Otherreal estateSustainable Architecture
Ring-shaped residence by Alexis Dornier wraps around courtyard in Bali.
In the lush, theatrical landscape of Bali, a new stage for living has been unveiled, one where architecture performs a delicate dance between spectacle and sanctuary. The ring-shaped residence by Alexis Dornier doesn't merely occupy its site; it commands it with a dramatic, almost cinematic presence, its form a stark, beautiful contrast to the verdant Indonesian terrain.Imagine a colossal, minimalist ring dropped from the sky, its funnel-like roof creating a perpetually shaded perimeter walkway—a promenade that builds anticipation for the main event. This is not a building that shouts; it whispers, drawing you inward toward its introverted core, a secluded courtyard that serves as the heart of the entire production.The design is a masterclass in framing, where the architecture itself becomes the proscenium arch for the daily drama of nature, from the morning light filtering through the canopy to the afternoon rains. Dornier, with his signature blend of tropical modernism and structural audacity, has long been a director of space in Bali's architectural scene, but this project feels like his magnum opus, a narrative woven from concrete, steel, and foliage.It speaks to a broader movement in design where the home is no longer just a shelter but a curated experience, a private world that challenges the very notion of indoor-outdoor living. The residence’s circular form is more than an aesthetic choice; it is a philosophical statement, rejecting the linear, compartmentalized layouts of traditional houses in favor of a continuous, flowing sequence of spaces.This creates a sense of endless discovery, much like a film with no clear-cut scenes, where life unfolds in a seamless loop. The verdant inner courtyard is the protagonist here, a character whose mood shifts with the time of day and season, constantly redefining the atmosphere of the home.One can’t help but draw parallels to the work of other greats who have manipulated light and form, from Tadao Ando’s serene concrete monasteries to Luis Barragán’s emotionally charged use of color, yet Dornier’s creation is distinctly Balinese, deeply rooted in its context and climate. It raises compelling questions about the future of residential architecture in an era of environmental consciousness: Can a home be both a bold statement and a gentle footprint? This residence argues yes, using its form to promote natural ventilation and its core to foster a deep, intimate connection with the immediate ecosystem. It’s a piece that will undoubtedly be dissected and discussed, not just for its beauty but for its bold reimagining of what a house can be—a tranquil, self-contained universe that offers a standing ovation to the art of living itself.
#Architecture
#Sustainable Design
#Bali
#Residential
#Inner Courtyard
#Ring-shaped
#Alexis Dornier
#featured
