- Project: House O
- Architect: ALEXIS DORNIER
- Location: Indonesia, Ubud
- Year: 2023
- Area: 370 m2
- Photography: Tommaso Riva
A Sculptural Expression of Sound and Space
House O by Alexis Dornier is a 3-bedroom residence located in the lush surroundings of Ubud, Indonesia. Designed for a musician-composer, the home is both an architectural exploration and a personal sanctuary—inspired by the waveform of a single sound.
At its heart is a 1,614-square-foot (150 m²) loft space on the second floor that frames panoramic views of green rice paddies and swaying coconut trees. This upper volume forms a sculptural crescendo, embracing both form and function.
Design Inspired by a Single Sound Wave
The architectural concept began with the manipulation of a single curved line, evolving into a multi-planar structure that seamlessly intertwines the ground plane and the roofscape. The result is a spatial experience that feels immersive, continuous, and musical in its rhythm.
The exterior reads as minimalist and refined, while the interior design is shaped to feel like being “inside an instrument,” where acoustics and spatial flow harmonize in a serene yet dramatic composition.
Material Palette and Acoustic Intentions
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Wood-patterned surfaces wrap interior walls, enhancing warmth and resonance.
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A dropped ceiling improves acoustic performance and defines key spatial transitions, including the home’s entrance.
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Every element, from the curves of the ceiling to the floor plan, contributes to the house’s cohesive sound-driven narrative.
This sculpted environment is free of visual clutter and excess structure, creating a purified, calm retreat deeply rooted in its natural context.
Creative Living with a Purpose
Beyond its role as a private residence, House O also operates as an artist-in-residence program during select months. Alexis Dornier envisioned the home as a temporary retreat for international artists—providing a quiet, inspiring space for creative expression and renewal.
Connection to the Landscape
Set against a backdrop of vibrant rice fields, House O opens itself to its surroundings through large panoramic windows and the elevated loft, offering visual and emotional access to the landscape. The house doesn’t just sit in nature—it listens, responds, and reflects it.
Conclusion: A Home That Echoes Creativity
House O by Alexis Dornier is a poetic response to both site and sound. It is a residential instrument—minimal in material, yet profound in expression—merging acoustic awareness, sculptural form, and the rhythm of Ubud’s landscape into a space designed to inspire.
