Nic Brunsdon imbibes rugged regionalism into luxury resort The Tiing in Bali

Located on the northern coast of Bali in Indonesia, which has become a popular tourist destination due to its tropical climate and beautiful beaches, The Tiing was proposed to be a luxury boutique hotel in the remote district of Tejakula. The clients - a Chinese-American and a local Balinese hotel proprietor wished to build a ‘reward for the intrepid’ in this secluded spot in the wonderful stepped landscape of Bali. Perth-based Australian architect Nic Brunsdon was invited to design the hotel that overlooks the magnanimous view of the sea in a natural setting of green lustrous surroundings.

One of the challenges was to respond to distance; with respect to the remoteness of the project as well as the architect’s office being located six hours away. Brunsdon says, “Comprehending that the project would need a point of differentiation to pull people out of the well-worn tourist paths of southern Bali, the Tiing was designed with multiple influences and references embedded from its local and cultural context”. The project was also a finalist at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2019 under the Best Hotel category.

The Tiing derives its name from the local word 'tiing' that means bamboo.

While providing a robust conceptual framework, the design deliberately leans on traditional materials and construction techniques. As concrete has been a preferred construction material in Bali, and bamboo is plentiful in the region, this resulted in a series of bamboo formed concrete walls on the site, framing views of the mountains on one side and the sea on other.

The form of the structure implies a ‘rugged regionalism’ through its materiality aimed to work within the local context, resources and climate. “In a tropical climate, a clean finish would require much maintenance, however here, the material will naturally weather in, enhancing the character of the architecture and place with time. Importantly, this gave the structural strength and also became the finishing,” mentions Brunsdon, while adding that “expressing the texture and form of the bamboo as a negative impression in the patina of the concrete becomes this project’s primary motif”. Concrete walls created using bamboo became the major architectural gesture of the entire design. Bamboo has been used in the doors, window shutters, entry pavilion, lobby, spa, and in the fences as well.

Referencing to local Balinese gateways prevalent throughout the island, at each end the walls become shear walls gaining strength. In Balinese culture, these act as highly decorated totems, shear-cut on the travel path encouraging the eye and the spirit to drift onwards. A similar metaphor has been used for the unending views that the site presents of the sea and the landscape.

The walls were erected on site to create spaces in-between as well as the conditions within the spaces of the hotel. Architecturally, these walls act as funnels, giving each room equal and opposing view of the mountain and the ocean. “We thought it vitally important to draw attention to this dual condition as part of a locating and grounding travel experience,” says Brunsdon. Further, careful attention has been paid to the height of the site and the way the water bodies of the pool and the ocean would layer against the horizon.

One arrives at The Tiing post a long journey of traversing winding roads through the lush green landscape of Bali, Indonesia. A red public bathing pool acts as a distinct counterpoint to the lush green jungle that one encounters throughout the journey. Partially hidden from the entry sequence, the red pool acts as an energising arrival moment.

At the foothills of the mountains where the highlands meet the exotic, black sand beach sits Tejakula Villa - a luxury boutique resort consisting of 14 spacious villas located on the northern coast of Bali, and a property by Luwak resort. The villas have spacious rooms placed on top of the beach front with unique, elegant design and contained terrace with views of the mountains or the vast ocean or both and an in-room private pool. Each internal villa also has a light well, connecting the occupant back to the sky.

The Tiing is a luxury and unique resort that offers a heartfelt experience to its visitors. Its design creates refuge and delight due to its protected and hidden nature, with an attempt to connect to self and nature in an aloof setting.

Project Details

Name: The Tiing
Location: Tejakula, Bali, Indonesia
Project size: 2000 sqm
Site size: 4000 sqm
Completion date: 2019
Building levels: 2
Architect: Nic Brunsdon 
Execution architect: Manguning