east meets west in budiprano's casablanca residence in bali

budiprano architects’ main strategy for the ‘casablanca residence’ in indonesia is the concept of the balinese architecture. first, the ‘tri mandala concept’ describes the development of a tripartite spatial zonification which starts from a lower common area, then the intermediate middle realm, and third, the inner most important sacred part. meanwhile, in the center is the zen area. this space becomes a communication device for those who stay in the ‘casablanca residence’. second, the ‘sanga mandala concept’ consists of the distribution of several separate pavilions and its placement is always set to the hierarchy of virtues. the pattern of its mass composition also relies on the swastika as the form adopted by the balinese pattern. this residence is the interpretation of these concepts with a contemporary touch.

all images © fernando gomulya

the concept of the building is the transformation of the traditional balinese buildings named ‘taring’. ‘taring’ is a temporary structure made of bamboo usually made by the balinese community for special occasions such as a wedding or a cremation. what stands out from the ‘taring’ concept is the separation between floors, walls, and roof structures, which work independently. in the ‘casablanca residence’ all these structures are implemented to have a special relationship between them.

casablanca residence

in this project, indonesian based budipradono architects has attempted to bring people close to the nature. the wall structures are made as simple as possible, using locally available bricks arranged in a zig zag parallel manner and stuffed with concrete. it reduces the hot weather in bali, and at the same time turns the interior into a natural brick orange tone. since the building is in a tropical paradise, it is entirely built as open as possible, allowing the natural breeze to cool down all interior spaces.

combination between east and west traditional materials

for the ‘casablanca residence’ in bali, the following materials are used:

1. the bamboo structure stands independently as a structure of columns and as roof supporting structure, it allows natural light into the building from the glass above the brick walls.

2. the floor finishes consist of two types: one is handmade grey cement by the local community, while the second one is a colorful cement handmade in java which used to be part of a colonial’s buildings in thirties, mostly for the dutch building.

3. the wall is a statement and also redefinition of the border between inside and outside, it contains of wall made of bricks and wall made of transparent glass. it is to connect the contemporary society with the nature.

4. the roof is made of flattened bamboo. the mountain shape of the building is to bring the light into the each different room. it represents the relationship between the people and the sky.

5. the structure of columns made of concrete and steel brings the modern material to a combination between east and west; between traditional bamboo and other industrial material.

the interior concept is the transformation of a dialogue between east and west, and most of the furniture use the recycled material of early 40’s during the occupation of the dutch period in indonesia with the modern interpretation.

traditional construction with a contemporary touch

‘akasa’

master bedroom

living room

study room

birds eye view of bali and the ‘casablanca residence’

diagram concept

diagram programming

siteplan

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom

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