The Balinese Picture

It was not so long ago that when conversations about Bali came up, it prompted mental imagery of glittery golden beaches, blue seas that stroke them, the tropical vegetation that gives life to the archipelago, and especially the moss-clad stone temples that seem to rise organically from its terrain. No wonder it is often called the ?island of Gods?, mostly due to its age-old religious practices and the myriad of temples that Balinese architecture was renowned for. The breathtaking shores and the tranquil rainforests have made it an ideal place for the all-year-long platoon of visitors to dwell in its natural bounty.

Much like all tropical zones, the Traditional Balinese building techniques are defined by the plethora of natural building materials available, renewing its resources after every rain shower. Local materials such as thatched roofs, coconut wood, bamboo, teak wood, and stone form an integral part of any construction in Bali. While leveraging the use of local materials, the style is also influenced by the region’s cultural heritage, especially Bali?s Hindu traditions and ancient Javanese elements in its design. Balinese architecture itself has a main principle namely Tri Hita Karana, which contains three main values, maintaining good relations between humans and God, between human and their natural surroundings, and between humans and other humans to achieve happiness in life. Tri Hita Karana is applied through every part of Balinese people?s life, including its architecture.

Bali: A Contemporary Glow-Up or Sustainable Luxury

However, the past decade has seen a significant surge in the number of breathtaking designs that sweep you away with its glamour and finesse. Now, Contemporary Balinese architecture is one of the most popular Asian tropical architectural styles, with a distinct flair for being in harmony with nature. The style developed as a response to cater to Bali’s frequent visitors, who are attracted to the province?s culture, laid-back way of life, and the amazing natural resources that abound. While the development seizes on its loaded visitors, it capitalizes on Bali’s well-skilled worker population to shape the ideas of global design thinkers plowing their trade on the Island.

Dornier at the Helm

Hospitality projects in Bali have been making headlines in the global architecture forums. The tranquillity that comes out of the sustainability of spaces has garnered its influence worldwide. One architect who has been at the forefront of this is German architect Alexis Dornier. After completing his degree from the University of Arts in Berlin and further going on to work with industry leaders such as Asymptote Architecture, OMA-NY and Rex between 2004-2007, his firm Alexis Dornier Makings demonstrated Sustainable architecture in Bali with new-age cutting-edge designs.

“At Alexis Dornier Makings, ?makings? isn?t just about constructing buildings; it?s about creating a complete environment where every detail is carefully planned and integrated. This approach embodies the philosophy of Gesamtkunstwerk, where architecture isn?t limited to walls but extends to an interconnected experience encompassing interior design, furniture, and art?each element contributing to a cohesive whole.”
“In an age where technology and mass production can sometimes overshadow the human element, the emphasis on ?makings? brings the focus back to the value of the handcrafted. At Alexis Dornier Makings, projects aren?t just built?they?re crafted with meticulous attention to detail that make spaces functional and deeply meaningful. This way, each project stands as a Gesamtkunstwerk, a complete work of art that highlights human creativity and craftsmanship.” says on their official website.

Stilting the Practice

Another practice that took on a bold approach to a new typology in construction in Bali is the Stilt studio design. Already having gained a reputation for its innovative and sustainable approach to an already geographically volatile location, the co-founders Alexis Dornier and Florian Holm have created an environmentally friendly and economically viable architectural solution that counters the instability of Bali’s property market and also its unstable topographic conditions.

Projects such as the Tetra Pod, a small-scale residence made from recycled tetra pack cartons showcase the company’s ethos of Sustainable architecture in Bali and creative thinking, reflecting the vision and influence of Dornier.
Contrary to popular belief, the idea of prefabricated structures in Bali not only minimizes the ecological burden of construction rigid foundations for designs but also catapults itself by addressing the issue of short-term leases on construction sites. Stilt Studios, for example, can be constructed on awkwardly shaped plots or challenging sites. This flexibility is crucial for developing remote areas and boosting local economies. Knock-down structures that can be fabricated offsite and assembled quickly without complex skills are essential for such development. By integrating these studios into natural landscapes, a sense of impermanence is evoked, allowing for future experimental structures and maximum agility in a rapidly changing property market.

The Bali Lesson

The world has witnessed the destruction of ecology by being ignorant about the impacts buildings create on the earth, and it is practices like these that speak volumes about how modernity can fuse with vernacularism and change the world. The design tremor hasn’t stopped at just the hospitality sector, outstanding architectural marvels have been coming up as private residences and even workspaces. The new wave of Balinese architecture has not just shaken the world in terms of ecological luxury, but also a deeper lesson of sustainability.

Sources

• https://alexisdornier.com/
• https://www.theluxurysignature.com/2015/02/06/balinese-architecture-overview-and-design-philosophy/
• https://somiadesign.com/contemporary-balinese-design-to-embrace-the-soul-of-your-house/
• https://www.dezeen.com/tag/bali
• https://www.dezeen.com/2023/12/16/stilt-studios-treehouse-villas-bali-resort/
• https://www.archdaily.com/tag/bali
• https://www.thebalibible.com/articles/5-notable-contemporary-examples-of-balinese-architecture