VILLA BIANCO BALI
JULY 2020

The brief for Villa Bianco, was to experiment with a white and modern aesthetic (I know). The interior is a mix of minimal design and traditional references. Concrete edges are softened by Balinese art and furnishings, with classic, Balinese touches, like the hand-thatched alang alang, gazebo, with bamboo floor matting and check ‘poleng’ floor cushions, for relaxing; a cool place to seek relief from the hot sun and sip a cold coconut on the floor, Balinese style.

This villa design provides a clean, white, simple backdrop, that pays homage to the Balinese ‘poleng’, black and white check fabric pattern, seen everywhere on the island; wrapped around large tree trunks, draped over rocks, wrapped around statues and shrines, or used in ceremonies, as part of their dance costumes.

This fabric represents the constant philosophical importance of maintaining  balance. It represents two polar opposites, that cannot be separated.

I was fascinated by the local traditional dances in Bali from the age of ten. The Barong, The Ramayana and The Kecak, were all big influences on me and can be seen in the artworks in Villa Bianco

The brief for Villa Bianco called for a light, modern aesthetic that blends minimal design with traditional Balinese influences. Concrete edges are softened by the incorporation of local art and furnishings, including classic touches like the hand-thatched alang-alang gazebo, bamboo floor matting, and ‘poleng’ check floor cushions. This space offers a cool retreat to chill and drink a cold coconut on the floor, Bali style.

This villa’s clean, white backdrop pays homage to Bali’s iconic ‘poleng’ black and white check fabric pattern, seen adorning large tree trunks, draped over rocks, wrapped around statues and shrines, and used in ceremonial dance costumes. Representing the philosophical importance of balance, ‘poleng’ symbolises the interconnectedness of opposing forces.

Since the age of ten, I’ve been captivated by Bali’s traditional dances – The Barong, The Ramayana, and The Kecak. These cultural touchstones have greatly influenced my design choices for Villa Bianco, reflected in the carefully curated artworks throughout the space.

It was fun to work with the polar opposite of black, white, even though Villa Bianco is definitely black….. and white.