Maximilian Jencquel's Rumah Rubah weaves Japanese restraint with Balinese craftsmanship amid a lush Bali garden. Explore this tropical hideaway.

Bali has long attracted architects seeking inspiration in the island's architectural traditions. Few, however, have engaged with them as thoughtfully as Maximilian Jencquel of Studio Jencquel. Throughout his work, the Bali-based Venezuelan architect has consistently sought to reconcile contemporary living with local craftsmanship, climatic responsiveness and a profound sense of place. Commissioned by French entrepreneur Gildas Loaëc, co-founder of fashion and lifestyle brand Maison Kitsuné, Rumah Rubah, a three-bedroom villa nestled within a lush 4,000-square-metre garden in Pererenan, takes that approach to a new dimension through a dialogue between Balinese and Japanese design traditions. The result in a tropical hideaway defined by quiet immersion, now welcoming guests seeking the same.
Arrival is marked by a traditional entrance gate flanked by a pair of handmade clay fox guardians, introducing the wordplay behind the villa’s name: Rumah Rubah means “fox house” in Indonesian, mirroring Maison Kitsuné—maison denoting house in French and kitsuné fox in Japanese. Stepping inside the grounds, you are enveloped by the dense tropical planting and tall trees amid which the low-slung villa is harmoniously ensconced, eschewing any sense of grandiosity or theatricality in favour of discretion and introspection. Constructed entirely from teak and crowned by expansive shingled roofs set purposefully below the treetops, the house unfolds gradually through a carefully choreographed sequence of thresholds and framed views.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.
At the heart of the residence lies a tranquil internal courtyard where a century-old frangipani tree rises from a reflective pond. More than a visual focal point, this serene enclave acts as the organisational anchor of the residence, around which the three bedrooms, living room, study, kitchen and outdoor dining area are arranged. The composition recalls the contemplative courtyards of traditional Japanese houses while remaining firmly rooted in its Balinese setting through the presence of water, carved timber elements and the pervasive connection to the surrounding garden.
This duality is evident throughout the project. Japanese notions of simplicity and spatial clarity inform the villa's overall composition, while Balinese craftsmanship lends it texture, warmth and cultural depth. Hand-carved doors, timber screens and finely detailed joinery sit alongside woven ceilings, stone surfaces and bespoke furnishings, creating interiors that feel both refined and deeply tactile. As in much of Jencquel's work, materiality serves as a means of grounding architecture within its environment: the weathered tones of the timber echo the trunks of the surrounding trees.
The villa's atmosphere is further enriched by a thoughtfully curated collection of Indonesian artworks and artefacts spanning centuries. Antique ceremonial masks dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries and traditional terracotta sculptures from different islands are mixed with contemporary photography and upcycled works by local makers, offering subtle reminders of the archipelago's diverse cultural heritage. Rather than functioning as decorative accessories, these pieces contribute to a broader narrative of cultural continuity and exchange.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.
Outside, the garden plays an equally important role in shaping the experience of the property. Meandering pathways weave through an abundance of native and tropical species, while a traditional river temple and a bale kulkul (a watch tower traditionally used in Balinese villages as a means of communication) reinforce the project's connection to Balinese culture. Complementing this sense of place is an in-house chef who prepares meals inspired by Indonesia's rich culinary traditions, drawing on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. Sustainability, too, has been integrated discreetly into the design through solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems and passive cooling strategies developed in collaboration with local engineering firm Eco Mantra.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Jack Johns.

Photography by Josh Robenstone.

Photography by Josh Robenstone.

Photography by Josh Robenstone.

Photography by Jack Johns.
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