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Behind The Scene: The Creative Process of Making The Landscape Design of Natya Resort Ubud

by with One Comment GeneralProject Updates

How do architects

actually find inspiration and ideas, and then make them come alive? It is not an easy process, nor a linear one. Being creative is work, it takes time and effort. Ideas can be found in every place and every situation, even when you expect it the least. Creative process of an architect may differ from one another. One may just spend some quiet time and find a muse. While others may go out door or spend a lot of time on site. We would walk through the property and explore the area as the inspiration for Natya Resorts came to us.

For us, one of the initial and crucial processes in finding inspiration is to be open-minded and to take in any possibility out there. The process in making Natya Resort landscape design, of course, involved a lot of research and observation like in every other project. We spent some time on site to study the landscape as we wanted to truly feel the ambiance and it helped us to figure out what kind of story we would want to bring to the table. As architects, we always wish to provide unique experiences in every project to give a personal touch for people to remember hence, it is important to differentiate each project by paying more attention to details.

Since this project is located in Ubud,

Bali’s highland, we had to understand first the texture and contour of the landscape surrounding Ubud. The area is truly blessed with plenty of rainfall which makes the river flowing, rich soil, bountiful jungle and paddy rice all year around. These are the things that people come to Ubud for, it is what makes Ubud perfect for a peaceful and romantic retreat. The site is nestle deep in the heart of Ubud rain forest preserve. It is situated on the sides of a steep valley, a rather unusual land contour which was quite challenging. Another thing to keep in mind was that not only we had to preserve the native environment and nature, but also to respect the local tradition.

A couple of the concepts

we used for Natya Resort Ubud are the concept of “tegalan” and “subak.” Tegalan is a term for agricultural land turned into a plantation field, containing different variety of fruit trees and vegetation. As for subak, not only it functions as irrigation system for paddy fields in Bali but also a direct overview of the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana for Balinese people. There are a lot of tegalan and subak throughout the area, due to the richness and fertility of Ubud. We wanted to elevate the concept of tegalan and subak to the level of hospitality as in resorts and villa for this project.

The range of tropical fruit trees includes:

  • water apple (syzygium aqueum)
  • sugar apple (annona squamosa)
  • banana (musa acuminate)
  • jackfruit (artocarpus heterophyllus)
  • bilimbi (averrhoa bilimbi)
  • kedondong (spondias dulcis)
  • coconut tree (cocos nucifera)

We also applied tropical native and decorative trees and shrubs, such as:

  • frangipani (plumeria)
  • butterfly tree (bauhinia ‘blakeana’)
  • traveller’s palm (ravenala madagascariensis)
  • tower tree (schizolobium parahyba)
  • weeping fig (ficus benjamina)
  • ferns tree (nephrolepis exaltata)
  • bird nest (asplenium nidus)
  • cola de paloma (xiphidium caeruleum)

Some of these flower plants and tress function as plants of birds, they would attract birds which is also good for the environment. They planted scattered all through the site, all along the pathways and around the villas. Meanwhile, we integrated the original subak to the manmade subak which flowing through the site.

Another concept for Natya came when thinking about Ubud as the heart of culture and art. It gave us an idea to bring the daily life of Bali through the details of artworks, and the application of local materials. Things such as chicken cages and cow’s bell that are part of village landscape were utilized as lamp cases and hanging decoration. The pergolas all over the resort implemented hardwood like ironwood that is proper for outdoor usage. The relief carvings of Bali’s daily life and folk stories on some kerobokan sandstone walls along the pathway in the project. We as well placed statues from sandstone and wooden artworks in every corner of the resort. We hoped these little; precise details will tell stories to the guests, adding a nice touch to their experience.

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Besides spending time on site, we would also spend hours looking at images and talking to the architect and clients. The landscape must be build to complement the buildings and vice versa hence, the conversation with the architect is also crucial. We wanted to design the landscape so the buildings seem blending beautifully with the surrounding nature. We plant a lot of trees that function as a barrier to keep privacy and especially to preserve the lush nature of the site because the buildings were designed to be nature oriented. This will ensure the guests can interact with nature from the privacy of their vil

Talking to our clients is another thing in designing this project. We must know what the clients want and need. We tried our best to visualize it and were pleased to have one vision regarding the Natya Resort project with the owner. We seem to have a great synergy and often give each other feedback.  The creative process in making the design of Natya Project was challenging and thrilling at the same time. Inspiration and ideas really came from many sources. We embraced them and incorporate one another with the result of some beautiful harmonious elements which makes Natya Resort truly one and only. For more insight of the landscape design, check out our video down below!

https://youtu.be/z91DIIShMos

Cheers,

SHL Asia team

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Modern Day Kartini: Women’s Breakthrough in Architecture

by with No Comment GeneralProject Updates

April 21st…

has declared as ‘Kartini Day’ by the first President of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno. It was the birth date of Raden Adjeng Kartini, a notable national heroine for women’s right. She was a pioneer in the area of education for girls and women. She had fought for women emancipation, especially to obtain women’s privilege to go to school or work. Kartini dared to question the right of women for their freedom, equality and legal authority. Her concerns were not only about women’s emancipation but also regarding other social issues in her society.

More than a century after the death of Raden Ajeng Kartini, the old saying that a woman’s place is to stay at home appears to be no longer valid. Although there are some groups of people that still following the traditional custom, but in the past decades, development and social change in Indonesia have facilitated profound changes in women’s work participation. In many area of profession, the gender gap is narrowed. However, what about the women in architecture?

Unfortunately,

the role of women in architecture is still considerably low compare to the percentage of man in the industry. Women still have less recognition in the architectural world, not only in Indonesia, but it also applied in other countries. According to Jane Duncan, the former President of Royal Institute of British Architects, women represent 44 percent on the entry level, but the numbers drop off before they reach on to the next stage. Which is for the second degree and the training to reach the professional qualification. Many approved when women have graduated and moved on to the real work, usually men are easier to thrive and get recognize as architects. The common stereotype is a lot of people still consider architect as a ‘masculine’ profession. That is why women tend to avoid it, especially those with family.

Moreover in Indonesia, just like in any country, still holds its traditions and culture of women. And it is rather hard to let go of them because since ancient time the world designed and constructed by men, based on the fact that most of the history is patriarchal. However, we live in a very dynamic world and architecture is really a broad scope to start with, it covers a lot of aspects.

Depends on which side people view the architecture itself. Architecture can be technical; it can be environmental or even art. With that said, for women to be involved in the architecture do not necessarily have to be an architect. It doesn’t have to be involved in a technical way. For example, a journalist might contribute more to urban design than many of the creators and builders of the physical environment.

Amongst the small number

of women in Indonesian architecture, Imelda Akmal, an architecture author and founder of Imelda Akmal Architecture Writer Studio (IAAW) has succeed owning a reputable reputation in Indonesian architecture despite also being a full time wife and mother for her family. She has been in the industry for more than 20 years. Imelda started out as a magazine writer then continued her study for Architecture Theory and Critics to England and finally opened her own architecture publication studio with the support from her husband.

She managed to publish a lot of architectural documentation of her works as well as local and overseas architects. Many of her publication have influence Indonesian architecture by bringing the latest trends or presenting the work of a certain architect. They shape not only architecture trends in the country but also in the region of Southeast Asia. Her writing and publication are used by many parties. From architectural observer, related industries, academicians to students as references for architect and architecture development. It is also recognized has helped a lot of architects in doing their works. Of course, the achievements and kudos are the result of her hard work, dedication and believe.

In conclusion, it is not about expecting for the system to change. It it is about women expecting more of them, and that way the system can be changed. Just like Kartini, she had expected women more of what they were then. She expected women to have the right of equality and do more than just sitting at home. Women should believe on what they capable of doing in any profession, including to all the women in architecture. Women have and will always own the power in breaking the stereotype, making a breakthrough, shaping structures, influencing architecture, even designing the cities all over the world, no less than men do. Happy Kartini’s Day to all Kartini in Indonesia!

Cheers,

SHL Asia team

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Happy Indonesian ARchiTecture Day

by with No Comment GeneralProject Updates

Did you know?

In Indonesia, 18th of March is commemorated as Architectural Day?? We reckon not many people aware of this, as it is not as popular or not reported as much. Although it has been recognized by the government, but how about the people itself?. It is really unfortunate that a lot of people still very unfamiliar with this. The unpopularity of architectural day could be because some people still view architecture as complicated matters. Many of them think it only belongs to some group of people, which is very much limited and exclusive. How many people actually talk about architecture, façade, or building materials?

Little did we know, architecture is a lot simpler and closer to us on a daily basis. A quick example is the increasing usage of social media like Instagram. Majority of people would look for aesthetically pleasing building designs or unique building features for their Instagram post. Which is very much the art. So to say architecture is only about technical isn’t all true. And It is a lot more common than most people think.

Architecture for Indonesia

With that said, even though Architectural Day is not celebrated as national holiday, but Indonesia as a nation still has to appreciate the history and work of architectures. The map of Indonesian architecture, of course cannot be separated from the role of architects. They have had designed and built architectural works across the country that have become part of people and culture of Indonesia. We too, would like to contribute in producing architecture designs that are appropriate and beneficial for Indonesia, functionally and culturally.

While we are on this topic, this month’s article will features one of our architecture projects located in Jimbaran, Bali. We have done not only landscape projects in the past, but also quite a few architectural projects. This architecture project was somewhat special as it was quite challenging for us. Jimbaran Bay Beach resort and spa was a project that took a bit more effort in the designing process. Since we specialized in landscape design, we normally play around with big space and contour. While the original site of Jimbaran Bay beach was limited and there was almost no space for landscape area. Therefore we needed to design a building with limited space but still look spacious and of course with greenery involved.

The trick we used

was applied an open space concept and shied away from installing too many walls and windows. We created high ceiling lobby and semi outdoor restaurant. Their function was to make the illusion of a bigger space as they are connected to the outdoor area. The concept also encourages the air flow at the ground level to relieve the high humidity in the tropical climate. In the other hand, there was not much space left for the landscape area. So we planted greenery and vines along the wall and the building itself.

We wanted to bring out the Bali contemporary concept to the building by using a lot of local textures and material. We played with a lot of wood accents, bricks and natural stone. The contemporary concept is coming from the application of local materials in slightly more modern manner. For example the utilization of sandstone carved in to a contemporary floral design as artwork. Since architecture is also a form of art, we placed pieces of artworks all over the site enhancing the experience for guests and to satisfy their desire for art.

All things considered, with this project we would like to also contribute to the Indonesian map of architecture. We appreciate the works all Indonesian architects have done. They have given a significant impact to the history and community. Therefore as a part of it, we strive to also produce designs and architecture that will suitable and fulfill the need of Indonesian people and culture now and also in the future.

Cheers,

SHL Asia team

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For the Love of Intern

by with No Comment Company UpdatesGeneral

The month of February…

is also known as the month of love in many countries, including Indonesia. Although love is supposed to be shared and showed every day, but let us concentrate on give MORE LOVE throughout this month of February as well as in the future. This month’s article will be featured Carmen van Vroonhoven, our lovable on-going intern from the Netherlands.

We have been admitting interns since our early days. They have always been an important part in the company’s outgrowth. Not only because their contribution but also it is somewhat a way for us to give back. Since most of our interns are usually final year architecture students, we believe it could be a good opportunity before they are entering the real world of work. Having such an intimate work nuance definitely brings us closer to each other, including with all the interns. With this we hope to acknowledge and appreciate more.

The long of the internship programs can be vary from each intern, it is usually somewhere between 2-4 months. During this time, we grew closer and Carmen has become a part of us. Carmen started her internship program on November 11th 2017 and will be finish on March 9th 2018. She is now on her third year of university. She decided to join an intern program in Bali through an internship mediator back in her country.

Why here?

Why Indonesia? Or Bali, in particular? In her 23 years of life, she has been travelling across Europe. Her love for travelling has finally brought her here to get the taste of a tropical country. She also wanted to learn more about tropical plants. Currently, she is studying landscape engineering. A major focusing on work preparation and realization of public green spaces and infrastructure.

Since she lives in a 4 season country, the type of plants are very much different from plants in the tropical country such Indonesia. She would only learn on plants intended for a colder climate, like the Netherland. Here in Bali, the hospitality and tourism sector is growing rapidly. Resorts and hotels keep popping up left and right, villas are scattered in every part of the island and therefore Bali is a living catalogue for tropical landscape design. This intern experience is a whole new world for her.

The love ride of an intern

One of Carmen’s future plans is to have her own landscape construction company in the Netherland, hence she is focusing mostly on the more technical part for the landscape realization. This is one of the reasons she decided to join us, to have a deeper understanding on the design and visualization process. Since one of our specialization is in landscape design, she got really enthusiastic when was first offered the place. She was excited to learn new software and developing new skills. During her internship program she is placed in team C supervised by one of SHL Asia’s principles, Anang Rahman Hakim. She frequently came along for site visits to some of our projects. Her tasks are mainly support and assist any on-going project, such as on preliminary phase like making mood boards and plant images as well as working on 3D modelling.

No struggles, no progress…

She has faced some challenges throughout the program. Different language or culture is one thing but operating new software is another thing. She has been assisting on Bisma Garden project and working with a new Lumion program which was completely foreign for her. Lumion is 3D visualization software that offers the possibility to walk through the project area before the construction process started. It brings the 3D modelling comes alive. Learning new software in a short amount of time was not easy. However she managed to operate it of course with the help and support from her supervisor and all work mates. Another challenge for her was learning the different kind of vegetation between the tropical and subtropical plants with plants in the colder climate. She has to learn not only the different type of vegetation but also the names in different language, in order to work on preliminary phase to collect plant images. Regardless all challenges, she very much enjoyed the process and loved learning all the new things.

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I had an amazing time during this period and thanks for the education and fun from everyone. Also, I would like to thank all the employees of SHL ASIA for the excellent cooperation and the effort that it took to speak English. I will definitely return to Bali once!

All in all, every intern as well as all the alumni is very dear and close to our heart. They have given a significant contribution to the company’s progress and output. Not only Carmen, but it has always been a pleasure to have all the interns as a part of us. We have learned from each other and made good memories together. All this time it has been an ups and downs journey for us and the interns and they deserve no less of recognition as an intern.

Cheers,

SHL Asia Team

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SHL Asia Looking Back at 2017 and Welcoming 2018

by with No Comment Company UpdatesGeneralProject Updates

Welcome 2018.

It is crazy how time just flies, as January 2018 has almost come to an end. So many things have happened last year, people came and some also left, we have made so many memories together as a team as well as with the respected partners and clients. The exciting part for us has always the thrilled of presenting insights and ideas of how diverse the design for hospitality sector can be. Although it could be a challenge for us, but that what keeps us think outside the box. We are always able to explore and get creative with the ever changing concept of hospitality design.

To include every bit of 2017, one article definitely will not be enough. So here by are some highlights from last year achievements. We have made several exciting new project deals for the upcoming years, few of them are Hyatt Regency Bali, Natya Resort & Spa Tanah Lot, and Bisma Garden. Couple of our finished projects in 2017, including Folk Pool & Garden and Natya Resort & Spa both is located in Ubud, Bali. Folk Pool & Garden is located right at the heart of Ubud. If you stroll along the Monkey Forest Street, you could easily find the “Folk” sign with its strong ‘local’ vibe. The restaurant has expanded with the addition of pool and garden making the place a perfect oasis and hidden retreat from the bustling of the street.

A Humble Hidden Oasis…

The concept we would want to bring out is the rustic feel with the use of recycled materials such as used Ulin wood, used trellis and steel screen, and old asbestos that would really give that local, humble atmosphere to this all-in-one hangout place. We constructed the pool big enough so people can swim back and forth, we also added some spots where they can elevate their experiences by taking their meals and martinis in the pool or at the bar and day bed by the poolside. The garden itself is arranged with lots of trees and bushes around the edges, and vines on the dining area, keeping it very tropical. The garden is decorated with a hammock in the corner and colorful bean bags and beach chairs along with old metal barrel for their tables.

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Exclusiveness At Its Finest…

Our next finished project from 2017 is Natya Resort & Spa located in Ubud, Bali. Just like any other Natya Hotel & Resort in Bali, this one in Ubud is also bringing the feeling of exclusiveness because of its location. The landscape design is the combination of tropical vibe with traditional Balinese accent. We used many of the natural elements such as rocks to make artwork, water feature, carving wall, buggy way, and pattern floor and woods usage for another water features and frameworks of pergolas all over the resort.

The Balinese touch comes from the exterior of the landscape such as lamp cases built from traditional chicken cages and temple-like statues and reliefs that are placed in many spots within the resort. The noticeable vast green scenery is added with variant of tropical trees and plants. For full insight of this beautiful resort, check out our landscape design video down below

https://youtu.be/z91DIIShMos

Wrapping up 2017, we gathered up for the end year get together. We celebrated a year that has passed and we welcomed a more exciting and hopeful New Year of 2018.

This year too, please do look forward on our exciting projects. We will be working on Hyatt Regency in Sanur, Tanadewa Resort & Spa in Ubud, and Buugan Village Resort & Spa in Gianyar.

We will also be welcoming new team members, visiting new places and definitely presenting a better, fresher designs and services.

Cheers,

SHL Asia Team