IBUKU's alchemy yoga center offers two bamboo shalas in bali

alchemy yoga center by IBUKU: a sustainable bali destination

In the heart of Penestanan Ubud in Bali, Indonesia, the Alchemy Yoga Center by local architecture practice IBUKU emerges as a sculptural and sustainable destination for travelers, expats, and locals who wish to experience a meditative yoga journey amid the lush Indonesian landscape. IBUKU completed the center for the longstanding vegan restaurant Alchemy, fitting it with two bamboo-built yoga shalas, two bathroom buildings, a shop and reception, and various outdoor areas where organic permaculture gardens and water features come to life.

all images courtesy IBUKU

copper-clad bamboo shalas inviting intimacy + quietude

The IBUKU team built the first yoga shala around the concepts of Tilem (new moon in Balinese) cladding it in handmade and long-lasting copper shingles to ‘promote a favorable energy for yoga practices. The natural material palette used in the shalas was intentional and approached from an alchemical perspective, staying true to the ideas behind Alchemy,’ writes the studio.

The ‘Tilem’ Shala rises from a dark gray stone base as a black petung bamboo structure to create a synclastic dome structure that invites quietness and intimacy. Topping it is a dusk red ceiling and a roof that dips low to reach the level of the dark ulin wooden floor. IBUKU intentionally omitted a sense of directionality in the design, inspiring yogis to move their bodies and clear their minds freely.

a sustainable destination amid Indonesian nature

IBUKU teamed up with Atelier One and PT Bamboo Pure to develop a second space for the Alchemy Yoga Center, named the Lumi Shala. ‘Its bamboo arches soar overhead to land on mounded foundations, a balance that reflects what we aspire to in yoga, simultaneously grounding and extending. Encircled by earth-rendered walls, it has a comforting sense of enclosure. We arranged the five gridshell roof petals so that gradients of natural light wash across each convex interior, bringing the focus inward. As always, we combine artisanal and innovative systems,’ concludes IBUKU.

cladding the structures in handmade copper shingles