Striking in its form yet in complete harmony with its coastal context, the Pusaran Ocean Deck, a near sculptural public architecture by RAD+ar (Research Artistic Design + Architecture) floats amidst the tranquil waters of a private island in the Karimun Jawa archipelago in Indonesia, offering a silent yet strong ode to sustainable construction, marine conservation and cultural integration. Serving as an extension to an existing shark observation deck, Pusaran—which stands for ‘whirlpool’ in Bahasa Indonesia—stands not as an imposition to its oceanic surroundings, but as an extension to the waterfront.

Bringing to life a fluidity of both form and function, Pusaran began as an experiment in wood architecture, with the idea of constructing a space in the middle of the ocean using only reclaimed ironwood on the foundation of a vernacular structure. It arose from a need to emphasise ecologically sensitive design, especially in challenging sites typically considered unsuitable for construction without impacting the surrounding ecosystem. Completed in 2024, the 300-square-metre deck invites tourists to explore the ocean from a unique vantage point, while remarkably encapsulating nuanced layers of meaning and function within a relatively simple structure.

At the heart of Pusaran’s design lies a deep respect for local materials, traditional architecture and contextual construction techniques. In a time when large-scale constructions often rely on concrete and steel—both of which can have detrimental impacts on fragile marine ecosystems—Pusaran deliberately steps away from this convention. Even in a remote and challenging location where most construction would require invasive interventions to the ocean floor, the form stands resilient, built with minimally treated and locally sourced timber, much of it from the waste of previous wood constructions. "The intervention is built upon a vernacular system using reclaimed ironwood, which is known for its natural durability and resistance to seawater," lead architect Antonius Richard Rusli tells STIR.

Cognizant of preserving an unrefined charm that highlights the single-material construction of ironwood timber panels held together with peg joints hoisting diagonal windbreakers and shades, the swirling geometry of Pusaran echoes the fluid motion of ocean waves. The conscious material choices that govern Rusli’s vision not only ensure the structure’s longevity but also align with RAD+ar’s larger ethos of adapting traditional methods and materials to modern architecture, particularly attuned to sensitive biotas like Karimun Jawa.

Beyond its material feats, Pusaran’s multi-level design allows visitors to engage with the sea in myriad ways, from diving into its depths to observing marine life through glass floors, including thriving corals planted by both visitors and island owners. This fosters an awareness of delicate marine ecosystems and intentionally merges education and leisure through an interactive experience.

Pusaran then reveals a third layer of meaning, which thoughtfully responds to the local cultural context. Karimun Jawa is home to a predominantly Muslim population and mindful of this, the architects include a separate praying deck, infusing the architectural intervention with spiritual meaning. Facing the Kaaba (the stone structure at the centre of Mecca, one of the holiest sites for Islam), the praying deck allows one to reconnect with spiritual tranquillity in the midst of nature. “We wanted to design a new realm of public space, where people can connect to their faith while being surrounded by the beauty of the ocean,” Rusli notes, highlighting both the spiritual and social dimensions of public space design, manifested here in cascading wreathes of timber

Far from a singular experiment, Pusaran presents itself as a quasi-manifesto on future sustainability within construction. The project is part of RAD+ar’s ongoing initiative on prototypes, which aims to decentralise sustainable construction practices throughout Indonesia, as evidenced in the practice’s previous designs such as the Aruma Split Garden and the Tanatap Frame Garden evidence. With an open layout and a single-material construction, Pusaran demonstrates how design simplicity itself can conceal complex environmental benefits. Rusli tells STIR of future projects inspired by Pusaran, revealing, “We’re already exploring similar concepts with our other prototypes, such as the tanatap series, which focuses on green commercial gardens and a religious building in Pamulang that acts as a third space for the community.”

With its commitment to environmental preservation, Pusaran attempts to transcend a singular, linear meaning than public spaces that are defined by similar singularities and linearities. In adapting vernacular strategies to contemporary constructions, the project strives to be exemplary of how architecture can and should engage with the natural world and a model of integrating cultural complexity and experiential depth within a functional framework.

Project Details

Name: Pusaran Ocean Deck
Location: Indonesia
Typology: Public Architecture
Architect: Antonius Richard Rusli
Design Team: Junovan Muhammad, Dimas Rafidhiya Nugraha, Auliyana Khasana
Area: 300 sq.m.
Year of Completion: 2024