Monthly Archives: April 2019

Ubudarea has always had something to offer, from lush jungle, the flowing white river and even the vibrant culture ofUbudian. These Ubud’s traits attract people from all over the world, making it on the top list areas to visit. With the abundant tourist coming to the area, Ubud is one of the melting pots of villas and resort in the island. The cool crisp air in the morning and a million dollar view of greens and valley are two of the reasons why staying in Ubud feels more exclusive and secluded. It might be one of the reasons why Tanadewa Villa and Spa has opened its branch in Ubud, Gianyar.

Our landscape project, TanadewaVilllas and Spa has recently completed its construction progress. It is built right at the edge of a valley with a small creek and a natural riverbed as the backyard. It is nestled quiet hidden, away from the bustling main road but still very reachable. However, having a stunning backyard and isolatedarea also comes with a price.

Because the project is situated on the incline and an uneven land contour, it became quite a challenge. Moreover, the site has a big amount of water flowing down into the river. It then became another challenge as the high pressure of the water broke down the structure. We then applied cut and fill method to even out the contour and implemented gabion embankment to still allow the water flows through.

The landscape concept of course complemented the architecture concept, Bali contemporary style. Inspired by the localness, we preserved the existing plants on site. We have Teraptrees (Artocarpusodoratissimus), Coconut trees (Cocos nucifera)and native Bali plant like Majegau tree (Dysoxylumdensiflorum) on site.  We also added various kinds of tropical shrubs and trees that were handled by our reliable landscape constructor partner, Suksma Garden.

As for the artwork and most of the hardscape, itis aligned with the architecture Balinese contemporary concept and incorporating the local culture, such as the carving of the Balinese traditional dance and the placement of angkul-angkul in each villa entry. A lot of wall carving and statue was done and displayed by our trusted partner, 66 Pottery Bali.

Overall design, the project reflects the Balinese contemporary design. Even with the modernity that it offered, we still made sure the guest would feel the Bali vibes. The arrangement and placements of the plants truly liven up the ambience of Bali and the artworks that is inspired from Balinese folk stories. On last week of April, we proudly presented our project for architecture student visit from University of WidyaMataram Yogyakarta. They came to study the architecture and our landscape work that truly echoes the Bali feel.

Cheers,

SHL Asia Team

On March 21st, we were invited to the Housewarming Party for the Grand Opening of Hyatt Regency Bali in Sanur. The resort had gone under a renovation since late 2013 and finally revived after 5 long awaited years. Being loved for an international resort with its traditional Indonesian style and design, the resort reopened with better and fresher look this time. It is back and upgraded to its premium brand, Hyatt Regency Bali.

Previously named Bali Hyatt, it has got to be one of the first pioneers’ of upscale international resorts in Bali. It presence had elevated the standard of resorts in the island. The majestic garden of Bali Hyatt was the heritage of the famous tropical landscape artist, the late Made Wijaya. It spread on a 9 hectares land with a picturesque hundred of meters white sand beach-front view. We were fortunate enough to be participated in the renovation process along with other well-known names, such Tierra Design of Bangkok in architecture and a collaboration landscape work with Rimba Bali Garden.

Bali Hyatt has always known for its Bali charm. The architecture and especially Hyatt’s garden is such a masterpiece and truly reflects the Bali feel. It has always given the old nostalgia feeling to the guests. Anang Rahman, one of the principals of SHL Asia, had been trusted in handling this project with Ketut Suratman of Rimba Bali Garden. The landscape team collaborated in bringing back again the nuance of the past through the renovation of the famous Hyatt’s garden. The overall design and concept has already astonishing thus we did not want to drift away from its original concept. The purpose of the renovation was not to change, but only to restore what was there.

For the landscape design plan we added few touches to give the landscape a new life. We added plenty of local plants to resuscitate the tropical lush haven of Hyatt Garden. We preserved most of the existing plants, especially the mature ones, including (but not limited to)Tabebuia trees (Tabebuia chrysanta), Sacred Fig trees (Ficus religiosa) and lots of Frangipanis (Plumeria). We also initiated ‘Bali Forest’ as part of the Hyatt’s garden. The area is aimed to be the home and conversation area for some of the rarest and endangered local plants.

So as preserving most of the original artworks throughout the resorts, we did not replace the artworks. Though it wasn’t possible to create the exact same artworks, what we did was to make the replica with similar design and style with the existing artworks. In result, the overall design blends really well, the original and the new ones. The resort is refreshed but still does not miss the nostalgic Bali vibe.

The restoration of Hyatt Regency Bali has finally finished and it is now open for public. We are pleased to be involved in the renovation process of one of the most iconic architecture in Bali. Moreover to take on and preserving the work of a legendary landscape artist in Bali hospitality, we feel challenged but truly honored.

Cheers,
SHL Asia Team