perched amidst a forest in bali, the ravine dwelling blurs the line between indoor & outdoor

A Work of Substance inserts house into Bali’s tropical setting

‘The Ravine’ house by design studio A Work of Substance nestles within Ubud’s tropical forest, framing the majesty of the lush backdrop. Soaked effortlessly within Bali’s landscape, the architecture obscures the boundaries of the pristine environment and the built, taking its name after the steep ravines that shape the surrounding area.

Informed by its verdant and untamed setting, the design team opted for a delicate design language expressed in subtle lines and a subdued color palette. The two-story structure is imbued with natural materials, with a brick and stone-framed exterior softening into a locally sourced wooden interior. This material choice reflects the rawness of the secluded adobe, while the use of vegetation and vast permeable openings create a gentle connection with nature.

all images by Tommaso Riva Photography

the ravine melds with the magnificence of Bali’s landscape

The design team at A Work of Substance sought to create a continuous dialogue between ‘The Ravine’s’ inside and outside. The soft and delicate forms described in furniture and lighting fixtures celebrate the richness of Balinese culture, craftsmanship, and vernacular character. As residents wander through the house, a blurred line between indoor and outdoor living is meticulously depicted, with the vivid vegetation enfolding the property and even sometimes invading the interior with the form of courtyards.

The architectural scheme is divided into two sections; one hosts the sleeping quarters and the other the living areas.

Reflecting the traditional tropical architecture where connectivity with nature is dominant, the ground level accommodates generous openings that relish lush panoramas amid the treetops, introducing cushy niches for reflection and contemplation. A spiral staircase stands as a sculpture within the house and guides users to the upper level, maintaining a more secluded character. Floor-to-ceiling doors usher in a wooden deck with a swimming pool that hovers above the green oasis. The artificial is perfectly intertwined with its tropical background in a lively rhythm, thus unfurling a sensorial nature-infused space. ‘A place where it is unclear where the natural and man-made architecture begins and ends,’ shared the team.