative balconies, with a bridge connecting to an intimate tropical studio with its own kitchen and private terrace.

The Rumah Hujan Estate: The two houses combined, a six-bedroom estate with two pools. 

The sprawling turtle-shaped bamboo pavilion on the estate designed and built by Ibuku (creators of the Green School) and architect Jencquel, serves as a multi-functional space for yoga and Pilates, or as a sheltered playground and badminton court.

Additional features

The estate has 12 full-time staff, including housekeepers, cooks and security, as well as availability for massage therapists, drivers and nannies. It is an ideal home for travelers who value privacy and comfort.

Part of a larger estate, the villas share common access and facilities with the designer's studio and the architect's studio.

Around

Passing through jaw-dropping natural beauty on mountain roads leading from the coast, the cooler jungle highland regions give way to the famous inland town of Ubud. Tourists have begun to descend in larger numbers but it's also a traditional town with arts and cultural centers, fine dining and a laid back vibe.  The property is 40 minutes on foot and 10 minutes by car from Ubud's center.

There are several beautiful spots just minutes from the villa including the Campuhan Ridge Walk, the Ayung River for rafting, and the Taro Elephant Sanctuary, where you'll have a firsthand glimpse into authentic village life with all its rituals, beautiful dress and traditional ceremonies. Kecak Fire Dance is a must-see while in Ubud, with several temples offering evening performances. 

Just an hour outside of the sprawling and slightly chaotic capital of Denpasar, you are also within an hour of the coastal beaches and surfing in Seminyak. You won't want to miss the stunning Taman National Reserve which sits at the farthest western tip where the nearby Pulaki Hindu Temple and its monkey inhabitants make for a fun day trip. 

The island's abundant rice terraces are lush and peaceful and a romantic reminder of the way of life that has flourished here for centuries.   

Location

Ubud, Bali. Nearest airport: Denpasar Ngurah Rai (37km)  

Best time to visit

Dry season is April through October.