The Octagon by Stilt Studios: A Sustainable Restaurant and Workspace Immersed in Bali’s Forest Canopy

Nature-Inspired Architecture with a Purpose

Nestled in the heart of Grün Resort Uluwatu, a boutique eco-retreat in southern Bali, The Octagon Restaurant and Workspace represents Stilt Studios’ largest and most ambitious design to date. Designed with a deep respect for its tropical surroundings, this multifaceted structure blends sustainability, flexibility, and biophilic architecture into a harmonious, octagon-shaped form that elevates both functionality and aesthetic presence.

Octagonal Form Meets Environmental Sensitivity

Departing from the typical rectilinear blueprint, The Octagon embraces an eight-sided geometry inspired by natural balance and spatial efficiency. This form not only promotes energy efficiency and structural balance, but also minimizes material waste and enhances airflow. Set within a lush forest canopy, the building’s design reflects a deep commitment to coexisting with — not imposing upon — the natural landscape.

“We wanted to build a space that connects with the surrounding forestry rather than compete with it,” explains Lead Designer Prayoga Arya Wirasana. “The Octagon is about openness, adaptability, and reverence for nature.”

Dual-Function Design: Restaurant Below, Workspace Above

Split across two levels, The Octagon is tailored for multi-use adaptability.

• The 140 m² ground floor houses a resort restaurant, welcoming guests with panoramic views and relaxed, earthy interiors.
• The 200 m² upper level is a flexible, open-plan workspace that functions as a co-working area, yoga studio, or event venue.

This smart layering of programmatic zones ensures the structure remains versatile and future-proof, adapting to changing user needs over time — a core principle of resilient architecture.v

Lightweight Structure, Heavy Impact

The Octagon floats above ground on pilotis, giving the upper floor the impression of levitation. Full-height sliding glass doors, a central circular skylight, and strategically placed openings flood the interior with natural light while framing the rich greenery outside. Inside, the layout emphasizes flow and calm — aided by low-profile furniture, soft textures, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.

The surrounding 360-degree decking further dissolves the threshold between inside and outside, offering guests uninterrupted views of the surrounding forest. Whether you're a guest at Grün Resort or a walk-in visitor, the structure invites an immersive sensory experience rooted in nature.

Material Palette: Raw, Reclaimed, Refined

The Octagon employs a refined material mix of reclaimed wood, steel, and glass, creating a tropical-industrial aesthetic that is both warm and contemporary.

• Steel provides strength, modern expression, and recyclability.
• Reclaimed wood offers warmth, historic depth, and environmental responsibility.
• Glass ensures transparency and a visual link to nature.

This low-impact palette not only supports the aesthetic vision, but also reinforces Stilt Studios’ dedication to carbon-conscious construction.

Prefabrication and Sustainable Construction

As with other Stilt Studios projects, The Octagon is built using prefabricated modular components — reducing construction time, waste, and the overall carbon footprint. Responsibly sourced timber was prioritized to enhance carbon storage, aligning with the studio’s mission to “lighten the impact on Earth.” Through precision prefabrication, material efficiency, and sustainable sourcing, the Octagon exemplifies next-generation eco-architecture in Southeast Asia.

All Photographs are works of Willem Keuppens