Rumah Purnama Villa in Ubud, Bali by Studio Jencquel.

Rumah Purnama Ground Floor Entrance.

Ground Floor Living Area.

French architect Maximilian Jencquel, founder of Studio Jencquel, has restored a heritage Balinese wantilan house in Ubud, bringing modern comforts to a traditional home. Rumah Purnama – The House of the Full Moon, is described by Jencquel as if it were a character in a magical narrative. “In the shade of the centennial coconut trees and under a thatched roof, sits this charming 3-bedroom home”, he says.

Rumah Purnama’s restoration unveiled the remains of a string of previous dwellings. “This home is the continuation of a 100-year-old love story between a magical spot on the land and the people who fell in love with it – and a reminder of how transient our lives are, measured only by what we leave behind,” says Jencquel.

The two-story building faces East and embraces the moon as it rises over the scared Campuhan Ridge. In the NorthEast, the Gunung Agung volcano fills the skyline, creating the perfect backdrop to the slow-paced life that exists quietly within the abode.

First Floor Bedroom.

The home seamlessly blends in with nature due to the natural materials used in the construction. Tropical wood and Cogongrass melt in with the surrounding forest. Concrete footings meet an Indonesian hardwood Bangkirai structural system that was preserved as much as possible, continuing the artistic legacy of Ubud’s heritage.

Movement inside begins with passage through a small Balinese door. Beyond this threshold is a winding garden path that ushers occupants to the entrance. An arrival hall with ironwood statuettes acts as a transitional space, connecting the outside world with the living spaces within.

First Floor Bedroom.

First Floor Living Room.

First Floor Bedroom.

A large living and dining room blends seamlessly with the adjacent pool and surrounding jungle views – taking our understanding of indoor/outdoor living to a whole new level. The strong connection with nature continues into the timber-clad master bedroom. The ensuite is partially outdoors, providing panoramic views of the green hills and jungle around. I mean, if that’s not the definition of the perfect bathroom, I am not sure what is.

A natural, earthy colour palette pervades the home. Natural hardwoods, alang-alang grass, earthen wall colouring, and off-white linen and marble create relaxing, calm spaces – “as though one is finally home, even if they have never been there before now,” concludes Jencquel.

[Images courtesy of Studio Jencquel. Photography by Tommaso Riva.]