Villa Tanatakah by asimapra: A Contemporary Bali Retreat Blending Nature, Privacy, and Sustainability

Nestled just a three-minute stroll from the pristine sands of Pererenan Beach in Bali, Villa Tanatakah by asimapra is a private family villa that masterfully balances intimacy, comfort, and contemporary design. Completed in 2022, this 393 m² villa is located in the vibrant and rapidly developing area near Canggu, surrounded by lush natural landscapes, rivers, and pockets of rice fields still cultivated by the local Balinese community.

Thoughtful Design for Family Living

The villa was designed to foster both closeness and privacy for a family of parents and two adult children, each soon to begin their own families. Its architecture reflects a playful yet sophisticated integration of local Balinese elements and contemporary design, resulting in a living space that is both functional and visually captivating.

Architecture and Layout

The villa comprises two primary buildings—a wooden cabin and a studio—connected by a bridge over a serene central courtyard.

• The Wooden Cabin: A two-story structure clad in Ulin wood shingles, the cabin’s interior walls and ceilings are entirely in natural wood, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Each floor houses a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, while the living and dining areas form the heart of the cabin, featuring double-height voids that encourage fluid interaction between spaces.
• The Studio: Across the courtyard, the studio offers an open-plan layout ideal for dining, lounging, and sleeping. An en-suite bathroom complements the space, and a rooftop garden provides panoramic views of the surrounding Balinese landscape, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing.

The contrast between the natural wooden cabin and the muted gray cast-in-place concrete studio with aluminum frames emphasizes privacy and independent occupancy while maintaining a cohesive design language throughout the compound.

Central Courtyard: A Natural Oasis

The central courtyard is a defining feature of Villa Tanatakah, serving as a tranquil retreat for its inhabitants. A flourishing garden, reflecting pond, and gentle water features bring a sense of serenity, while the perimeter walls are adorned with climbing vines, allowing the villa to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Sustainability at Its Core

Sustainability was a key consideration in the villa’s design. A sun-harvesting system provides renewable electricity for the household, while a large skylight over the communal area brings in abundant natural light. Strategically placed operable glass windows ensure optimal cross-ventilation, and bedroom windows with wooden planks provide both privacy and aesthetic warmth.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Villa Tanatakah features a thoughtful selection of materials, including natural wood, Ulin shingles, concrete, and aluminum frames. Furniture and interior finishes were carefully curated by Rusters Furniture, complementing the villa’s balance of contemporary minimalism and local character.

Location and Surroundings

Situated in Mengwi, Bali, the villa is part of a burgeoning neighborhood of trendy cafes, restaurants, and tourist accommodations. Despite its urban proximity, the villa maintains a strong connection to nature, surrounded by rice fields, rivers, and lush greenery that inspire its harmonious design.

All photographs are works of Mario Wibowo