river-like flowing structure by k-thengono breathes new life into balinese restaurant

talaga sampireun by k-thengono in bali

K-Thengono design studio brings new life to Talaga Sampireun restaurant in Bali, Indonesia by creating a structure following a river-like axis. The innovative concept diverges from the conventional setup of individual saung (Sundanese huts) and separate dining halls. The design team has crafted a cohesive narrative inspired by villages from a bygone era. The new central element features a continuous curved spine surrounded by a lake. Spacious dining areas rest along this ‘river’, with open-air saung found along its path, reminiscent of traditional riverside settlements. This design approach provides the main dining areas with direct access to the lake’s edge, allowing guests to interact with the tranquil waterscape. 

all images courtesy of K-Thengono

The flowing river-like roof serves as the main design element

The design team of K-Thengono placed skylights strategically, punctuating the high roof of the Talaga Sampireun restaurant to invite natural light and enhance visual appeal. The absence of walls maximizes natural ventilation and blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a unified atmosphere that feels continuous and uninterrupted. Local materials such as teak, brass, and red brick contrast with the modern steel structures, while artisan-crafted rattan ceiling elements add warmth, paying homage to the region’s craft heritage. The dining experience is further enhanced by a design that engages all senses, with songbirds serenading guests as they enjoy views of the surrounding landscape.

strategically placed skylights punctuate the high roof and invite natural light

decorative elements on the ceilings are crafted by local artisans

the red brick contrasts with modern steel structures

spacious dining areas rest along the river-like shell

the absence of walls maximizes natural ventilation and blurs boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces

the roofs are mimicking the form of leaves, echoing the traditional riverside settlements

soaring rooftop welcomes guests toward the dining areas

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the main dining areas have access to the lake's edge, allowing guests to interact with the waterscape

the lighting complements the structure's shape

ground floor plan

roof plan

concept diagram

project info:

name: Talaga Sampireun Bali
location: Bali, Indonesia
architect: Kelvin Thengono k-thengono | @kthengono
design team: Kelvin Thengono, Kevin Chandra & Natashia Angelina, Theodora Sianturi 
interior designer: Sheren Pricillia Sanusi 
technical drafter team: Fachrudin Faruq

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom