Rumah Mahakam is a contemporary residence in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, taking its name from the mighty Mahakam River that defines the region’s geography and culture. The design brings modern architectural sophistication to Borneo’s river city, responding to the unique climate, cultural context, and lifestyle of East Kalimantan with sensitivity and ambition.
Rumah Mahakam bridges the contemporary and the traditional, drawing from the spatial wisdom of Kalimantan’s indigenous Dayak architecture — particularly the communal longhouse — while expressing it through modern forms and materials. The elevated floor plane responds to the region’s rainfall patterns, while the broad roof canopy creates a sheltered outdoor realm that extends living space beyond the walls. It is a home designed specifically for its place, honoring Samarinda’s riverine identity.
