alexis dornier traces circles for steep house in indonesia

Nyrenstone Estate: A Landscape of Connected Moments

Set atop one of the steepest plots in Tampah Hills, South Lombok, Indonesia, Nyrenstone Estate is a 1,117-square-meter residential and rental development by Alexis Dornier. The design responds to the site’s dramatic topography by stepping the house down the hillside, translating the terrain into a series of architectural forms built from circles and tangents that organize the interior spaces, pathways, and panoramic views overlooking the bay.

As the residence descends, its curved forms mirror the contours of the coastline below. Rather than presenting a singular structure, the architecture unfolds across several levels, creating the sense of a sequence of interconnected moments that emerge naturally from the slope. Moving through the house echoes the incline of the land, offering a spatial journey that is defined as much by the act of walking and observing as by the physical form itself.

Materials such as warm teak ceilings, off-white walls, and light Palimanan stone flooring establish a serene aesthetic. This understated palette allows the home’s geometric forms to stand out without dominating the environment. The materials help soften the bold silhouette created by the circular plan, enabling the building to blend into the landscape while still remaining recognizable from afar.

alexis dornier traces circles and tangents to shape steep hillside house in indonesia

all images by KIE

Alexis Dornier: Organizing Life Through Circular Geometry

Alexis Dornier employs circular geometries as the foundation for shared spaces such as lounges, dining rooms, and fireplaces. These communal areas form the heart of the German architect’s design, while more private wings extend outward to accommodate two families. At the site’s highest point, a circular yoga platform completes the sequence, opening the architecture to sweeping views and reinforcing the vertical relationship between the building and the terrain.

Echoes of American architect John Lautner’s influence are evident in how Nyrenstone Estate frames vistas and allows space to circulate around core geometric elements. Extended rooflines draw the eye outward and blur boundaries between indoors and outdoors, turning the house into a lens that continually redirects attention to the surrounding land and sea.

Within the broader Tampah Hills masterplan, the estate’s use of circular forms introduces a sense of softness and informality, encouraging intuitive movement through the space and inviting a slower, more mindful way of living.