The Roast Garden

What was the concept behind the project?

Considering the location in the southern part of Bali, near the beach and with a major street frontage, we created a concept around three main pillars: 

1. The massing and layout are inspired by traditional Balinese and Indonesian architecture, as are the Wae Rebo village’s houses, the roof of  Rumah Bolon houses and the layout of traditional Balinese habitations. 

2. The design provides a unique coffee experience where the guests can learn about what they are drinking and the process it takes, starting with the coffee plant.

3. The coffee house offers a calming environment with abundant natural elements through a Biophilic design. The elements considered in our design are local materials, view of the ocean, vegetation and organic shapes.

What was the intent behind the organization of elements across various levels (Architectural, Site, Urban)?

The idea behind our project was to create different buildings and spaces that host the various steps of the coffee preparation process with a particular focus on the Kopi Luwak, a unique local coffee in Bali. The guests can see the Coffee trees in the Coffea Garden and learn about the Palm Civet, its contribution to the Luwak coffee (eating and pooping) and the phases of cleaning the coffee beans in the showroom. Finally, the guests can learn about the roasting of the beans and have coffee tasting (cupping) in the roasting room.

In terms of the site, we played with the relations between isolated elements and the main building. At the same time, considering the site characteristics, we created a natural barrier against noise and air pollution using the garden. On the other side, we opened our views to the seaside.

How many iterations were tried to arrive at the final outcome?

We tried about three different alternatives before getting to our final building masses. We were from the beginning trying to follow shapes and concepts that remind us of both the Balinese culture and the coffee experience. Our first approach aimed to fit all functions in one building, but that version did not have a good circulation flow. Doing further research on Balinese architecture, learning more about the functions. We learned that Balinese architecture is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs fused with Austronesian animism, resulting in a home that is “in harmony” with the law of the cosmos of Balinese Hinduism. This is why we aimed to provide cosy, private and intimate spaces. We also found out that it is common in Bali to separate functions into different buildings and pavilions. This inspired us for a twist and helped us to come up with a clean design and the final layout.

Which methods of design investigation?

As part of our design process, we follow experimentation and research as ways to study different shapes in plan and 3D and study the possibilities in implementing a biophilic design. Once the building took its final form in terms of mass and layout, there was a lot of experimentation with materials and interior elements. The goal of using more local and sustainable materials that are more in touch with nature and Balinese culture guided our decisions. Finally, we made changes to achieve a harmonious environment.

How was the programme condensed into the final?

Going beyond the usual coffee houses, we want to show the process of coffee production and create consciousness on sustainable production and trading with local farmers. Our idea is to promote the coffee production of farmers that are sustainable and work with the excrement of cats that are actually living in the wilderness. This is why we have a space dedicated to showcasing the stages of the coffee beans without having any real cats involved. Another part of our program is to offer the best quality of locally roasted coffee through the design of a space dedicated to roasting coffee and cupping/tasting. The rest of the program goes around different areas made to give customers the best environment to enjoy their coffee or other refreshing drinks from the two bars, all of them connected somehow to nature either with the view or closeness to the garden.

What/How were the materials chosen?

Materials were chosen to align with the biophilic approach, aiming to keep them local, sustainable and harmonious. Bamboo is ideal for structural framing as it is a rapidly renewable material that is sturdy yet can be curved into arcs. To create harmony, the bamboo also appears in some of the furniture as material and on some of the walls as a pattern.

The roof is covered with wooden shingles as an exterior and woven wood as an interior finish. Matching the bamboo structure with elegance, these finishes are great to follow the roof's curved surface.

The interior flooring is made of cement, a naturally waterproof material that is easy to clean, while the exterior flooring is a wooden deck with drainage underneath. The floors and stepping stones on the pathways are slightly elevated from the ground and are surrounded by pebbles and gravel to help drain the rain from heavy tropical storms. 

How was a specific objective attempted to be met?

As mentioned earlier, as a way to attempt our specific objective of providing a coffee journey, we designed separated buildings and a landscape that represents the coffee making. As having coffee is prefered in different ways by different people, we also aimed to develop a variety of ways how the guests can enjoy their fresh beverages. They can choose between high and low, in and out, with a garden or an ocean view and so on. This way, everyone can decide what is most comfortable for them.

In terms of the biophilic design, we naturally went close to nature by getting rid of walls and bringing nature visually to the interior and natural lighting. Furthermore, in addition to visual elements, we aimed to trigger all scenes with natural components like the scent of flowers, the taste of local coffee, the breeze of the wind and the sound of water from the water feature. Finally, the dense garden hopes to nurture biodiversity with bees, butterflies, birds and other animals visiting the site, bringing it alive with colours, hummings and songs. 

What is the expansion plan of the project?

If the empty plot on the east is available in the future, then the design can grow and have a connection to the beach. This way, more people could enjoy the coffee experience, and the concept could be expanded with restaurant space and perhaps other functions such as an event/party venue, kayak rental or a sandy plot that can host beach sports during the day and fire dances during the night since our shape concept is easily replicable in different sizes according to the needs.

How will the project transform with the passing time?

If the empty plot on the east is available in the future, the design can grow and connect to the beach. This way, more people could enjoy the coffee experience. The concept could be expanded with restaurant space and perhaps other functions such as an event/party venue, kayak rental or a sandy plot that can host beach sports during the day and fire dances during the night since our shape concept is easily replicable in different sizes according to the needs.