Viro Pavilion, an innovative showroom featuring the flagship products of Viro, a brand that specializes in synthetic materials for tropical architecture, has officially opened in Indonesia Design District (IDD). Founded in 1998, Viro has been widely recognized in the international market with its extreme weather-resistant synthetic thatching and weaving products. The pavilion was designed by renowned architect Yori Antar of Han Awal & Partners (HAP) Architects, inspired by traditional houses in Nggela Village, Ende, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

A Design that Honors Tradition with a Modern Touch

Viro Pavilion is not a replica of a traditional house, but a showroom that carries a contemporary design with traditional elements. The architecture of the building adopts the shape of a house on stilts with three layers of space connected by a ramp. The concept of ramps, inclined paths that replace stairs, was chosen to create an experience of traveling through space, allowing visitors to move from one level to the next while enjoying Viro's range of products.

“Each ramp leads to a bordure where Viro products are showcased. This creates an indoor traveling experience, which ends at the top floor,” says Yori Antar. This design is not only functional, but also gives a sense of dynamism and fluidity in the space.

Synthetic Roof: An Innovation that Brings Coolness

One of the most striking elements of Viro Pavilion is its roof design. Inspired by the roofs of traditional NTT houses that use natural materials such as palm fiber and reeds, the showroom's roof is made from Viro's durable synthetic thatch. Yori Antar explained that traditional roofs in NTT have the ability to lower the temperature by up to 5 degrees Celsius, creating a cool atmosphere inside the house even when the weather outside is very hot. This is particularly relevant for building designs located in tropical areas, such as resorts or hotels on islands and beaches.

Eco-friendly Pavilion with a Megalithic Touch

In addition to the functional roof, the landscape around the showroom is designed to be as minimal as possible with natural elements such as sand and stone, depicting the feel of an indigenous village revitalized by Uma Nusantara Foundation. Yori Antar and his team added a megalithic touch with the use of large stones for the stairs and external elements of the building, giving it a very authentic yet modern feel.

Design for the Future

Viro Pavilion not only serves as a showroom, but also as a design inspiration for nature-concept buildings, such as resorts and hotels. The synthetic thatch material used on the roof offers advantages over traditional materials that require replacement every 3-5 years. With its longer durability, the showroom demonstrates how technology can improve and maintain traditional design elements for today's needs.

Viro Pavilion is a perfect example of the integration of modern design with local values, providing inspiration for the development of eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing tropical architecture projects.