The Barn: A Tribute to Timber Craftsmanship and Sustainability

The Barn, designed by Alexis Dornier, stands as a testament to sustainable architecture, predominantly constructed from ethically sourced reclaimed timber. The building’s 16 columns, characterized by their uneven bends and twists, were once integral parts of a road traversing the swamplands of Kalimantan/Borneo.

Incorporating Historic Elements into Modern Design

Arranged in a near-perfect square, these weathered columns serve as poignant reminders of their former life, adding character and history to the structure. The challenge of incorporating these unique building components into a functional framework for walls, stairs, balconies, and windows was met with ingenuity and craftsmanship.

Harmonizing Traditional and Modern Features

Crafted over three levels, The Barn seamlessly integrates ironwood planks as partition walls, maintaining a puristic design ethos. Transparent partitions and sliding windows establish a rhythmic connection between the interior and exterior spaces, complemented by handcrafted banana fiber screens from Bali.

Enhancing Spatial Dynamics and Tranquility

Dark grey surfaces accentuate the central skylight, casting natural illumination throughout the interior. Mezzanine levels extend into eaves, housing bedrooms and utility spaces. Recycled teak wood and rattan mesh furniture add a contrasting yet harmonious touch, arranged in offset to the building’s grid lines.

Fusion of Indoor and Outdoor Living

The living room, delineated by the distinctive columns, features a sunken conversation pit, fostering a sense of intimacy within the expansive space. A main deck extends to an elevated swimming pool, offering panoramic views of the South Indian Ocean coastline. Locally sourced granite adorns the pool area, paying homage to Japanese onsen culture.

Tranquil Illumination and Natural Landscaping

Minimal direct lighting enhances the building’s serene atmosphere, with pendant lamps crafted from banana fiber paper serving as focal points. The garden, an extension of the building’s orthogonal layout, features eroded ironwood boards and indigenous flora, seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape.

Sustainable Resort Infrastructure

As part of the ‘Uluwatu Surf Villas’ resort infrastructure, The Barn contributes to a network of sustainable facilities. Buggy paths connect the building to the resort’s main amenities, emphasizing a commitment to eco-friendly hospitality and responsible tourism.

In essence, The Barn represents a harmonious fusion of historic preservation, modern design, and sustainable living, embodying the timeless elegance of reclaimed timber craftsmanship in a contemporary setting.