desa potato head bali unveils OMA-designed dome inspired by historical cisterns

dome, a retro-futuristic dining hub at desa potato head bali

Dome, the latest culinary concept at Desa Potato Head in Bali, designed by OMA, welcomes guests inside a retro-futurist ambiance elevated by natural, eco-conscious aesthetics. A nod to Buckminster Fuller’s Dome Home, the all-day restaurant and wine bar offers casual yet refined dishes each made from locally sourced flavors. The menu is the brainchild of Chef Diego Recart, who introduces a modern take on food inspired by his time spent in South American and European kitchens. The dining space highlights ingredients from organic farmers and local producers, while the bar focuses on consciously produced wines, including natural, organic, and biodynamic options.

all images courtesy Desa Potato Head Bali

oma evokes ancient cisterns and tribal culture

For the Dome interior at Desa Potato Head Bali (see more here), the OMA team reinterprets the ancient cisterns, transforming the centuries-old typology through contemporary local materials and construction techniques. The highly reflective blue epoxy floor is reminiscent of water in a cistern. A matching blue color of the fixtures and furnishings reinforces the immersive atmosphere of the space. The design’s mix of futuristic and earthy aesthetics is emphasized through a central circular bar with a metal surface, stainless steel monoliths housing JBL 4355 speakers and a DJ set, and contrasting Indonesian tribal sculptures, like Asmat. Custom-designed objects include OMA-designed fixtures and specially created lounge chairs by Potato Head’s in-house design studio.

‘The architecture is so futuristic, so we wanted to break it down with natural elements,’ notes Isaac Larose, Desa Potato Head’s Creative Director. ‘If you look closely, you can see the imperfections in the shades of the reclaimed furniture. We decided to celebrate these imperfections rather than hide them, just like we do with our wines and produce.’

Dome is designed by OMA to evoke historical cisterns

sustainable design with a community-focused layout

The hybrid aesthetic of the Dome is steeped in sustainable design elements, with reclaimed wood and furniture throughout, antique rugs for a homey feel, and upcycled cotton uniforms for staff. On a larger scale, not only does the culinary concept reduce landfill waste but also integrates regeneration into its food supply chain. Completing the eclectic culinary experience is a community-focused layout with a large social area under the Dome’s skylight to encourage connection and inspiration and a selection of books on architecture, design, art, food, and wellness curated by Wild Life Archive.

combining futuristic and natural design elements

‘The Dome is an all-day restaurant where connections are nurtured, work is done, and low threshold events take place. The immersive atmosphere of Dome allows the visitors to fully engage with each other and form new connections. The skylight above the communal area opens up the space to the rest of the Potato Head Studios, where all kinds of cultural events take place,’ OMA’s Managing Partner – Architect David Gianotten concludes. Dinner is open to guests from 6pm to 11pm from Wednesdays to Sundays at Desa Potato Head Bali, while the café library is accessible every day from 9am to 6pm.

epoxy blue floor recalls the water inside cisterns