stilt studios embeds nature-infused treehouse restaurant within bali's lush oasis

Stilt Studios nestles The Octagon amidst a boutique resort in bali

Perched amidst Bali’s tranquil surroundings, The Octagon by Stilt Studios emerges as a nature-infused treehouse restaurant, complementing the family-run luxury boutique Grün Resort Uluwatu. Marking the studio’s most extensive project, the structure embraces an octagonal shape, paying homage to the inherent harmony seen in nature. Elevated on stilts, the design maximizes space efficiency while minimizing its impact on the environment. According to Prayoga Arya, lead architectural designer at Stilt Studios, the resort’s development showed a strong dedication to living in harmony with nature. For them, The Octagon aims to create a space that nurtures a connection with the surrounding forest.

With an eye on adaptability and sustainability, the project caters to various functions and evolving needs. The lower floor spans 140 square meters, hosting a restaurant, a bar, a kitchen, and a guest toilet for the resort. Meanwhile, the open-plan upper floor, spanning 200 square meters, offers seamless transitions between spaces, accommodating various activities and areas such as an office, a yoga class venue, and an event space.

an octagonal design amidst Bali’s tranquil setting | all images ©Willem Keuppens

The Octagon treehouse blurs the boundaries of in and out

The upper floor of The Octagon appears to dance above the ground, thanks to its pilotis concept on the lower floor, blending with its natural surroundings. Large glass sliding doors, a central circular skylight, and strategically positioned openings invite breathtaking views of the forest, flooding the interiors with natural light and establishing a seamless connection with the environment. The open-plan layout, combined with low, relaxed furniture, enhances the sense of spaciousness and allows for natural airflow, creating a serene and harmonious atmosphere in tune with nature. An expansive decking system encircles the upper floor of The Octagon, offering 70 sqm of space. Stepping onto this deck transports users to an area where the boundaries between inside and outside blur, providing a 360-degree panorama.

The exterior of The Octagon features a harmonious blend of glass, steel, and reclaimed wood, creating a tropical-industrial aesthetic. The inclusion of steel not only contributes to its modern elegance but also guarantees durability and recyclability. Furthermore, the incorporation of reclaimed wood adds a touch of history and genuineness to the structure, while simultaneously reducing the need for new timber and embracing sustainability. Aligned with Stilt Studios’ ethos of ‘lightening the impact on earth,’ the project employs prefabricated building elements, while the architects consciously selected responsibly sourced materials, focusing on using as much wood as possible for carbon storage. By optimizing the construction process and minimizing waste through prefabrication, Stilt Studios saves time and reduces the carbon footprint associated with the building’s creation.

the structure lives in harmony with nature the versatile design of The Octagon hosts different functions, from restaurant to yoga studio large glass sliding doors let breathtaking views of the forest flood the interior