The Teletubbies Dome: Sleman's Unique Earthquake-Resistant Settlement

The residential area in Sumberharjo Village, Prambanan District, Sleman Regency, appears quite different from typical housing. In this area, residents’ houses possess a unique shape, being circular and resembling igloos.

These houses serve as residences for victims relocated following the 2006 earthquake. The shape, which resembles Teletubbies houses, has led the area to become popular under the name ‘Teletubbies Houses’.

This unique design, which differs from conventional homes, was constructed to be earthquake-resistant. The Teletubbies Dome settlement is located at the foot of the Prambanan hills, approximately four kilometres from the Prambanan-Piyungan Highway. The residential area appears quite lush, situated on a lowland by a river and surrounded by paddy fields.

Similar to standard houses, these Teletubbies houses feature doors and windows. The most striking difference is the roof, which does not use tiles but is instead made entirely of cement and resembles a dome.

The presence of these Teletubbies houses has become even more eye-catching due to the use of colourful paints and even cartoon murals on some structures. Not only the houses, but the mosque and community meeting facilities also feature dome shapes.

Over time, many of the dome houses in Nglepen Hamlet have undergone renovations. Many residents have added new structures, resulting in some of the dome houses no longer appearing as continuous curves.

Once a Tourism Icon

Their cute and unusual shape once made these dome residences a popular tourism icon. Curious residents would flock to the location.

During holidays, the number of visitors to the earthquake survivors’ complex used to increase significantly.

“Yes, it used to be very crowded. But since COVID (2019), it has become quiet,” said Lasiyem (70), a resident of the dome housing, when interviewed at her stall on Saturday (28/6/2026).

While serving customers with pecel and drinks, Lasiyem recalled the period during the COVID pandemic when visitors were prohibited from entering. The impact is still felt today.

“It is quiet now. There are still people on Saturdays and Sundays, usually from schools,” Lasiyem explained.

“I run a small shop selling drinks and fried snacks, which used to sell very well. I used to make Rp 300,000 a day; now, even making Rp 50,000 is difficult,” Lasiyem added.

Another resident, Samijo (71), also recalled that the area was once crowded with visitors but has become increasingly deserted following the pandemic.

“Since COVID, it has been quiet because of the restrictions. Now, this is how it is,” Samijo stated.

Tourism in Decline

The Head of Sumberharjo Village, Prambanan District, Kurniawan Widiyante, confirmed that tourism visits to the dome houses have dropped drastically since COVID. His office is now attempting to revitalise the area.

“We are just starting to rebuild and crawl back. We are providing assistance, and last year, we worked with the tourism office to revive the spirit of tourism actors,” said Kurniawan.

For context, these dome houses are relocation dwellings for residents of Nglepen and Sengir Hamlets who were affected by the 2006 earthquake. The residents moved because their land had subsided.

As a result, Nglepen Hamlet and parts of Sengir Hamlet are now as quiet as a ghost town, with the area now overgrown with lush trees like a forest.