Nyrenstone Estate by Alexis Dornier, Circles, Tangents, and a Quiet Dialogue with Lombok’s Topography
Architecture Design of Nyrenstone Estate
Description About The Project
Nyrenstone Estate by Alexis Dornier responds to the steep terrain of Tampah Hills, Lombok through circular geometry, layered living spaces, and material restraint, creating a sculptural yet grounded luxury residence.
The Project “Nyrenstone Estate” Information:
- Project Name: Nyrenstone Estate
- Location: Tampah Hills, Lombok, Indonesia
- Project Year: 2024
- Area: 1117.14 m²
- Designed by: Alexis Dornier
- Interior Design: Somewhere Concept
Architecture Shaped by Slope and Circumstance
Perched on one of the steepest inclines within Tampah Hills in South Lombok, Nyrenstone Estate is a residential project that resists conventional architectural logic. Designed by Alexis Dornier, the house is not imposed upon the landscape but carefully shaped by it, following the natural fall of the land as it steps down the hillside toward sweeping views of the bay.
Rather than beginning with a fixed form, the design process emerged from topography, movement, and view lines. Circles and tangents became the primary geometric language—an approach that allows the architecture to unfold gradually, mirroring the curvature of the coastline below.
“The site was already doing most of the work,” Dornier explains. “The architecture simply followed the logic of the slope, allowing the building to grow out of the terrain rather than sit on top of it.”
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Circular Geometry as Spatial and Social Structure
At the core of Nyrenstone Estate lies a composition of circular forms, each carefully calibrated to host shared activities. Lounges, dining areas, and fireplaces are all organized within these rounded volumes, reinforcing their role as communal gathering spaces. Spatially and symbolically, these areas form the heart of the house.
From this central nucleus, private wings branch outward to accommodate two families, ensuring both connection and independence within the same architectural framework. At the very top of the composition, a circular yoga platform crowns the residence, offering uninterrupted views across the bay and reinforcing the project’s upward, unfolding sequence.
“The circle became a way to soften the experience of moving through the house,” says Dornier. “It encourages a more intuitive flow—less about corridors and more about gradual transitions between spaces.”
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Architecture That Descends with the Landscape
Nyrenstone Estate does not read as a single object placed on a dramatic site. Instead, it unfolds across multiple levels, stepping down the hillside in a sequence that echoes the natural contours of the land. Each level responds directly to its position, orientation, and relationship to the surrounding environment.
This descending rhythm mirrors the curve of the coastline, creating a strong connection between architecture and geography. Movement through the house becomes a journey—one that reveals shifting perspectives of sea, sky, and landscape with every step.
“We didn’t want a moment where the house suddenly ‘lands’ on the site,” Dornier notes. “The idea was for it to feel continuous, as if it had always been part of the slope.”
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Material Restraint and a Calm Architectural Palette
Materiality plays a crucial role in reinforcing the project’s measured presence. Warm teak ceilings introduce a sense of tactility and warmth, while off-white walls and pale Palimanan stone floors provide a calm, consistent backdrop throughout the residence. These choices allow light, shadow, and geometry to take precedence over visual noise.
By limiting the material palette, the architecture recedes into the landscape rather than competing with it. From a distance, Nyrenstone Estate presents a strong sculptural silhouette, yet up close it feels understated and grounded.
“The materials were chosen to support the architecture, not distract from it,” Dornier explains. “We wanted the form and the views to remain the primary experience.”
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Framing the Landscape Rather Than Dominating It
There are subtle echoes of John Lautner’s work throughout Nyrenstone Estate, particularly in how the architecture frames views and allows space to flow around strong geometric anchors. Rooflines extend outward to guide the eye, while open transitions encourage visual continuity between interior and exterior spaces.
Rather than asserting dominance over the dramatic Lombok landscape, the house acts as a lens—revealing new perspectives as one moves through it. Each curve, overhang, and opening is deliberate, responding to orientation, climate, and movement.
“The goal was never spectacle,” Dornier reflects. “It was about precision—making sure that every curve and every transition had a reason to exist.”
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A Softer Alternative to Orthogonal Luxury
The circular motif is not merely a formal gesture but a conceptual one. In contrast to rigid orthogonal grids often associated with luxury architecture, the curves introduce a sense of softness and informality. This approach encourages slower movement and a more relaxed occupation of space—one that aligns with the rhythm of coastal living.
Within the broader Tampah Hills masterplan, Nyrenstone Estate exemplifies a philosophy of responsiveness rather than imposition. It occupies a careful balance between sculpture and restraint, presence and humility.
Nyrenstone Estate stands as a nuanced example of contemporary tropical architecture—rooted in place, shaped by logic, and open to the horizon. It is a residence that proves architectural strength does not require excess, but clarity, intention, and respect for the land it inhabits.
Photo credit: KIE | Source: Alexis Dornier
For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: Jalan Kunti I No.117, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
– Email: press@alexisdornier.com
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