Architect for Villas and Resorts on Sumba

Sumba is a different place to build from Bali. The studio of Antonio Rutilio, an Italian architect and civil engineer based in Ubud, has designed two projects on the island: a boutique resort and a private villa, both in East Sumba. This page explains what designing there involves and how the studio works on a site several islands away from its office.

For the studio's work across the archipelago, see the page for an architect in Indonesia; for resorts in general, the page for a resort architect.

What is different about Sumba

Sumba is drier than Bali, with open savanna landscapes, long coastlines and a strong local building tradition — the tall-roofed traditional houses are part of the island's identity. It is also far less developed: there are fewer experienced contractors, and many materials and fittings have to be brought in from other islands.

That changes the design. The structure and the construction method are chosen for what a local team can build and maintain, the specification favours materials that can be sourced or shipped reliably, and the schedule allows for transport. Water, energy and access are studied at the very start, because on a remote plot they are part of the architecture, not an afterthought.

Projects on Sumba

Each project has its own page; the description says what the studio did, as stated there.

• Sumba Dream Resort — East Sumba. A boutique resort of eight private villas of 200 m² each, where the island's traditional architecture meets contemporary hospitality design. Architecture.
• Villa Sumba Sundagatt — East Sumba. A private villa on the coast, with sculptural roof lines and a fluid plan. Architecture, engineering, interiors, structure and MEP.

Services for a project on Sumba

• Site and feasibility review: access, water, energy and what the plot allows
• Concept and architectural design for villas and boutique resorts
• Structural and MEP coordination
• Permit documentation with licensed Indonesian professionals
• Interior design
• 3D visualisation and virtual tours, useful when the owner cannot visit often
• Tender and construction coordination with site visits at key stages

Working from Ubud

Most of the design work happens in the studio in Ubud and is shared through 3D models, drawings and video calls. The site is visited when it matters — for the first analysis of the land and at the key stages of construction — and the formal permit submissions are made with licensed Indonesian professionals.

First step

For a preliminary, non-binding cost range use the project estimator; the location of the site is one of the variables it takes into account. To discuss a plot on Sumba, contact the studio.