Nestled within the heart of Ubud’s forests, The Ravine intertwines architecture, nature, and culture to form a residential landmark that transcends the boundaries of our natural and built environment. Named after the steep gorges that shape the area, The Ravine captures the reverence of Ubud for its landscape and is a celebration of the region’s spirituality, musicality, and craftsmanship. Expressing the language of Balinese shrines, every line and shape references the silhouettes of Ubud’s heritage of wood carving and traditional instruments.

The spatial experience blurs the line between the indoor and outdoor, connecting the residents to their natural surroundings. Each floor’s layout is framed by generous openings that respect tropical architecture’s connectivity with nature—a connection sacred to Balinese construction, which has long been influenced by its landscape of forests, rice terraces, and fields.

Our design approach revolved around contemplation, communion, and intimacy, addressing the client’s desire to socialise and entertain while maintaining privacy. Expressed through the layout, different stand-alone buildings and open corridors allow the family of four and their guests to have their own space. Echoing Bali’s vernacular architecture, the environ divides itself into public and private areas, with courtyards for quiet reflection.

Located in an area of Ubud where spirituality and music are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric, almost all furniture is custom-made and an ode to traditional local instruments—a desire also stemming from the clients, who wanted to immerse their children in the local environment and bring forth the children’s own musicality. Nature, music, and human touch inform the design. The “Sound” coffee table, composed of oak and brass slats that produce sound upon activation, reference the Gender, a traditional percussive instrument. The credenza, with a modular structure of timber and a pattern of repeated rattan weave baskets that turn into planters, nod to Gamelan gongs, a Balinese ceremonial instrument.

We adopted a sensitive approach to minimise impact on the space’s environment, integrating with the persistent flora and topography, and using locally, contextually sourced materials from certified forests. In conversation with local artisans from project conception to end, Balinese craftsmanship is incorporated through hand-woven textiles, wood carvings, and traditional basket-weaving techniques, as a continuation and preservation of the region’s traditions. Creating from abundance, The Ravine is an extension of creativity and an expression of what the site inspires. Through spaces that evoke contemplation and reflection, we foster a connection with the earth and encourage deeper interplay between our built and natural surroundings. By incorporating cultural practices and Balinese craftsmanship, we contribute to the sustainability of the local community and preserve the region’s culture.