With the support of a USD 75,000 Research in Practice Grant (RPG) from the Holcim Foundation, they have spent two years exploring new solutions for this local building typology that enhance community wellbeing using local materials and expertise. The research addresses the challenge of sustaining water-related vernacular architecture in Indonesia where cultural wisdom is deeply rooted yet disrupted, and the building typology is perceived as facing relevant issues.

While studying at Universitas Katolik Parahyangan in Bandung, Indonesia, Nicholas Rodriques, Rionaldi Gunari and Gani Wiratama examined how upgrading vernacular architecture can make a remarkable impact on improving the quality of life across communities. Their research proposal for a floating amenity block that treated wastewater via a plant-based filtration system won a Holcim Awards Next Generation prize in 2020 under the title Buoyant Amenity in Indonesia.

From this concept, they developed an RPG proposal to meet the practical challenges of design proactively to improve outcomes across both design and construction. To apply their knowledge and, inspired by existing research on vernacular buoyant structures, they created a first buoyant amenity prototype in Jatiluhur Reservoir, West Java, where an existing community in Purwakarta lives on the water.

Improving processes and sharing know-how

The design process aimed to identify a more sustainable methodology for re-adapting buoyant vernacular architecture that also delivered an elevated aesthetic impact and a tangible support for the community. The research team scrutinized the tectonics of current techniques used for construction and consulted with an architect experienced in designing bamboo structures to identify how processes could be improved.

Community engagement is pivotal to the success of the project. To precisely define community needs, a consultation process was used to evaluate the merits of various proposals, including a prayer hall, kindergarten, library, and local convenience store. The participatory workshops selected a fishing tourism center as the first prototype since it could be fully operated by the community and fit into the lifestyle of the Jatiluhur community. Local members of the Karang Taruna youth organization, which exists throughout Indonesia, operate the building and are developing its engagement program.

A process of learning in-practice

Serial iterations were conducted to refine each finding into a more relevant spatial structure aligned with the local context. The involvement of the local community in every aspect of the research boosted their confidence in exploring the untapped potential of their traditional building culture.

The building size was too large to be constructed in one piece and moved onto the lake, so a modular approach was used that adapted the design into a series of components. The high and open roofline of the structure did not provide adequate shelter during storms or shading from direct sunshine, so the roofline design was adjusted for future iterations.

Local bamboo was used as the principal building material. High humidity and constant contact with the water caused rot and fungal growth on the bamboo. To reduce the rate of deterioration, a chemical treatment was applied to the bamboo and drying times for the cut bamboo were increased. The requirement for periodic replacement of the bamboo within the structure impacts the economic sustainability of the design.

Authorities were concerned that the structure might increase pollution in the reservoir. Additional negotiation was needed to ensure there would be no use of high-ammonia fish feeds that cause a proliferation of water hyacinth that reduced water quality. The proposed transformation mitigates potential environmental impacts and addresses challenges of replicability and regulatory compliance.

Finding a new location

The extreme dry season and reduced water inflow into the Jatiluhur Reservoir to maintain higher water levels upstream caused the floating structure to be beached on an island formed in the lake.