Private Villa in Ubud by BAMM ARCHITECTS: Contemporary Design Amidst Bali’s Jungle

Located just eight kilometers south of Ubud, Bali, the Private Villa by BAMM ARCHITECTS seamlessly merges modern architecture with the lush tropical landscape. Surrounded by rice fields, a flowing creek, and dense jungle, the villa embodies a design philosophy rooted in local vernacular while embracing contemporary aesthetics. Completed in 2022, this 160 m² villa offers a serene retreat where architecture and nature coexist harmoniously.

Integration with Nature and Pavilion Typology

The villa is organized into two main architectural elements. The first is a communal pavilion housing essential living areas, including the living room, dining space, kitchen, laundry, and a guest toilet. The pavilion is open on all sides beneath a pitched roof, enabling natural ventilation and continuous air circulation, ideal for Bali’s tropical climate.

The roof combines structural innovation with local craftsmanship. Vertical supports feature painted “double T” steel, while beams and rafters are crafted from Bangkirai wood, a durable local timber. The roofing panels also use Bangkirai wood, giving the pavilion a warm, organic feel. Flooring in the pavilion is finished with Cor Halus grey concrete, resembling fine grit, creating a neutral backdrop for the minimalist interior. A large concrete shelf forms the sofa area, complemented with oversized cushions for comfort and relaxation.

Contemporary Private Residence

The second element is a contemporary building dedicated to private functions, including bedrooms, a studio, bathrooms, and TV areas. The long “slat” structure is built with pillar-and-masonry techniques, finished externally with local stone, reflecting Bali’s rich material heritage. Inside, the villa offers a master bedroom with a walk-in closet, a studio, TV and guest areas, and two open-air bathrooms. These bathrooms maintain privacy while allowing exposure to nature through stone-surrounded open-air showers.

The master bedroom is uniquely suspended on an iron beam, with a large window framing panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. Stone walkways connect the two buildings, integrating seamlessly with the landscaped garden. A pool at the base of the property is accessed via a stone staircase, offering views of the creek and the dense jungle beyond.

Sustainable and Contextual Design

BAMM ARCHITECTS have emphasized a design that resonates with Bali’s natural environment. The use of local wood, stone, and open-air architecture encourages sustainable living while celebrating tropical life. The villa’s layout allows fluid indoor-outdoor transitions, letting residents experience Bali’s lush scenery without compromise.

This private villa exemplifies how contemporary tropical architecture can honor local traditions while introducing modern spatial concepts. It is a perfect example of luxury, sustainability, and contextual design in one cohesive project.

All photographs are works of  Mattia Zenesi