Alang-Alang Grass - Traditional Bali Thatched Roof

Elements of traditional Balinese architecture are successfully implemented in many villas, luxury boutique hotels and private residences. Organic materials such as bamboo, timber and alang-alang grass are used for roof structures. Thatched-roof designs in Bali make handsome exterior proportions with appealing natural textures.

The natural colors and textures of the alang-alang grass roof combined with bamboo, carved wood, stone and brick walls give visual interest and warmth design on the building. Honesty exposed elements of Balinese architecture reflects the Balinese spirit of love in nature beauty and natural materials.

With our experienced and loyal partners, we are able to serve the work of individual bale or residences, as well as the big scale of commercial projects such as villas, restaurants, spa or resorts. Please let us assist you by serving you in design and building your dream villa in Bali.

Traditional Balinese Architecture and Balinese Society

Traditional Bali ArchitecturesBali has its own unique architectural designs which are distinctive. We can tell from the traditional architecture of the main gate for each entrance, whether it is the entry of a house, a place of interest, government building or others. The Balinese has their basic concept for architecture. For instance, the north and east corners are considered holy and sacred, all temples must face this side. On the contrary, the west and south are the lowest corners for architecture, so mostly houses face these sides. If you pay attention to small details you will notice that the entry door of a house has a wall which is called “Aling-Aling”. Its function is to give privacy to the owner and also to repell the bad energies lingerin about the house.

Traditional institutions for the Balinese consist of Village, Banjar, Subak and Sekaha:

Village: Village itself is divided into official village and Banjar village. Banjar village is a Balinese society which has the same tradition and custom in life since their ancestors in what is called ‘Kahyangan Tiga’. They have their own certain territory and wealth and have the authority to take care of their own households. As for the other one, official village, it is a common village which is divided by the government.
Banjar: Banjar is a social unit based on region and social structure and strengthened by sacred traditions and religious ceremonies. In upper hilly areas, the union of Banjar is limited to those born in the Banjar area. But in the mainland, the Banjar also welcomes those who may not be born there, but stay and live in the Banjar area. The center for the activity is the Bale Banjar, a place where the people meet daily and meetings are headed by a Chief Banjar.
Sekaha: Sekaha is an organization which is catered only to certain fields, like dancing, rice harvesting and others. Sometimes they function to take care of ceremonies which are allied with the village. Sekaha is not related with Banjar or other village organization.

Subak: Subak has its own leader. Those who are members of certain Banjar institutions may not be the leader for that Banjar’s Subak. Subak is a Balinese method of irrigating the rice fields.

Balinese Bale Architecture, Open-air Pavilion

The word Bale translates loosely in Western terms as “pavilion”, and can be identified in all sorts of areas on the island of Bali. The first Balinese bales were built on holy ground, in the precincts of temples, where they were used by the locals to perform ceremonial duties. Later on, only members of the highest caste were able to have bales built in their family compounds. Today, they are constructed for many different uses by many different people.

A bale would normally be used as a gathering place. People might meet at the bale to take a break, relax or even to sleep. Because structure is open on all sides, it is particularly well suited to the hot, tropical climate and is ideal for the culture of the Balinese people.

Time has changed the utility and style of this once simple structure and today’s functions and forms have multiplied. You may see bales situated poolside as massage areas, as outdoor bars or dining pavilions in residential villas. Even the materials used are different: glass, metal, organic materials and stone bales are increasingly common.

Regardless of their shape, size and function, the bale remains an integral part of the Balinese architectural scene. Marvelously flexible and beautiful to behold, they are indeed gems in an island full of wonders. As Miguel Covarrubias wrote in his seminal work Island of Bali (1937): “The well-built bale, the archetype of Balinese construction, is a masterpiece of simplicity, ingenuity and good taste.” The same applies today.

If you are interested in having a Bale for your villa or house, please contact me. My team and I would be delighted to assist you.

Conceps of Tropical Balinese Architecture

The Balinese community is rich in traditions of music dance, architecture and religion. Bali is home to such a beautiful landscape and vivid culture, it is not surprising the island is filled with inspired artists and performers. Ceremonial dances, music and sacred songs are often performed for the benefit of the gods. Loved by travelers for its lush, tropical scenery and charming people, Bali is considered to be one of the most magnificent places on earth. Spirituality and nature are integral parts of everyday life for the Balinese, so one can easily see why the island’s traditional architecture has a peaceful presence to it.

Many people living in Bali have such great passion about what they are doing. Bali with its potentials effect many people with its abundance of creative energy that drives people to produce inspiring ideas, concept, artworks and designs.

It is said that the traditional architecture in Bali originates from two sources. One is the great Hindu tradition brought to Bali from India. The second is an indigenous architecture before the Hindu epic and is in many ways reminiscent of Polynesian building.
The science of building is held to be a sacred knowledge to traditional Balinese architects. The four directions of the Balinese compass are critical in determining the lay-out and positioning of buildings. There is a developed Balinese science of geomancy written in the ancient palm leaf manuscripts. This is known as Kosala-kosali and through these guidelines local designers can determine the best place to locate the optimal positions for certain rooms of the building. Often when a family is suffering bad luck or misfortune, the first place the local witch doctor will look for is any unsuspecting violations of the Balinese laws of building.
Using such natural materials as thatch roofing, bamboo poles, woven bamboo, coconut wood, mud and stone they are organic statements in complete harmony with the environment. Many of these are temporary such as the offering houses set up before harvest in the rice fields. Others use trees that will actually keep on growing as the bamboo rots and returns to the mother earth. The Balinese have always been particularly adept using the bamboo and behind every Balinese house one can find at least one stand of bamboo.