The Hideout Leaf, developed by Pablo Luna Studio, is situated in the eastern mountains of Bali. This location is characterized by a natural landscape that constitutes a vibrant ecosystem, focused on design, art, and experiences connected to the environment, positioned near a tranquil river and under the imposing presence of Mount Agung.
Away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, Leaf allows its occupants to absorb the sounds of running water, the whisper of leaves, and the tropical vegetation, blending perfectly with its surroundings. The central concept of the project aims to establish an intimate relationship between architecture and nature, allowing the surrounding landscape to influence the experience within the space.
The residence, composed of three bedrooms, is located on a 3,000 m² plot of virgin forest, maintained in its original state. Access to the property is provided by a floating walkway that gently traverses the landscape, ensuring that the streams and lush vegetation below remain intact.
In collaboration with Brandon James, co-founder of Hideout Bali, the villa was inspired by the image of four falling leaves delicately settling on the landscape. Each of these leaves translates into a different roofing element, defining the spatial rhythm of the house. The overlapping roofs, which rise and fall across the terrain, form a dynamic and harmonious composition.
These interconnected forms organize the architecture into a succession of areas that seek to balance openness, privacy, and a constant connection to the natural scenery. Openings between the roofs facilitate air circulation and the entry of natural light throughout the building. When sunlight passes through these gaps, dynamic patterns of light and shadow appear indoors, creating an atmosphere that changes throughout the day. Furthermore, the roof arrangement optimizes natural ventilation, reinforcing adaptation to the tropical climate.
The structural system employed a reduced number of bamboo pillars, promoting internal spaciousness and continuity. In the core of Leaf, the main roof houses a large common area, conceived as the social hub of the project. Above this area, a slightly elevated covering offers an open-air room, serving as a private retreat refreshed by natural breezes.
The two side coverings house the main bedrooms and bathrooms, completing the structure in four parts that define the house's identity. These rooms are enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass panels, including softly curved glass that softens the architecture and intensifies the connection with the surrounding tropical forest. The final result is a residence that presents itself as sophisticated, welcoming, and contemporary.
The construction exclusively uses natural materials, showcasing bamboo in various applications. Black bamboo is used in the structure, floor cladding, and custom furniture, while yellow bamboo adds warmth and visual contrast. Floors and walls made of polished limestone from Bhoomi Earth Studio, along with glass, complement the material selection, balancing solidity with lightness and transparency. All these components create a serene and cohesive environment that mirrors the deep connection with the natural environment.
In summary, Hideout Leaf was planned as a sanctuary where architecture, material choice, and landscape establish a profound dialogue. The combination of the four roofs, the use of natural inputs, and the integration with the environment result in a space where the living experience is dictated by the rhythms of nature and the tranquility of the eastern mountains of Bali.
