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Bayangloka Theater in Batukaru

We want to bring our readers closer to the majestic Mount Batukaru. It is the second tallest peak after Mount Agung, and its forest is as ancient as Balinese culture. Its purity is safeguarded by a temple complex at the mountain’s base. The strict rules applied to all sacred mountains in Bali are enforced here: women who are menstruating and grieving men or women are forbidden from entering the area.

The mount, is inside a region called Wongaya Gede, where also we design a resort complex called Batukaru Resort. The region holds a very significance value in terms of natural amenities, hence, this potential is responded by mindful design. The site has both spiritual and natural attraction to begin with.

The region itself, Wongaya Gede, is remote from the city. It takes about two hours to reach from the airport, but the sense of retreat and refreshment is guaranteed. We are conducting research to study the significance of Wongaya Gede and highlight its unique features. A journal paper from the Faculty of Tourism at Udayana University, titled The Potential of Natural Tourism in Wongaya Gede by Ni Putu Sri Utami Putri, et al, released in 2024 covers this subject in detail :

This region is situated 650 meters above sea level, classifying it as a highland area. The majority of the land is used for rice cultivation, which explains the numerous Subak (ricefield irrigation) channels maintained by the community. Water amenities are nearby, including Pikat Waterfall, known for its refreshing and pure water. The area is cool and breezy; however, the waterfall must be reached on foot due to limited access. Closer look into the site project, the  site is blessed with a ricefield panorama, water spring, and local temple to honor its purity.

In Bali, water spring is spefically called beji and usually become the source of irrigation and water offerings. In our site, this spring is preserved uncompromised by building structure. It is one way to do a sustainable approach – if we can get guests introduced to water tradition of Bali, awareness will arise to sustain water resources, hence, take us closer to our sustainability goal.

Site Situation

Resort Batukaru From Bird Eye View

A challenge of is how a sustainability could accommodate a resort complex like Batukaru Resort that obviously needs immerse resources to run its facilities that spanned in the 54.900sqm area. The design then put extra focus on the water resource management to make sure the development does’nt interrupt the ‘vista’ which is the panoramic ricefield. This sustainable approach is also aligned with the original site’s value with the presence of Beji Temple inside the property.  All the design is developed under one corridor of storyline: ‘The Serendipity of Bayang Loka’.

Drop Off Area

‘Bayang Loka’ embodies the spirit of Wayang, a form of shadow puppet art. In Tabanan, the traditional local shadow puppet performance is known as ‘Cenk Blonk,’ centered around the characters Cenk and Blonk. This inspired us to develop artworks and ambient designs that capture the playful interplay of shadow and light against the backdrop of panoramic rice fields.

The building design reflects the charm of colonial architecture on the exterior, evoking a sense of historical significance. Inside, guests are welcomed by traditional interiors. This approach to colonial architecture is particularly fitting for Tabanan, a region that preserves its Dutch colonial-era buildings as historical landmarks.

Lobby

Under the goal of sustainability, the design focused on preserving as much existing trees as possible and preserve the ricefield. Despite the vast area, the development does’nt insist on the unit quantity resulting a cramped building mass. The masterplan is designed with as many green area as possible.

We want to keep close with nature. Our goal is to create sustainable facilities that not only stand the test of time but also enhance the natural environment they inhabit. By prioritizing thoughtful design and conservation, we aim to ensure that our development remains a timeless, harmonious part of its surroundings. This commitment to durability and environmental respect ensures that our facilities will continue to offer enduring value and beauty for generations to come.

Villa Passage & Restaurant

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Experiment on Recycling Paper

A lot comes to mind when we think about sustainability, especially in the context of architecture, landscape design, interiors, and artwork. While we often envision big, impactful solutions in our professional work, we should also consider how to incorporate sustainability into our everyday lives.

In our free time, we started a small project focused on recycling wasted paper. This initiative allows us to experiment with sustainable practices firsthand and make paper usable again. By taking this simple step, we hope to inspire others to think about sustainability in their daily routines.

The experiment requires tools that are very easy to acquire and can mostly be found at the nearest depot: a blender, wire mesh, a bucket, and a willingness to get our hands wet. Apparently, the process is super simple.

First, we tore all of our wasted paper into small pieces.

Second, using the torn paper, we mixed it in a bucket of water until it became paper porridge.

Third, we spread the paper porridge evenly on the wire mesh to dry.

It takes less than an hour to dry them with our AC blower (we used an outdoor AC unit), and the result is beautifully textured new paper. We can feel the raw texture with our skin. We see an opportunity to use this new paper for things like gift cards, invitation cards, or name cards. Following the successful experiment, we’ve already decided to change all of our business cards to use recycled paper.

The cards contain a plant seed, so when buried, they will grow into a plant. No more wasted, unsustainable traces left on Mother Earth. We are very proud of our experiment and urge everybody else to switch to reusable materials for the sustainability of our planet!

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Environment Harmony in Sumbawa

As we take immense pride in our culture, our enthusiasm extends to exploring the diverse archipelago of Indonesia. We understand that what makes us unique is our deep-rooted connection with Balinese philosophy. It is an enriching experience, respecting other cultures across the archipelago and sharing a unique interpretation of their beauty.

The process is the same: we dig into local values to identify which aspects can be highlighted in the design language. What always thrills us is the opportunity to learn something new—how, in some ways, we share a common tradition, yet in other ways, it carries different meanings and perspectives.

Like in West Sumbawa, we are learning about a local culture called Saleng Tulung, Saleng Tulang, and Saleng Totang. These embody the philosophical meanings of mindfulness, caring, and awareness deeply rooted in the local culture. Saleng Tulung means to help each other. Saleng Tulang means to stay aware of each other’s needs, and Saleng Totang means to nurture each other.

We implement these values into our landscape design at Rantung Beach, West Sumbawa, for a resort project aiming for a green-sustainable certificate. The traditions of the West Sumbawan people are interpreted as a mindful, empathetic, and aware approach toward the site. This entails paying extra attention to sustain the existing ecosystem.

Site Situation

The sustainable mission focuses not only on preserving but also on enhancing the existing environment and adding natural value. We have a dry site located near the coast, covering an area of approximately 59,000 m². We are not aiming to create a dull or uninteresting landscape; rather, we intend to make it greener, more tropical, and inviting.

The mission comes with certain parameters for classification as a green development. These parameters are assessed by a private green institution that guides us to achieve the criteria of ‘Appropriate Site Development.’ They include the ratio of built area to open area (which must be below 50%), shading trees covering 50% of the area, and compliance with Regulation of the Ministry of Home Affairs No. 1 of 2007 Article 13, Regulation of the Minister of Public Works No. 5/PRT/M/2008, and Green Open Space Article 2.3.1. 

Overall, these regulations recommend which vegetation should be planted to fulfill the green development criteria – we intend to follow and incorporate as much local vegetation on site as possible.

Another consideration, we realize that there are many unique big trees in the existing site. Accompanied by the client, we are going to explore the nearby jungle to select wild trees to be incorporated into the property. This also reduces energy waste by not importing trees from outside the island.

Ultimately, the design should transform the overall ambiance of the open space, adding luxury value and a feeling of seclusion. If we only focus on the criteria of green development without incorporating a sense of aesthetics, we believe it goes against the goal of sustainability, which is to sustain appreciation for nature as long as possible. What we do must also align with our client’s strategic goal of properly maintaining their property.

By integrating all these aspects we believe harmony will be achieved—the marriage of our philosophy and the cultural values of West Sumbawa.

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The Soul of Tabanan Forrest

It is no coincidence that we remain closely connected to our roots in Balinese architecture. In his book, ‘Traditional Architecture of Bali’, I Nyoman Gelebet once summarized that the enduring relevance of traditional architecture, still significant after five centuries, speaks volumes about its sustainability across time and eras.

We have ‘taksu’, or the closest equivalent in English, which is ‘the soul’. It refers to the total ambiance and appearance of a building that gives ‘taksu’—resulting in our hearts being moved by the experience. It appears spiritual and rich with meaning, somehow recharging our energy.

When we were commissioned to design resort facilities on a 5800m² plot of land in Tabanan, our client reminded us that the strongest amenities a resort could provide are its traditions. We are on the same page to give this project its ‘soul’ or ‘taksu’ to live inside the hearts of guests – because location-wise, the resort is not in a tourism zone. The plot is located deep in a rural area; building regulations classify this area as ‘residential’. Therefore, major structures and facilities need to proceed carefully as long as they promote Balinese culture and concern for Nature.

We write “Nature” with a capital ‘N’ because the nature of the site is very serene. It appears as a nestled area unknown to the rest of the world. The jungle is ancient, and the river is pure. We can imagine this resort becoming a modern expression of ‘silent luxury’, giving its own pride to the guests who discover it.

Indeed, we intend the guest to discover the new expression of tradition. In this process, we arrange an storyline that guide us into our goal. We highlight the concept with a tagline ‘The Serendipity of Wanadesa’s Solitude’. The main highlight is the word Wanadesa that means a ‘forrest village’ – a concept where wellness and serendipity seamlessly come together. This concept is enhanced by the site’s unique features and potential: a natural, endless spring within the site; the Yeh River flowing nearby; and Pura Beji located next to the site. The ambiance resembles a forest, where no trees were cut during the conceptualization and design phase.

The idea is to incorporate an authentic Tabanan-style architecture from the Majapahit era, characterized by its masculinity and bulkiness, fused with local materials such as sandstones, paras stones, and woods. Incorporating elements like the Meru and Pura-like shapes, we aim to achieve a robust architectural presence.

In the solitude of the forrest in the infuse of Tabanan-style, the bulkiness resembles a monastic atmosphere that gives safety and protection. The use of local stone material adds harmony to the region – also it blends perfectly with greeneries in the background. The entrance will give present of Tabanan’s soul as first impression.

Further exploring Balinese architecture, the design study implements the ‘meru’ as the main theme of the roof. In traditional architecture, ‘undagi’, or traditional architects, signify ‘roof’ as ‘the head’ and ‘a wall’ as ‘the body’. This is why the structure of a traditional house’s roof is often more complicated and holds significant meaning. For ‘meru’, it signifies the spiritual height of a building. The more ‘meru’ tiers there are, the more sacred the building is considered.

We still have the freedom to how the original form inspired a design. But the idea is to give a rememberence of the previous craftmanship and if possible opening a new thought the possibility how the shape of ‘meru’ could be explored without compromising the original tradition – spiritual value.

After all, this ‘hidden luxury’ is equipped with five-star facilities. Currently, there are no similar facilities nearby. It includes private villas spread along the river setback in five different types, a yoga deck, and a poolside restaurant. Most sacred of all is a Beji (water spring) temple inside the resort, finely integrated within the amenities.

The resort design is the result of our deep study and understanding of traditional architecture. Originally, traditional architecture functioned as part of religious complexes or rural residences. Adapting this for a resort requires careful consideration of how well it fits operational requirements and complies with regulations. Following all of this is a commitment to nature, people, and tradition.

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GROW BIG. UNITE. ACHIEVE MORE: 14th Anniversary

New friends, colleagues, and interns have added to the diversity of our team. It never fails to amaze us that our workplace could be such a beautiful container filled with numerous experiences from different backgrounds—representing all the archipelagos of Indonesia.

Everybody is united under the banner of Swarna Hutama Loka and gathered at The Silas Agrotourism facility in Bedugul. We see the faces anticipating new energy for whatever we are about to do.

The surprise was kept secret by the team until the right moment. With our new blue T-shirts shouting “GROW BIG,” we coloured the highland lawn in Bedugul with navy blue, and once the organizer opens the event with a prayer, it become obvious that we are apparently being prepared for a tense game.

We are a group of over 60 people, much like a small army of young talents. On this occasion, how to unleash the energy? It is channelled through the division of each team, challenged with a teamwork game. Now everybody is hyped for the competition, each wanting to be the best team out of the five major teams divided randomly. Some teams excel at card games, others win through physical challenges, and one team accomplished them all. In the spirit of fair play, everybody remains sporting.

Though maybe some wants a rematch.

But..there is one game where all the team must united and forget all the competition. In the last game, the team of Swarna Hutama Loka must unite to face our challenger – The Silas Team. The game is simple yet philosophic: Swarna Hutama Loka is given a candle light and must guard it to the checkpoint. The checkpoint is a pole raising our flag. While the challenger, will attack from all side with water – from behind, upfront, side, and even upper ground. At all cost, we must protect the candle. And we did it. We are successfully to surpassed the ordeal.

We understand, that game is the illustration of how we as a team – if we keep tight and close to each other – we can combine our talents for our common goals.

The games are now over. We change into banquet formal attire, and everyone agrees to use a ‘strikingly colourful’ theme for this occasion. The banquet is where the team presents their latest work in filmography—moving pictures beautifully directed to represent our journey. Not forgetting the bloopers of everybody’s comic moments – there is nothing too shame to share.

Mixed emotions fill the banquet—melancholy and laughter. The next agenda is the proudest one: the nominations of awards to acknowledge hard work, loyalty, and talent. Among the awards, the Gold and Platinum Awards are especially recognized for loyalty of up to 6 or more years being part of the team. Another prestigious award is the Rising Star Award, recognizing outstanding performance that goes beyond expectations in every division. From the banquet table, we can catch the proud faces of those receiving this recognition.

Everyone is proud and joyful. We’ve deepened our connections with one another, all united under the shared goal of UNITE and GROW BIG. The sense of camaraderie and collective purpose is strong, and we’re excited about moving forward together, stronger and more cohesive than ever.

From this event, we come back stronger to welcome new challenges. Until we see each other again next year! –

This event has been supported by our valuable friends, without whom its success would not have been possible. For that, we extend our utmost gratitude to:

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At The Edge of The Cliff

In retrospect, it is always a designer’s dream to be in tune with the environment. We are on the road to gaining more awareness of sustainable design as our concerns grow over excessive exploitation. We are aware that this could potentially change the facade of Bali, known as the Island of Paradise. On the other hand, a solution needs to be provided to accommodate functional and facility requirements that are feasible. We believe that careless and hasty sustainable development is as dangerous as unsustainable practices, as ultimately it leads to wasted effort and land.

In Balangan, Jimbaran, we adopt this mindset for a retreat house. Our client owns land directly bordering the coastline, situated atop a solid cliff rock with an irregular plot shape. Access is very narrow, as it depends on existing stairs. This property will only be accessed by foot, which is not an issue since this house is intended as a retreat, away from traffic.

Existing Rock Cliff

The plan was to build a house structure above the rock without altering the original existing situation. Both we and the owner realize it is not an easy task because the surface is solid rock (which also guarantees a stable foundation). With a strong bond, our client gives us the freedom to transform this majestic site into a modern, humble retreat house.

We propose a story first: The house will tell the story of ‘Uma Karang,’ which means ‘The House of Cliff.’ It revolves around the integration of natural materials into the elements and textures, with a focus on fine details using wood and limestone to achieve a soft, elegant contrast. The design is modern yet warm and inviting, aiming to create a sense of comfort and relaxation. It is meant to be a haven filled with love, laughter, happiness, and the peace of God.

The construction should not alter the face of the cliff. According to regulations, the land falls within the tourism zone and limited preserved zone, permitting the construction of a house structure with a maximum ground-built coefficient of 50% of the land size. Since the land is very close to the seashore, we checked the permit for setbacks and are required to maintain a 0.5m setback for public access/road. The structure naturally stands above the coral reef, ensuring it does not affect sand abrasion.

Inside, the picturesque view of Balangan Beach is the main focal point. The interior features three bedrooms, a living room, a private pool, and an outdoor balcony. The best time, of course, is during sunset when the warmth of the sun permeates through the windows, highlighting the craftsmanship of the wooden finishes and structure.

This retreat harmonizes modern comfort with the serene beauty of its natural surroundings. From the tranquil outdoor spaces to the thoughtfully designed interior, every detail reflects a commitment to blending luxury with the essence of Balinese coastal living. It stands as a testament to sustainable architecture that respects and enhances its environment, offering a sanctuary where one can truly unwind and reconnect with nature.