outdoor swimming pool splits alexis dornier’s ‘bond house’ in two in bali

located on a lush green plot in ubud, bali, alexis dornier’s ‘bond house’ is a private residence split in two by an outdoor swimming pool area. a cross diagram defines the home’s spatial organization, with different elements intersecting to create zones for gathering and recreation throughout its two levels. the pool area forms the dominating main axis of the building, splitting the living room into two living spaces.all images by KIE

alexis dornier has designed ‘bond house’ as a non-intrusive building that frames its natural surroundings without obstructing the eye, that is left free for gazing. the approach to the residence leads straight onto the pool area, which forms the main axis of the project, and, together with the living room spaces, the main gathering level for its residents. the sculptural spiral staircase in the pool area connects to the vast roof terrace, from which one can enjoy views of the surrounding rice fields as well as of the pool area below.

‘the cross is one of the oldest diagrams of space organisation in architectural history,’ explains the bali-based architecture studio. ‘”bond” is designed through the interplay of intersecting elements coming together to shape planefields for gathering and recreation on all levels – a junction that unifies elements traveling in all directions.’

the slab, which is seemingly hovering above the pool, has large openings that provide views from the roof terrace back onto the pool. a curtain wall façade wraps the two living rooms, creating very little visual barrier to the outside. a collection of remarkable furniture pieces, the sculptural kitchen and dining table complete these spaces, while the wooden ceiling adds warmth and creates a distinction between interior and exterior.

below the main level, the ground level of the house encloses five bedrooms, which have access to the living room spaces through voids that hold stairways. all rooms can also be individually accessed from the outside, and without having to go through the living rooms they form the pedestal for upstairs. chosen materials amplify the seamless continuation of the outside, such as sukabumi stone, which defines all hard surfaces as conceptual fossilization of the jungle.

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project info:

name: bond house

architect: alexis dornier

construction: surya kembar

location: ubud, bali

total floor area: 1.033 m²

roof terrace: 76.5 m2

ground floor: 585.5 m2

level -1: 371 m2