In the coastal city of Padang—where the rhythm of the waves meets the hum of the mountains—AH House was imagined as a quiet dialogue between shelter and scenery. Designed for a family rooted in the culture and warmth of West Sumatra, the house redefines what it means to live with nature, not just beside it.

Design Philosophy

AH House is not a statement; it is a response. A response to the tropical rains that drum on roofs in the afternoon. A response to the morning breeze that sweeps in from the Indian Ocean. A response to a way of life that values calm, kinship, and presence.

We designed a home that feels less like an object on land and more like an extension of it—open, flowing, grounded.

Layout & Form

The home is composed of two interlocking masses wrapped around a central courtyard—an open heart where the family gathers, rests, and celebrates.

• Private Quarters are lifted slightly from the ground, in subtle homage to traditional rumah gadang stilts, allowing air to circulate freely and keeping interiors naturally cool.
• Public Spaces, like the living and dining areas, unfold openly toward the garden and the mountains beyond, with floor-to-ceiling glass that slides away completely—erasing all boundary between the built and the wild.

Cultural Echoes, Contemporary Intentions

While the geometry of AH House is clean and modern, its spirit is deeply rooted in Minangkabau traditions. Carved wooden screens reinterpret the classic ukiran motif, offering both privacy and dappled shade. The roof gently slopes outward, inspired by the expansive wings of the gonjong roof—but rendered in a restrained, elegant form.

This is where tradition whispers, not shouts.

Climate-Conscious Comfort

Every material was chosen with Padang’s climate in mind. Volcanic stone from Bukittinggi grounds the home. Locally sourced timber wraps the ceilings and creates warmth within the interiors. Breezeways and deep overhangs allow for passive cooling and monsoon protection.

Rainwater is harvested and filtered to water the gardens. Natural ventilation reduces the need for air conditioning. It’s a home that lives light on the land, and long in the memory.

An Elevated Retreat

On the top floor, an entertainment lounge opens onto a floating terrace. Here, the view is vast—stretching from the garden below to the distant outlines of Bukit Barisan. A reflective pool shimmers beside it, offering moments of pause, reflection, and peace.

Conclusion

AH House is more than a home. It is a retreat, a gesture, a living organism that changes with the weather, with the time of day, with the mood of its inhabitants.

From the inside looking out, the house becomes invisible.
From the outside looking in, it becomes unforgettable.