SEOUL DESIGN AWARD

Tao Bun Raya, located in a flood-prone district of Makassar, Indonesia, is a community-based café that reimagines the traditional stilt house in a contemporary way. The architect collaborated with the café operator, local artisans, and suppliers of discarded wood to construct the building. Primarily composed of reclaimed timber and bamboo, Tao Bun Raya community café intends to reduce both cost and environmental impact, while preserving local skills and cultural identity.

With the local climate carefully considered, the structure is elevated on stilts, leaving 90% of the ground surface open to allow water absorption, natural drainage, and flood mitigation. The open lower level doubles as a gathering and event space for residents, while the café itself serves as a commercial venue as well as a cultural hub for local youth where they can exchange ideas and share communal traditions.

The project is a clear proof that traditional housing models still remain highly relevant in contemporary society. By reusing timber and local materials, it actively reduces waste and strengthens flood resilience for local lives. Through the participation of the local l artisans, it also revives the regional economy and cultural roots. Blending traditional wisdom with modern design, Tao Bun Raya demonstrates that the twin values of sustainability and social cohesion can be achieved.

At its core, Tao Bun Raya is guided by principles of local collaboration with cultural context and environmental sensitivity in mind. Its vision is not limited to one place, but is applicable worldwide. In regions increasingly vulnerable to flooding due to climate change, reinterpreting traditional architecture can offer practical solutions. The café stands as a model where tradition and modernity come together in harmony to create a sustainable daily life.