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Inside a Japanese-Inspired Garden Home Hidden in Nature | Bali, Indonesia
In Japanese Garden

Inside a Japanese-Inspired Garden Home Hidden in Nature | Bali, Indonesia



In this week’s episode, we visit Rumah Haruku, a home in Bali owned by Raisa and Tijn, a couple from the Netherlands. Inspired by Raisa’s Moluccan heritage, the home reflects a deep respect for tradition, nature, and mindful design. Located beside rice fields and jungle, the site was discovered by chance during a walk. A local farmer introduced them to the land, which they ensured was not used for active rice cultivation, allowing their home to be built without displacing livelihoods.

Design Anthology tells stories of the people, products and places at the forefront of Asia Pacific’s creative and cultural sectors. Through home tours, conversations with visionaries and explorations of both time-honoured traditions and emerging innovations, Design Anthology champions creativity, craft and the enduring value of thoughtful and considered spaces, products and ideas.

Previously known as the Stacked Homes YouTube channel, our content has always focused on design-forward homes and the people who shape them. This evolution marks a broader regional focus, but the same dedication to thoughtful storytelling remains.

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– I’ve always felt a deep pull towards my Moluccan roots and the way my ancestors lived in harmony with the natural resources on a very small island, Pulau Haruku. And that pull towards my roots
only grew stronger over time. When I came to Indonesia and visited my family in
Maluku for the first time, I had constant butterflies in my tummy. It was a feeling I couldn’t explain, but I knew it was a place
I had longed for years. And moving to Indonesia
felt like a homecoming, a way to connect more deeply with my roots and find peace within myself. So we named our house Rumah Haruku. It’s also a quiet tribute
to my grandparents who endured so much to
give us a better life. Hi, I’m Raisa. I’m a
designer working in arts and textile prints, – And Tijn, and we’re from the Netherlands and living in Bali for
over four years now. Three years ago when we were living in a rental house nearby, we were out walking the
dogs when we stumbled upon an incredible view
of rice fields and jungle. What I said dreamt out loud, “I could live here forever,” and at that moment, a local
farmer happened to pass by and asked if we were looking for land. He showed us the plot next to his farm, and it was perfect,
like it was meant to be. We’ve been neighbours and
close friends ever since. We didn’t want a concrete blockhouse and wanted to preserve traditional
Indonesian architecture and respect the natural surroundings. We were also very conscious
about the type of land we use and making sure it’s not
in any active rice fields, so we wouldn’t take away
any land owner’s ability to grow food or earn a living from it. We have always been drawn to Japanese design and architecture. There’s something very
thoughtful in their way of creating spaces, designed
to adapt to the moment, to how one lives, not just how it looks. At the same time, it was important that the house felt rooted into Indonesia, the idea of a home that
could breathe with us. We preserved what nature has given with all mature trees untouched and incorporated into the
design, giving the feeling as if the house has been
there for a long time. – We wanted the house to be hidden and integrated into the surroundings, and didn’t want it to stand out too much. There’s also no clear
entryway into the house. One leads to the communal area and another to the outdoor
garden of the guest room. The house follows a rumah
panjang inspiration, a traditional long house of Borneo. Its materials are referenced from traditional Indonesian architecture with local resources and features a unique
Balinese-inspired hipped roof. In rumah panjang’s design, the surrounding corridors are used for communal activities. The space can be opened to
create an intimate connection between the interior and
the surrounding nature. The living room has a sunken lounge area with a large coffee table, but because all the surrounding
doors can be opened, the deck wraps around the house. During the day, we open
everything up to connect with the outdoors, with
bench railings doubling as additional seating
for larger gatherings. In the evening, we close the doors to make the space feel smaller and cosier. We also spend a lot of time on the deck, especially during the day. The different levels and balustrade naturally create cosy seating areas. – Our dining area is the
first space you step into when entering the house. We kept it simple with a large black table and a mix of wooden chairs we collected to keep things playful and relaxed. It’s anchored by a banana fibre lamp made by a Japanese artisan based in Bali, which really sets the tone
for the rest of the space. For Raisa, the kitchen
is the heart of the home. We love cooking, and it’s for everyone
naturally gathers when friends or family come over. Conversations flow while
food is being prepared. Some people at the table,
others out on the deck, creating that cosy, lived-in feeling. Everyone’s doing their own
thing, but still connected and part of the moment. That’s why for us the
kitchen had to be spacious and fully integrated into
the main living area. Since we don’t have a
wall for hanging art, the open cabinet above the
fridge has become a display area, perfect for our little
treasures we collected from our travels. One detail we love is that the kitchen views a small Japanese-style zen garden. It’s not functional, but
it brings a sense of zen and beauty into the kitchen. – The ikat in the guest bedroom is my favourite piece of art in the house. It’s a traditional
handwoven textile from Asia, crafted by the women of the communities, which is a long process that can take up to one year or more. It’s also dyed using natural plants and roots found in the region, – Even though we often
work from the living area, the office is perfect
when we need to focus. It’s quiet, filled with natural light and opens up to the outside where we plan to have a vegetable garden in the future. It’s functional, but still
has a warm personal touch, more of a creative studio
than a traditional office. – For much of my life, I moved through a world
shaped by social expectations and achievements until I
realised how far does it pull me for myself and where I come from. Here I feel more connected
and more at peace. – I never thought I would
end up living in Indonesia for this long, but Raisa’s vision and life in the jungle
changed that completely. Moving from the fast-paced
city life in Amsterdam to the slow grounded life in
Pejeng has been the best move. We never imagined this life in this house. Our designers did amazing work. Every space was built with attention and respect to the natural surroundings. Every morning, as light filters
through the misty forest, we’re reminded of how
special this place is. It’s in those quiet everyday
moments that really shows.

37 Comments

  1. @diandraj2051

    What a beautiful home and such thoughtful design choices! Just a small note – when mentioning ikat, it’s always appreciated to specify where it’s from. In Indonesia, ikat is a cultural tradition, with each region (like Sumba or Flores) having its own distinct patterns and meanings. Referring to it simply as “Asian” can unintentionally overlook the deep heritage of the communities who create it.

    The blend of rumah panjang and Balinese elements is a beautiful interpretation. Since the design doesn’t strongly reflect Moluccan architecture, adding a touch from Maluku could be a lovely way to connect with those roots. A personal introduction to Moluccan art from someone with Moluccan heritage is always impactful – just a thought!

    As Indonesians, we’re proud of our shared national identity, but we also hold deep pride in our individual cultural roots. That’s what keeps our traditions so alive and meaningful. Wishing you all the best, and thank you for sharing!

  2. @SimplyK888

    I feel peaceful just watching their house on YT….can't imagine what's like living there. But I do wonder if there are lots of bugs and snakes around?

  3. @musicmyenvy

    That's all well and good, but you have to be able to afford a life like that. And very few people can.

  5. @RelaxHouseMusic1

    This home is not just a building — it’s a philosophy made visible. A quiet celebration of balance, heritage, and harmony with the land. Truly inspiring.

  6. @kathyteo5922

    Always love to watch such kind of videos during my breakfast time, and love to see doggies running around the house 🙂

  9. @reza7472

    "Rumah panjang" is a betang house. typical house of the Dayak tribe of Bornoe (Kalimantan)

  10. @mistressdawn

    Dream house!! But how much it will cost… i'm in my late 20s but i really craving to have home soon, tired of moving around rent homes. Traveled around worlds to find place like home. Been bali in my turbulent times, it's a place coexists chaotic and serenity, i miss there now.

  11. @mistressdawn

    House is extension of body, and nature is extension of house.. having a good home thats blend with nature is important for body too

  17. @Kocheng_Belang

    kamu bisa membuat rumah dengan landscape hutan seperti itu asal kamu beli tanah 2 hektar, pagar keliling lalu tanam pohon di sekelilingnya sampai mirip hutan lalu buat rumah ditengahnya, jika tidak beli tanah itu maka 5 tahun kedepan hutan itu akan jadi rumah orang lain dan rumah mu akan seperti aquarium

  22. @deborahhebblethwaite1865

    I have lived in the Caribbean and well during the day I did open doors onto my large veranda that was only in the dry season. I do not like mosquitoes or flies and in the evening when the doors closed, I had screens on all of the louvres and windows to bring fresh air and the bugs out. Don’t get me wrong. Your house looks lovely, but to me all those heavy drapes, enclosed windows make me hot. So how do you keep the house cool with the doors closed and the bugs out🇨🇦

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