Soaring cantilevers and rooftop walkways define Bond House by Alexis Dornier

Overlooking a river amid stretches of rice fields, Bond House by Bali-based firm Alexis Dornier is nestled into the sloping terrain of Ubud, Indonesia, concealed behind the dense greenery of a private jungle. The two-storey mansion serves as a private stay for tourists, offering a luxury island getaway that is harmoniously embedded into its breathtaking tropical context. Defined by an intersecting cruciform plan with rooftop walkways and terraces above pavilion-like spaces, Bond House was envisioned as a haven for recreation on all levels - hosting five bedrooms, two living spaces, a spa, and an infinity pool that is blessed with stunning views of its lush surroundings.

As stated by the team at Alexis Dornier in an official release, “The cross is one of the oldest diagrams of space organisation in architectural history. Bond House was designed through the interplay of intersecting elements coming together to shape planes for gathering, in a junction that unifies elements traveling in all directions.” As a reflection of this line of reasoning, the residence’s architectural form is composed of a solid and compact lower floor that serves as a pedestal for the more open upper level - limiting infringement upon the plot adjacent to the river. While approaching the residence head on, cantilevering overhead walkways extend towards the front yard, inviting guests to the outdoor swimming pool area and spiral staircase at the heart of the ground floor layout.

The 16-metre infinity pool and its vast associated deck make up the structure’s primary axis, splitting the main living spaces into a pair of flanking wings. At its eastern edge, the pool’s design is suspended eight metres above the ground, exposing guests to the incredible natural beauty on view in the residence’s vicinity. Hovering above, the roof slab features large cut-outs to welcome sunlight into the pool area and provide visual connectivity across the roof terrace.

The residence’s design supplies two distinct typologies of living spaces for guests, connected by the common pool area. The first space towards the northern end of the structure, is designed specifically for gatherings and recreation, ideal for viewing films or playing billiards while surrounded by the jungle. Conversely, the second living area stimulates collaboration, as a more open environment with a kitchen counter that takes the form of a large marble island - meant to encourage group cooking and intimate conversations. Settled beneath a sculptural lighting design element, this zone faces a wooden dining table behind a staircase leading to the bedrooms below. Expansive glass openings wrap around the two wings to ensure complete visibility of the pool as sweeping balconies extend around the home's upper floor. In the case of large gatherings or events, the two wings can be cleared of all furniture to form a continuous dancefloor, linked together by the infinity pool.

Arranged in a linear sequence on the level below, the home’s five bedrooms feature uniform and modest interior design schemes filled with abundant natural light through wood-framed floor-to-ceiling windows. Simple, elegant wood furnishings and views of nature within the bedrooms create tranquil environments that can be accessed either through voids in the flooring of the living areas or by means of more secluded staircases from outside - if a guest desires more privacy. Towards the other end of the floor, a spa and sauna area constitute a zone that is one of Bond House’s most prized attractions. This space also hosts a massage table and a 4m x 5m whirlpool capable of accommodating 16 guests, with a dedicated water feature. Open circular bays in the structure’s stone clad walls act as both Instagram-worthy backdrops or cosy nooks for guests to stretch out and take in their surroundings.

Crowning the structure of the ground floor, Bond House’s extensive rooftop terrace furnishes spaces that are ideal for small gatherings, yoga, and long walks to admire the verdant landscape nearby. In keeping with Alexis Dornier’s use of elements and materials from Balinese architecture, the use of indigenous sukabumi stone ties the structure to its surroundings, while wood-panelled ceilings induce a sense of warmth into interior spaces and differentiate them from their outdoor counterparts.

Completed in 2020, during a time when the tourism sector was reeling from the effects of travel restrictions and pandemic-induced lockdowns, Bond House was envisioned as a sanctuary to bring people together, while respecting the complex dynamics at play within large groups of individuals. To this end, the home’s flexible internal circulation and variety of recreational spaces are the perfect setting for guests to refresh, recharge, and bask in the glory of nature.

Project Details

Name: Bond House       
Location: Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Typology: Residential
Total Area: 1033 sqm
Roof Terrace: 76.5 sqm
Ground Floor: 585.5 sqm
Level -1: 371 sqm
Year of Completion: 2020
Architect: Alexis Dornier
Construction: Surya Kembar