The basic design concept of Sahid Kuta Lifestyle Resort was inspired by the terraced fields that abound in Bali. Interestingly, the Balinese government was also consulted on the design plans of the development, which aims to revamp the streetscape of the busy thoroughfare in which the resort is located. The architectural consultants were Chew Tai Eng and daughter Ming Zhou, the heads of Indonesia-based multidisciplinary architectural design practice Enviro Tec.

The 3.2-hectare project is organised into two different zones: one, the Beachwalk retail lifestyle hub; and the other, the five-star Sheraton Hotel Kuta Bali resort. The development reposes on an elevated landscaped deck with a base wall of earth hues featuring terracotta tiles that depict the islands of Indonesia. Its structure is further softened with a charming pastiche of landscape plates that feature sweeping curves, shallow water channels and a soft veil of greenery.

The resort’s 250-metre streetside facade was planned specifically to draw in visitors, with the curves subtly guiding visitors into the centre where four F&B pods and an open stage are located. This central oasis marks the physical and visual centre of the development: the stage can be seen from all levels of the development, including from within the hotel rooms. From here, visitors can observe two levels of retailers housed in sinuous transparent glass pods carefully placed around an unseen visual axis with views of the beach. A touch of whimsy is added by crowning the top-most pods with a roof shaped like a local farmer’s hat.

Every element is taken care of in the resort, even the drop-off point and entrance to the hotel. The small lane leading into the hotel is lined with vertical green walls and a chequered, perforated wall built with grey concrete blocks, offering both shielding and ventilation for the basement carpark while recalling the traditional Balinese poleng pattern. The garden spaces on the first level, and the sky gardens above the garden island pod in the centre oasis are also carefully incorporated special features. Linked by sky bridges, this increases traffic flow and eliminates dead-end spaces.

Engagement of the physical senses – the view, the sound of the sea, the scent of the local flora – is also an important aspect of the overall design. The retail lifestyle hub was deliberately created as a semi-open, naturally ventilated space and offers an experience unique in Bali.

The hotel lobby is another amazing example. With a special structural system in place to allow for 25 metres of column-free space, nothing blocks a visitor’s spectacular view of the ocean. At sunset, the entire lobby glows with natural light.

As far as possible, locally available and environmentally friendly materials have been used to build the development. For instance, the ceiling treatments are made with a non-toxic biodegradable polymer that looks aesthetically similar to rattan for long-term functionality and maintenance. Woven with a traditional technique known as anyamen, they infuse the spaces with a traditional Balinese ambience. Every effort has been made to avoid the cutting down of trees, and a rainwater collection and water recycling system is in place for maintaining the water features and gardens to reduce stress on Bali’s strained water supplies.

The Sahid Kuta Lifestyle Resort was a shortlist at this year’s INSIDE Awards, held as part of the World Architecture Festival (WAF).

Photography © Guo Jie

Enviro Tec
et-envirotec.com