journal
Photography: Jack Johns
01 / 09 / 2026
Surrounded by centuries-old trees and lush vegetation, Rumah Rubah reveals itself as a refuge of rare tranquillity. Conceived by Maximilian Jencquel, the house establishes a subtle dialogue between the Balinese soul and Japanese sensibility, creating an atmosphere of retreat and lightness.
Hidden within Bali’s exuberant tropical landscape, in Tumbak Bayuh, Rumah Rubah remains almost imperceptible amid four thousand square metres of garden. Hundreds of botanical species, ancient trees and subtle traces of Balinese tradition envelop the architecture, making it difficult to discern where nature ends and the house begins. Conceived by architect Maximilian Jencquel, the project stems from a simple intention: to observe and respect the site to the point where the built structure itself dissolves into the landscape and becomes part of it.
Entirely crafted from teak, the house reveals itself slowly, through a succession of framed views, shadows and textures, with every corner offering a small discovery.
At the heart of the house lies an inner courtyard, around which the bedrooms, social areas, kitchen and outdoor spaces are arranged. The layout creates a fluid relationship between inside and out, reinforced by large sliding panels that allow the garden to permeate the interiors and the air to circulate freely.
It is this relationship with nature that forms one of the project’s fundamental principles. The design prioritises cross-ventilation, shade and natural cooling provided by the courtyard and its central reflecting pool.
Entirely crafted from teak, the house reveals itself slowly, through a succession of framed views, shadows and textures, with every corner offering a small discovery.
At the heart of the house lies an inner courtyard, around which the bedrooms, social areas, kitchen and outdoor spaces are arranged. The layout creates a fluid relationship between inside and out, reinforced by large sliding panels that allow the garden to permeate the interiors and the air to circulate freely.
It is this relationship with nature that forms one of the project’s fundamental principles. The design prioritises cross-ventilation, shade and natural cooling provided by the courtyard and its central reflecting pool.
The materials follow a language of restraint. Reclaimed teak, weathered stone, flowing textiles and elements of Balinese craftsmanship come together to create a serene shelter, where richness lies in the details. Everything has been chosen to age with dignity. The furniture, custom-designed by Studio Jencquel, complements the delicacy of the architecture, while hand-carved details and tactile surfaces lend depth to the simplicity of the interiors.
There is also a curious story behind the name. Rumah Rubah means ‘fox house’ in Indonesian, a direct reference to Maison Kitsuné, the brand co-founded by the house’s owner, Gildas Loaëc. At the entrance, two clay foxes stand guard over the property, introducing a Japanese layer to a building deeply rooted in Bali.
It is precisely in this confluence of cultures that the villa finds its identity. Japanese simplicity, Balinese spirituality and contemporary rigour communicate with one another. There is discipline, but no coldness. There is excellence, but no ostentation. There is tradition, but no sense of contrived nostalgia.
It is precisely in this confluence of cultures that the villa finds its identity. Japanese simplicity, Balinese spirituality and contemporary rigour communicate with one another. There is discipline, but no coldness. There is excellence, but no ostentation. There is tradition, but no sense of contrived nostalgia.
In the morning, the light returns, filtering through the timber. The breeze moves gently through the spaces. In the courtyard, the water remains still. In the garden, the trees continue to grow at their own pace, indifferent to the passing hours.
Perhaps this is the true sophistication of the place: not adding more to the world, but learning from it to recognise what is essential.
Perhaps this is the true sophistication of the place: not adding more to the world, but learning from it to recognise what is essential.
For more information, visit Ruma Rubah website.
