It seems crazy to write this: SHL Asia is celebrating its 10-year Anniversary. We have crossed yet another milestone in the history of SHL Asia. A decade in the industry seems a lot but we are still far from done. Out of all things, we just want to say thank you to everyone and everything that have played important roles in furthering our cause. Most of all, we want to thank you the universe.
SHL Asia started with a crazy idea from three Balinese late
20-somethings to start their own design consultant and 10 years later—here we
are, making design all across Asia.
Things, however, are slightly different this year. Our
decade’s celebration happens in the same year as the pandemic which that means
all plans would have to be put on hold until we can safely celebrate together.
For now, we are virtually celebrating
this glorious achievement while take the time upon reflection and express
gratitude.
To the universe,
Thank you for letting us see our work as love instead of something to do.
Thank you for another chance to see the magic in every ordinary thing that isn’t ordinary at all.
Thank you for the new ideas, the inspiration that comes,
even if it’s the kind that comes middle of the night.
Thank you for the nature surround, for the sound of flowing
water, for the smell of morning dew, for the song of the birds chirp, for the
voices of the wind blows through the trees and for the feel of green grass on
our feet.
Universe has allowed us to keep moving forward and let us create.
Thank you to SHL Asia family past and present – all of
the team, everyone who has ever worked with us. To SHL Asia current team, thank
you for being the ultimate support system for this company.
To our clients and partners – that is far too many great names to list – thank you for allowing us to innovate and trusting us.
SHL Asia is not just about the business, it is about the people. The team, the clients and partners, the designs, the awards, the experiences and most importantly the value driven from these people—there are so much about this company that can’t be sum in to one article. But one thing for sure, something big awaits to happen for us but for now let us celebrate 10 years of SHL Asia by sending our gratitude.
When talking about hospitality design, one must enhance its visual as well as its functionality that fulfill the needs of users. Hospitality designs generate an experience. Although there are many factors that contribute to that experience such as service, dining and cleanliness, it always starts with the first impression: the design. When guests first arrive, they see the façade, and then start to explore the lobby. If they feel off or even unimpressed, that could set the tone for their stay. If the design energy amazes them, this could secure the guests who will not only return but also tell others about their experience.
The Famous Bali Style
As one of the top tourist and hospitality destinations, Bali offers numerous places to stay ranging from boutique hotels, private villas and high-end resorts. Many of them portray Bali style which incorporates traditional Balinese architecture to the design. The famous “Bali style” was introduced and popularized by foreign architects such as Peter Muller, Geoffrey Bawa and Kerry Hill. The knowledge transmission of local architecture became their tools to carry on local tradition and stood equally to the most sophisticated architecture work while still holding onto local values. They have broken doubts from the society that Balinese architecture was merely houses and sacred buildings. This also have encouraged other architects to then study and develop Balinese architecture more, just like us.
As a Bali based hospitality design consultant, our work is both functional and visually exciting. We always strive to integrate local culture into our design. It could be the architecture, folk stories or even nature surrounding, it is all part of the Bali culture. We want to create a journey experience that can be long remembered even after the guest leave just like exactly the purpose of hospitality design is.
Adiwana Jeevalokha, A Sanctuary for The Soul
One of our on-going projects reflects all these needs, a secluded boutique hotel, Adiwana Jeevalokha by Adiwana hotels. Jeeva means live/soul and lokha means a world/place. The word is derived from Sanskrit which basically means a world or place for the soul. Adiwana Jeevalokha was designed as the sanctuary for the souls, a place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of modernity.
The project is located in Ubud, a village in Gianyar. The village is long known for cultural and art center as well as beautiful lush landscape. Nowadays, however, the village and even Bali in general has slowly shifted away from its tradition. A number of newly built architecture takes on more modern approach that is far from Balinese architecture. With that in mind, we want to create a sanctuary where guests can experience how Bali truly is, the Island of Gods, a peaceful place.
Traditional Balinese Architecture
Candi Bentar gate for entrance
Red bricks to accentuate local materials
Architecture wise, the building implements various Balinese architecture elements to truly reflect how Bali in the past. Although the overall typology of the building is a simplified Balinese architecture, the details, however, speak for themselves. Right from the entrance, guests are welcomed by an inspired Candi Bentar gate, a gate to enter the outer area of a palace or temple in Bali traditional layout zone. Going in to the inner area, there is Candi Kurung gate, a gate between outer and inner area of the hotel. Other than that, the hotel is designed into few building compounds implementing the natah concept in Balinese houses. The architecture harmoniously uses local materials such as red bricks and natural stones to really accentuate the feel of traditional Bali.
Landscape Inspired by Nature
Lush landscape left and right
To complement the architecture, the landscape is inspired by the rich culture and beautiful nature around the site. It is designed to be tropical and lush just like the environment on site. It is aimed to feel like natural jungle hence we play around with a lot of layering and composition to make as if its nature-made. The landscape is also completed with some water element for calming and rejuvenating effect through a natural waterfall where the stream flows across the site. By staying to Bali’s root and close to the nature, Adiwana Jeevalokha creates an experience that not only distinctive but eases the soul. All these components have come together to deliver a whole design experience that last for the guests. A moment to disconnect and find peace at Adiwana Jeevalokha.
Bali has gained popularity not only for its breathtaking and picturesque landscape but also traditional Balinese architecture as its identity. It is in fact, one of the most popular Asian tropical architectural styles that has been used by resorts in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia. Numerous luxury villas and resorts are using the traditional Balinese style combined with modern elements.
One of the characteristics of Balinese architectural style is its distinct flair for being in harmony with nature as one of the three causes of Tri Hita Karana. It strives to preserve the nature and promote the sustainability, keeping balance of the environment. One of the ways is through the application of locally sourced natural materials.
The Role of Local Materials
Using materials that are local and natural is environmentally friendly – it cuts the distance materials need to travel, cutting down on the pollution created during transportation. It also reduces the cost of production process and supports the local craftsmen in the area.
Local materials are the resources that can be found in huge number at a particular location or area. These materials could be plentiful in some area but not available in another. The traditional Balinese houses use materials that are easy to find in the island like different kind of natural stones (sandstone, green stone), Balinese red bricks and bamboos.
Local Materials at Taman Umanda
One of our projects that uses a lot of local materials is Taman Umanda. It is a private residence project located in the heart of Denpasar. The project consists of compounds of houses with its own meditation area at the front. Because locality is often associated with identity, we wish to present the identity of Bali through the application of local materials. Other than that, they add more sustainability value.
The material that dominates the wall is paras batu Silakarang (Silakarang sandstone). Paras Bali Silakarang is a Balinese original soft sandstone of gray and yellow color. The stones are suitable for different kind of settings inside and out. They have high durability and can endure various seasonal changes. This is due to the fact that Bali sandstone is excavated from the core of stone mountains. The material is delivered from Gianyar, a region next to the city, which then assembled on-site in the front and on the side walls.
Close-up of Silakarang sandstone
Layout composition using Silakarang sandstone
Stacking sandstonesBalinese red bricks act as planter
In the back area, we intended to construct vertical garden using carefully arranged red bricks. Various architecture in Bali from temples, goverment’s buildings to traditional houses are using bricks as main accents. Bricks are made from a mix of clays and water which then fired in a kiln. With this certain project, these bricks are put together in certain angle to make small niches that act as wall planter.
The wall planter at the back using arrangement of red bricks & slate stone outdoor floor
Another local material applied in the project is Singaraja slate stone. This material is sourced from the North of Bali. Slate stones have uneven shape and surface due from intrusion of andesite stone. They are popular for exterior or outdoor application for its durability in extreme climate. In this project, the stones are used for the pathway and outdoor floors
Pathway using Singaraja slate stone
Currently the project is still under-construction until around the end of the year. As a whole, we wish to deliver the concept of using local materials. Aside from helping the enviroment, it presents the identity of Bali. The implementation of these materials help to maintain the authentic Bali nuance to the project.
The Villas at Bisma Eight (or we formerly called as Bisma Garden) is our most current finished landscape project located at Jalan Bisma in Ubud. Collaborated with the architect Andra Matin, it is the newest establishement from the same owner and management as our previous projects, Bisma Eight Hotel and Folk Pool & Gardens. Each villa is tucked behind walls for maximum privacy and complemented with its own pool, spacious rooms and secluded garden designed by SHL Asia . The landscape design is the response of what the building needs, we put less to add more. We balanced it out by designing vibrant landscape creating ambience and to soften the overall look.
Landscape at The Villa
The inspiration mainly came from the client and the Ubud’s nature. The client wished to introduce the guests to what Ubud really is, a mixture of vibrant modernity and rich tradition that runs in harmony. The contemporary interior and building is combined with vibrant greeneries and local crafts. At the first glance, the Villa at Bisma Eight looks edgy and sharp but the more we dive into it, it now soften and homey with touch of details and the breath of plants. The villa itself was pursued to be exclusive and private, thus the public area was designed to be open and spacious.
Less Texture, More Color
The public areas include lobby (entrance), spa, pathways and amphitheater/courtyard. The beauty of clean white exterior is it can be painted with various colors. In this case, the blank canvas is smeared with green hue from shrubs and trees and a touch of multicolor flower plants. During daytime when it is sunny out, these plants create an aesthetic shadow play on the white background walls. We put more colored softscape in public places but chose more simplistic plant so it would not overcrowd the area.
Marvel of peru ( Mirabilis jalapa)
Less Color, More Texture
On the other hand, there is a secluded lush garden inside each villa. The landscape concept in private area is single color, focusing on different texture and shades of green. Some of the common plants in the villa’s garden are Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) and Macarthur palm (Ptychosperma macarthurii). They have different height and unique texture to add density for the garden. Tropical plant like Elephant Ear (Alocasia) can also be found among them. It has big foliage and nice green color that suits the concept. Beside the softscape, the landscape inside the villa was completed with hardscape like wooden stepping, earth tone artwork and an outdoor shower made from natural stone.
photo courtesy by @bismaeight management
Hardscape
The hardscape in general is dominated with muted textured white walls and terrazzo pathways. It looks clean and almost dream-like from very little color. The rest of it is kept minimalist. Other than plant, it is decorated with stones. Big stone, little stone. There are dark grey pebbles in most area, by the pond, surrounding the pool and even in open courtyard side to side with some beds of grass. It adds more texture and color for the landscape. Public places also decorated with boulders for more variation. Boulders stones are place strategically along the pathway creating a balance composition of softscape, hardscape and building.
small grey pebbles
Artwork
There is not much artwork throughout the villa. We wanted to keep it very minimalistic thus avoided heavy carving artwork that is commonly found in many resorts. Instead, we use water barrel made from terracotta. Originally water barrel is one of the Balinese household items to contain water on daily basis, however we use it merely for artwork. We matched the tone of the artwork with the roof tile of the buildings that also has the terracotta color. Both artwork and tiles have the same rustic,timeworn-like finished.
Overall, the landscape design at The Villas was aspired to complement the design. The combination of different plants and texture are put together creating simple yet and it what represents the humbleness of Ubud.
Finally, we are arrived at the end of 2019, another more year before the decade ends. It has been a crazy journey for SHL Asia team. Not only we parted with some of our friends but we introduced with more new friends. We managed to accomplish some things we didn’t do the year before and even achieved unexpected things. Here is the SHL Asia 2019 rewind
We started off this year with few architecture exhibitions, SERASI by IAI Bali and Bali Architecture Week initiated by Popo Danes. We exhibited some of our ongoing projects and shared them with public. Meanwhile, our project in Natuna Island, Jelita Sejuba Resort, began its construction work after we previously flew off and had our first ever site visit to that beautiful island. On March, our collaboration landscape project in Sanur, Hyatt Regency Bali, with Ketut Suratman from Rimba Bali and Tierra Design had finally finished its renovation. The landscape presents the ambience of nostalgic Bali, we could not be more thrilled with the result.
A month later we got another chance to come back to Natuna Island for site inspection, although there were some issues on site there was not anything major and the progress is still going well until now. After months of designing and building, we finally moved to our new office studio, Workspace and Culture in May. It was not 100% done yet but we managed to get things done after some time. We feel really good about and definitely look a lot more representative with WAC. A month later, our office was packed with interns, the most we had in the history of SHL Asia. We had 7 interns, with 3 of them from abroad (Netherland and France). We felt really merry in the first half of 2019.
The second half of this year was even better with our participation in IAI Bali Award 2019 and finally got nominated. One of our projects, Folk Pool & Garden, was then announced to have won the award in restaurant category. This award was meant for all the team not just 1-2 people in the company so we were really proud of it. Not to mention, we got a surprise news on our landscape project in Citadines Hotel Berawa has won Indonesia Property Award and later another winning on Asia property Award. The joy was real and we couldn’t be happier for SHL Asia team as well as our client that has been super cooperative.
We also got the opportunity to be featured in the Yak magazine on their printed and online platform in their September issue. While all that was happening, our projects kept going at the same time. The architecture project in Ubud, Adiwana Jeevalokha, did their Groundbreaking ceremony in October. We are very excited about the project to be completed smoothly. Another our project is Blackpenny Sunset Bar that just recently had their opening night. It is a restaurant and pizza located in Gili Trawangan, Lombok Islands with the view of sunset and white sand beach.
These are just some highlights of 2019 since we could not mention everything one by one. One word is not enough to sum 2019 up for SHL Asia. But to underline is we either made progress or learned something from trials and errors in the past year. No such thing is perfect and we can only try our best to make things happen. As always, we keep on aiming to deliver better service, design and product while creating balance between human and nature. Furthermore, we would like to express highest gratitude to all partners, clients and friends that have been walking by our side. Here is to 2020!
Our on-going project is located in Gili Trawangan. It is a restaurant and bar under Blackpenny management. The island is one of the three big Gilis of Lombok Islands. It is a hotspot for travelers from all over the world not for those looking a peaceful island retreat. It is filled with bustling lines of lounge bars, hip guesthouses, and ambitious restaurants – hence we want to bring something that stands out among these lively spots.
In order to deliver design that in sync with the whole ambience of the location, it is necessary for us to visit and spend some time on site. Back in August, we had our first site visit to Gili Trawangan. The island itself was mesmerizing. We stayed there for a couple days to really absorb the ambience.
The island is busy with bikes and cidomos(small horse-drawn carriage)with no motorized transportation. Even with minimal machinery and its small size, Trawangan has developed into a hippy party paradise destination that attracts people from all ages. We went around the island by foot to see for ourselves how vibrant the island is. We want to create design that reflect and accommodate the needs of the travelers.
After a lot of research and observation, we concluded there are few points to create an attention-grabbing design for this restaurant and bar. Although it has limited space, we maximized it through innovative design, colors and detail accents. There is already an existing building on site which we need to renovate. We transform this building by adding a massive dented cube roof with wooden pillars underneath. The giant cube acts as the focal point for this project. Additionally, this design came up as visual representation. It can accommodate the growing trend of social media through its crooked and unusual design.
Next to the main building, we design a pizza bar to present an open kitchen concept. We want to offer something new to the island by bringing this concept. The roof takes on a boat-like shape with a little chimney from the stone oven. The design is inspired by the things around the site, like fishing boats that are anchored at the beach.
Aside from the design, we pay extra attention to tones and colors of the project. Color is one of the important elements to attract attention aside from the design. It was rather tricky to decide on what color would stand out in an island that has already vibrant and full of color. Most of these lines of restaurants and bars chose bright colors to attract people. However in contrast, we use black and white (monochromatic) and a hint of natural wood color on our massive roof installation. The neutral colors seem calm and soft yet different from the rest among these colorful streets of Gili Trawangan.
Last but not least is the touch of accent. We always pay attention to details in any of our design to add more value hence we show it through its interior. The site is not big, but there are several seating options to choose whether at the bar, inside the building or outside facing the street. Daybeds and bean bags are displayed in pastel colors inside and outside at the beach area. Cozy ambience is created with warm light from string and hanging lamps across the restaurants. The combination of wooden interior and warm ambience is well put together in a monochromatic background.
Currently the project is still under construction with the estimated time of completion is by the end of this year. So far, there is not much trouble during the construction work. The design is aimed to be outstanding yet classy as we want the element to complement each other creating brand new design experience.
