Bali Trees

next-gen hub

In Bali, Indonesia's most visited destination, a new project aims to redefine the next-gen touristic hub. Comprising four interconnected buildings that offer a rich mix of functions, the project seeks to enhance the positive relationship between travelers and the local community, adding value to the area where it is established. Designed by NOA, the project features elements that skillfully reinterpret local architecture into a striking new identity.

Bali, the Indonesian island renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural scene, faces the challenge of overtourism. Coping with a large influx of tourists has sparked an active debate on sustainable tourism and inspired the emergence of promising new strategies for the future. Amidst this dialogue, a pioneering project led by a private company and entrusted to NOA, studio leader in hospitality design for over a decade, seeks to redefine hospitality. This initiative aims to establish a center that embodies the principles of next-generation tourism through both its concept and design.

Vital to the project's development is the establishment of a community that shares its values and can derive benefits from it. This community must be diverse, encompassing both newcomers to Bali, long-time residents, and local inhabitants. The creation of moments of interaction and exchange, which distinguishes the traveler from the tourist, forms the foundation of the project's functional program. The new structure combines modern and popular activities with facilities for travelers, such as a food hall, local brand shops, a game center, coworking spaces, bars, a concert hall, storage, accommodations, rental services, travel agencies, and a TikTok studio. Accommodation no longer represents the conceptual or quantitative core of the project. The flagship of this innovative hospitality concept is the area dedicated to local buddies: hosts who facilitate tourists' integration into the Balinese culture by illustrating the island's peculiarities and allowing for a healthy approach to the local way of life.

"The entire architecture and interior design reflect this commitment, resulting in an extremely permeable environment where even in the room guests can learn something about local life."

Lukas Rungger

Architect & NOA Founder

Bali Trees comprises four volumes arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to the project site. The project brief called for clear visibility and distinctiveness—an eye-catching feature. To achieve this, NOA opted for overhanging roofs shaped like lotus leaves, which not only serve as aesthetic focal points but also provide thermal comfort. The chosen material is wood, while the design incorporates the typical gabled roof form of Bali, designed to efficiently drain rainwater during the wet season. Additionally, at the top floor, three roofs serve solely as coverings – the flying roofs – thus not affecting urban regulations, but providing shelter for rooftop terraces, bars, and additional functions, allowing guests to enjoy outdoor spaces while remaining sheltered.

The project concept draws inspiration from the structure of a tree, specifically its varying levels of permeability: trunk, canopy, and top. The density of the project volumes mirrors this idea. On the ground level, the layout is open and flexible, with only the load-bearing structure making contact with the ground, akin to tree trunks. This design allows visitors to venture into the building without obstacles, while enjoying shade and shelter. Moving up to the first floor, the canopy section begins, characterized by smaller and denser volumes, especially towards the rear where the rooms are situated. The roofs, often unique to each volume, emphasize this density. Finally, at the highest level, the volumes become more open again, with distinct peaks marking the conclusion of the structure and flying roofs symbolizing the peak of the public spaces.

Starting from the entrance, the first two buildings primarily serve public functions, while the last two accomodate the rooms and apartments. The second volume, designed in a T-shape, involves the renovation and elevation of the existing structure. The architecture stands out for its remarkable spatial permeability, thanks to large fully openable windows, terraces, and balconies. Rounded corners are a recurring motif throughout the project, lending a distinctive aesthetic to the windows, terraces, roof, and pool.

The three courtyards of the building hold significant importance as cohesive and experiential spaces. In the first courtyard, a farmers market enlivens the public area and fosters interaction between locals and visitors. The second courtyard offers an additional open space for residents of the rooms to enjoy. In the third courtyard, a pool serves as a cooling amenity and a pleasant resting spot. The wellness program extends to the third floor, where a hair salon, beautician, massage services, barber, and more are available. The project's target influences the rooms configuration, with solo travelers representing 65% of the audience, followed by couples & families (20%), and entrepreneurs (15%). In total, there are 191 units, including apartments and single rooms.

“With our architecture, we aim to attract passersby and encourage them to enter the building. At the same time, the blurred boundary between exterior and interior spaces and the casual flow of movement must be such as to lead people inside the spotlight without even realizing it.”

Gottfried Gruber

Architect

The project's materiality, colors, and forms are intended to establish a strong connection with the local architectural culture. The four volumes display varying shades, progressing from ochre-toned plaster at the outset to deeper hues as one ventures further into the site, incorporating terracotta, tangerine orange, and bordeaux. Drawing from observation of the local building practices, the interior design features materials such as plaster, wood, terracotta, bamboo, woven rattan, and palm leaves, emphasizing a crafted aesthetic.