Architectural Cases

Embrace Serenity: Circular Design Meets Balinese Craftsmanship

The Vision: A Doughnut-Shaped Dwelling Inspired by James Bond

Villa Omah Prana, conceived by architect Alexis Dornier, stands as a distinctive doughnut-shaped residence in the highlands of Payangan, Bali. Its architectural inspiration surprisingly stems from concept art for a James Bond film. This unique design ensures that every living space within the 475-square-meter home offers sweeping views of the verdant forest, establishing a profound connection between the inhabitants and their natural surroundings.

Architectural Principles: Curvature and Choreographed Spaces

Dornier articulated that the core principle behind Villa Omah Prana is its ring-shaped layout, which strategically positions all rooms along the perimeter to maximize engagement with the surrounding landscape. He drew parallels between the villa's curvature and atmosphere and the early sketches by Ken Adam for the film 'Moonraker', highlighting a design philosophy that prioritizes clarity and a choreographed spatial experience without resorting to theatricality. The geometry of the structure is envisioned as ripples emanating from a central point, embodying simplicity, readability, and consistency.

Innovative Layout: Maximizing Views and Natural Light

The single-room deep, circular configuration of Villa Omah Prana thoughtfully situates internal areas between a perimeter walkway and a central ring-shaped corridor enclosing a substantial brick planter. Bedrooms are designed as secluded, climate-controlled sanctuaries, offering outward views. In contrast, the expansive living, dining, and kitchen areas fluidly extend towards a curved swimming pool and terrace on one side, and connect to the inner courtyard on the other. This thoughtful arrangement enhances natural light and ventilation throughout the home.

Craftsmanship and Details: Weaving Tradition into Modern Design

Drawing inspiration from Bali's rich textile heritage, Dornier integrated dark brickwork laid in a herringbone pattern for the villa's walls. These walls feature perforated sections that artfully filter light from the courtyard into the bedrooms, creating dynamic light patterns. The courtyard's ceiling, adorned with timber planks, mirrors the home's circular form and gently inclines towards a central skylight, allowing both natural light and rainwater to nourish the inner planter. This blend of traditional methods with modern design imbues the villa with tactile richness and cultural depth.

Interior Aesthetics: Radial Axes and Understated Elegance

Within Villa Omah Prana's living areas, all elements—from the counter and dining table to the seating arrangements—are organized along radial axes. Furniture and carpentry, crafted from pale timber, contribute to an aesthetic of understated elegance. Dornier noted that the interlaced wall textures and subtle geometric motifs reinterpret local craftsmanship in a contemporary manner. These meticulously chosen details add depth and a sense of calm, inviting inhabitants to appreciate the fine intricacies of the design without overwhelming the serene atmosphere of the home.

Dornier's Bali Legacy: A Blend of Nature and Innovation

Alexis Dornier, who established his studio in Bali in 2013, has significantly contributed to the island's architectural landscape. His projects, such as a trio of stilted guesthouses nestled in the rainforest, consistently showcase his ability to integrate structures harmoniously with their natural surroundings. Villa Omah Prana exemplifies Dornier's continued dedication to creating innovative and contextually sensitive designs that celebrate both modern living and the unique spirit of Bali.

In the tranquil landscapes of Portugal, an innovative residential project has taken shape, offering a unique blend of minimalist architecture and specialized functionality. This dwelling, conceived by an Italian architectural firm, stands as a testament to thoughtful design, harmoniously integrating two dedicated music studios within a perfectly symmetrical layout. Situated amidst lush vineyards, the structure not only provides a serene living environment but also a professionally equipped space for its musical inhabitants.

The design of this Portuguese residence masterfully balances aesthetic simplicity with practical requirements. Its symmetrical configuration, a direct response to the clients' need for identical recording facilities, creates an interior flow that is both logical and visually appealing. The clever use of internal courtyards and strategically placed openings ensures an abundance of natural light, enhancing the sense of space and connection with the surrounding environment. This architectural approach results in a home that is both a sanctuary and a source of inspiration for its residents.

Harmonious Design and Functional Symmetry

The Italian firm Atelier Matteo Arnone envisioned a home where musical creativity could flourish without compromise. Their design for the House for Two Musicians is a symphony of architectural ingenuity, built upon the foundation of perfect symmetry. This minimalist dwelling, nestled within a historic winery site in Portugal, expertly blends the requirements of daily living with the specialized needs of professional musicians. The core of the design revolves around two identical recording studios, which are strategically positioned to facilitate an optimal acoustic environment while maintaining the home's overall aesthetic.

The architects drew inspiration from the clients' desire for two functionally equivalent music spaces, leading to a design where every element mirrors another. This symmetrical approach extends beyond mere aesthetics, influencing the placement of living areas, bedrooms, and even the internal courtyards. The building's footprint, thoughtfully laid out on the remains of a former wine storage facility, maximizes natural light and provides a sense of opennessthrough meticulously carved-out voids. These design choices ensure that the home is not only visually striking but also supremely functional, catering precisely to the musicians' lifestyle and artistic pursuits.

Integrating Creative Spaces with Natural Serenity

At the heart of this unique Portuguese residence lie the two semi-circular recording studios, ingeniously placed back-to-back on the upper level. These studios overlook a central square courtyard through distinctive porthole windows, offering both inspiration and a connection to the outdoors. The curved, unadorned walls of these spaces extend over the ground-floor living areas, subtly hinting at their specialized purpose. These interior surfaces are finished in a light plaster, complementing the home's overall minimalist aesthetic and echoing the gentle curves of the exterior patios.

The living room and bedroom, located on the ground floor, open directly onto private courtyards at either end of the property through expansive sliding glass doors. A substantial perimeter wall envelops the home, cleverly concealing service areas such as bathrooms and staircases, and integrating built-in features like a kitchen counter, fireplace, and storage solutions. This design choice contributes to an uncluttered and refined interior, allowing the primary symmetrical spaces to remain pure and balanced. Outside, a long, narrow pool with timber-decked terraces flanks one side of the house, offering a serene outdoor retreat and leading to a raised garden that surveys the picturesque, gently sloping landscape.