MAYA — Uncompromising Monumentalism. A pyramid beyond time, beyond style, beyond comparison. Maya symbolizes energy, ascension, and the passage between the material and the spiritual. Geometry here is not merely form — it is meaning.
Designing an unapologetically brutal structure that houses a space for rest was a bold challenge. Throughout the project, we pursued a balance of opposites: power and severity on one side, comfort, and elegance on the other.
The architectural concept draws on sacred forms of the past. The inclined concrete walls reinterpret the geometry of Mayan pyramids and Hindu temples, becoming both structural system and spatial narrative. These sloped planes define not only the exterior expression, but also the interior movement, layout, and light.
The villa’s side walls bring mass and monumentality. The narrow end-spaces between the concrete wings evoke pure brutalism — a place where ancient mystique meets a futuristic tension.
In contrast, the main façade introduces a dynamic softness. Glass surfaces ease the weight of the concrete, while their sharp angles reflect shifting light and shadows throughout the day, bringing depth and rhythm to the structure. The façade and infinity pool were conceived as a unified plane — sky and water reflected as one surface. Concrete gathers strength, glass brings motion, water absorbs it.
Inside, this dialogue of opposites continues. The Living Room, conceived as a concrete void, is framed by three major glass surfaces: the main façade, a vertical opening between concrete wings capped by a massive slab, and a second façade shaded by the upper terrace. Light plays across surfaces, altering the perception of volume throughout the day. Diffused sunlight softens the presence of concrete, while vivid furniture, mosaic art, and greenery add human warmth.
A standout feature is the open lounge on the cliff — shaded by sail-like canopies, it offers a sense of freedom with panoramic views over Bali’s southern coast.
The key structural challenge was the inclined concrete walls — load-bearing, unlined, cast in-situ. Tropical conditions — humidity, salt, heat — demanded precision. We used self-compacting concrete with protective additives and a reduced water-cement ratio.
The second challenge was the 10-meter cantilevered terrace. To make it float without visible support, we calculated loads precisely, integrated beams, counterforts, and dampers, achieving strength and grace.
Engineering systems remain discreet but intelligent. A unified platform controls ventilation, climate, and lighting. Automated routines respond to CO₂, humidity, and temperature. Low-E glass reduces thermal load, water is monitored for pressure and flow — all operating quietly, in the background. We designed MAYA not simply as a residence, but as a structure to live in — without losing connection to self or surroundings. Honesty in form, material, and detail defined every decision.