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Y O U R E Y E S O N L Y
BALI is not just an island—it is an idea, a
rhythm, a way of life that unfurls slowly,
carried on the scent of temple incense and
the sound of gamelan chimes. To live in
Bali is to move through space differently, to
understand that a home is not just a shelter
but an ecosystem of relationships—between
people, between generations, and between
humans and the natural world. Nowhere
is this more evident than in the traditional
Balinese compound, a model of architecture
so finely tuned to well-being that it may hold
the key to the future of sustainable living.
Architecture as Philosophy
In the West, homes are often designed
for
isolation—self-contained
boxes
that
separate the individual from the outside
world. In Bali, a home is a composition, a
series of interconnected pavilions set within a
compound, arranged according to Asta Kosala
Kosali, an ancient set of spatial guidelines
derived from Hindu cosmology. Every element
is purposeful, every placement symbolic.
The family shrine is always positioned to
the northeast, aligned with Gunung Agung,
the island’s most sacred volcano. Sleeping
quarters are carefully situated to promote
rest and balance. Communal spaces—
kitchens, gathering pavilions, open-air living
rooms—are arranged to encourage interaction
and harmony. Unlike Western homes, which
often prioritize privacy, Balinese homes
prioritize flow. Walls are minimal, doors often
unnecessary.
The
architecture
breathes,
much like the people who inhabit it.
Wellness Through Design
This
openness
is
not
just
aesthetic—
it is therapeutic. Modern research into
environmental psychology suggests that the
design of our surroundings can significantly
impact mental and physical health. Natural
ventilation, access to greenery, and exposure
to daylight have been linked to lower stress
levels, improved cognitive function, and
enhanced emotional well-being. The Balinese
understood
this
long
before
wellness
architecture became a trend.
In a traditional compound, pavilions open onto
a central courtyard, where frangipani trees
shed their fragrant blossoms and koi fish swirl
in still ponds. Air circulates freely, reducing
heat and promoting comfort without the need
for artificial cooling. Thick thatched roofs of
alang-alang grass provide insulation, keeping
interiors cool in the tropical heat. The layout
of the compound fosters movement—walking
between pavilions means encountering family
members, sharing a quiet smile, exchanging a
story. In this way, wellness is embedded not
just in materials, but in the very experience
of living.
A Blueprint for Sustainable Living
As urban centers across the world grow
denser, the need for sustainable design has
never been greater. By 2050, an additional
280 billion square meters of buildings will be
constructed globally, most of them in Asia. Yet
modern high-rises often neglect the human
need for connection, prioritizing density over
livability. The Balinese compound offers an
alternative model—one that integrates nature,
community, and sustainability into a seamless
whole.
Traditional
Balinese
homes
use
locally
sourced materials—bamboo, volcanic rock,
coconut wood—that are both renewable and