singapore-based architecture and design firm WOHA have developed alila villas uluwatu
in bali, indonesia, a hotel and villa complex which is designed to be ecologically sustainable.
located within the dry savannah landscape of the bukit peninsular, on the southern cliffs
of the indonesian island of bali, it is comprised of 50 hotel suites and 35 residential villas.



view of the villas from the water
photo by patrick bingham-hall


the overall design of this project investigates the potential fusion of vernacular architecture
with modernist design. here, WOHA has combined traditional balinese pavilion architecture
and rural landscapes with a more modern treatment of space and form. its design is based
from first principles around the pleasures inhabiting the site, rather than assembling stereotypical
images of bali or generic resorts.



poolside view of the hotel villa cabana
photo by tim griffith


instead of using the typical steep balinese pavilions which would have blocked the
panoramic views of the landscape, the buildings are instead influenced by local farmers
and their terraces of loosely piled limestone boulders. terraced low-pitched roofs
were developed using balinese volcanic pumice rock, a naturally insulating material
which can also support local ferns and succulents. each of the pavilions are linked by bridges
which cross over water gardens.



arcade of the public areas
photo by tim griffith


construction materials have all been sourced locally. the walls utilize stone from the actual site
taken from the road cuttings, while all other materials are either from bali or the neighbouring
island of java. sustainable timbers include coconut and bamboo. local craftsmen in java and bali
have made the interior furniture, lamps and accessories, thus the overall development promoting
and supporting local skills and materials, rather than importing products.



sunset cabana
photo by patrick bingham-hall


the villas bring about an environmental and social awareness.
alila villas uluwatu is the first hotel in bali to receive the highest level of certification
for environmentally sustainable design (ESD). the development is meant to bring about
an environmental and global awareness and has been designed to exceed the
green globe 21 requirements.

the environmental implementations which have been made include:

- rainwater collection and water recycling in retention ponds
- aquifer recharging through soaks, swales and rain gardens
- all wastewater goes to grey water systems for water plants and toilet flushing
- all sewerage is treated, and sewerage water recycled into the grey water system
- large overhangs provide a natural cooling system
- water heating using heat pumps
- use of saltwater pools rather than chlorinated ones
- low energy lighting
- employment for surrounding villagers
- landscaping based on natural vegetation to encourage wildlife,
as well as using dry-climate vegetation to save water...



lobby lounge
photo by tim griffith


poolside view and public areas
photo by tim griffith



view of a one bedroom hotel villa
photo by tim griffith



lobby lounge at dusk
photo by patrick bingham-hall



hotel lobby and public areas at dusk
photo by patrick bingham-hall



panoramic view of the villas blending into the landscape
photo by tim griffith



warung restaurant interior
photo by patrick bingham-hall



batik stamps used as part of the interior design of the cire restaurant
photograph by tim griffith