Bronze Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2025
Bumi Kinar Hotel And Resort
- A' Design Award 2025 Bronze Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: TWS and Partners
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 12,247
- Verification code 9C260D4FCA · Verify this award
About Bumi Kinar Hotel And Resort
Bumi Kinar is a resort in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. The complex includes eight one bedroom villas, two suites and a clubhouse. The buildings stand on a long hilly site bordered by the Petanu River, with views of the surrounding forest. The curved forms are informed by the line of a lotus leaf. A 600 meter floating rampway links the villas and also serves as a jogging track and viewing platform. The structures are raised above the terrain to protect the ground below. Porous lava stone and green roofs reduce heat from the tropical sun. Mature trees on the site were retained.
Tonny Wirawan Suriadjaja's Bumi Kinar Hotel And Resort represents a sophisticated architectural meditation on the relationship between built form and tropical landscape, positioning itself within contemporary discourse surrounding organic modernism, biomimetic design principles, and the ongoing evolution of hospitality architecture that seeks integration rather than domination of natural contexts, the design demonstrates particular affinity with Southeast Asian architectural traditions that privilege open-air pavilions, layered spatial sequences, and the dissolution of hard boundaries between interior occupation and exterior environmental immersion, while simultaneously engaging with international contemporary resort typologies that emphasize experiential luxury through formal innovation and environmental sensitivity. The compositional achievement of this ensemble lies in its masterful orchestration of contrasting geometric languages, the precise circular geometry of the central tiered pavilion establishing a strong focal anchor and vertical emphasis that draws the eye upward through its stratified levels, each platform delineated with exactitude through crisp white balustrades that create horizontal banding rhythms, this radial centrality then releasing into the sinuous organic undulation of the accommodation wings that flow rightward across the site like a gentle wave or the meandering path of water across terrain, the biomorphic roof contours creating visual poetry through their irregular yet harmonious repetition, this formal dialogue between circle and curve, precision and organic flow, vertical stacking and horizontal extension demonstrating sophisticated compositional intelligence and a nuanced understanding of how contrasting geometries can establish dynamic equilibrium rather than visual conflict. The chromatic accomplishment merits particular attention, the designer's palette restricting itself to a refined spectrum dominated by the deep verdant greens of preserved existing vegetation, the warm ochre and sienna tones of what appears to be timber or timber-colored cladding that establishes material warmth and tactile invitation, the pristine white of architectural trim elements that provide visual clarity and definition, and most dramatically the luminous turquoise of the crescent pool that functions as a chromatic jewel within the composition, this water element glowing with internal illumination that transforms it into a light-emitting object rather than merely a reflective surface, the turquoise creating vibrant chromatic punctuation against the more subdued earth tones and greens surrounding it, the entire palette then unified and elevated through the golden amber artificial lighting that traces architectural edges and pathways, this warm illumination creating habitable glowing volumes within the gathering dusk atmosphere, the lighting strategy demonstrating sophisticated understanding of how architecture can transform between day and night conditions, becoming increasingly luminous and jewel-like as natural light diminishes. The environmental integration this design achieves suggests careful site analysis and a planning philosophy that preserves existing mature vegetation as essential to the architectural experience rather than clearing for maximized buildable area, the dense tree canopy enveloping and partially concealing the built forms creates layered reveal and discovery sequences where architecture emerges from landscape rather than sitting upon cleared ground, this strategy establishing the complex as sanctuary nestled within protective natural enclosure, the preservation of existing topography and vegetation also speaking to sustainable design considerations and respect for ecological systems, the agricultural landscape visible in the background providing broader contextual grounding that situates the resort within productive terrain rather than isolated from its regional setting. The tiered circular pavilion invites consideration as both functional gathering space and symbolic center, its wedding-cake morphology and central placement suggesting communal activity, the open-air quality implied by the continuous balustrades rather than solid walls indicating spaces designed for tropical climate responsiveness where natural ventilation and connection to surrounding environment take precedence over sealed enclosure, this vertical stacking creating opportunities for varied experiential perspectives from each level, the uppermost platform offering panoramic outlook while lower levels increasingly engage intimate connection with pool and immediate landscape, the central oculus in the roof plane creating zenithal light penetration and symbolic connection between earth and sky, the entire circular composition perhaps evoking traditional Southeast Asian cosmological models where circular forms represent wholeness, community, and cosmic order. The undulating accommodation wings extending from this central core establish processional sequence and intimate scaled retreat, each unit individualized through the organic roof forms yet unified through material and geometric consistency, the circular roof penetrations echoing the central pavilion's geometry creating formal family resemblance across the complex, these smaller circles suggesting individual sanctuary spaces within the larger communal whole, the sinuous flow of the wing creating protective embrace around landscaped courts and pathways, the architecture appearing to flow with rather than against natural contours, this organic planning perhaps inviting contemplation of how contemporary architecture might learn from natural forms and systems, how built environment can participate in rather than oppose ecological patterns, how human habitation can achieve harmony with tropical setting through formal strategies that privilege curve over straight line, integration over separation, permeability over sealed boundary, and environmental dialogue over environmental control, the entire ensemble offering visitors opportunity to experience architecture as mediating threshold between cultural making and natural becoming, where the act of dwelling unfolds within carefully crafted frames that heighten rather than diminish awareness of the verdant living world surrounding and sustaining human presence.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Bumi Kinar at Ubud is a distinguished architectural ensemble comprising eight one-bedroom villas, two suites, and a magnificent clubhouse. Nestled amidst the serene Ubud cliffside forest, this retreat offers a sanctuary of tranquility in Bali's renowned leisure destination.
Perched on a longitudinal hilly terrain bordered by the Petanu River, with sweeping views of Ubud's tranquil forest, Bumi Kinar seamlessly integrates with the existing Bumi Sekembang compounds. Drawing inspiration from the purity of the lotus leaf, its architecture gently curves, symbolizing renewal and purification, embodying the essence of an international retreat and healing resort.
Guests embark on a captivating journey from the main verandah villa at Bumi Sekembang, guided by parallel curved walls leading to Bumi Kinar's gallery foyer. Here, amidst lush tropical gardens, they pause to savor a welcome drink, immerse themselves in art, and connect with fellow travelers.
Continuing the journey, guests discover hidden accesses to the North and South Wing Suites, before arriving at the heart of the main building—the outdoor elliptical reflecting pond. Mirroring the surrounding forest, it offers a serene vista, while a covered wooden floor invites contemplation of Mount Agung in the distance.
Descending a curved staircase, guests are greeted by a crescent-shaped dining and lounge area, overlooking an infinity pool and the verdant forest beyond. The spa area, nestled between cliffside and forest hill, beckons relaxation and rejuvenation.
Carefully integrated into the natural landscape, the villas are positioned to minimize environmental impact, connected by a floating rampway doubling as a jogging track and viewing platform. Embracing sustainable design, the structures hover above the terrain, preserving the ecosystem below, while porous lava stone and green roofs provide insulation from the tropical sun.
Retaining mature trees and incorporating new green elements, Bumi Kinar harmonizes with its surroundings, blending minimalistic modernity with the lushness of Ubud's tropical forest. It epitomizes a new architectural poetry—a haven for retreat and healing amidst nature's embrace. - Dimensions & Packaging
- Sustainable Elegance
Every inch of Bumi Kinar has been thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the
environment. The villas are strategically located to minimize environmental disruption,
connected by a 600-meter floating rampway that doubles as a jogging track and viewing
platform. The architectural structure, seemingly floating above the terrain, not only reduces
environmental impact but also creates a cool, breathable space within the villas themselves.A Symphony of Green and Grey
Bumi Kinar seamlessly blends minimalistic modern architecture with varying shades of grey,
harmonizing beautifully with the verdant tropical forest of Ubud. Existing mature trees have
been preserved, and new green elements added, ensuring the resort remains an integral
part of the natural landscape.
In the heart of Bali's Ubud, Bumi Kinar stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of
design, nature, and spirituality. Whether you seek tranquillity, adventure, or healing, Bumi
Kinar invites you to embark on a journey that transcends the ordinary—a journey where
every curve tells a story, and every view is a masterpiece. Immerse yourself in the
enchanting oasis that is Bumi Kinar, where paradise is not a destination but a way of life. - Tags
- Resort, Bali, Lotus, Villas, Luxury
- Production Technology
- Serenity by Design
Beyond the galleries, you will arrive at a tranquil courtyard with a surface covered in water,
evoking the sensation of drifting above the forest, where hidden entrances lead to the
North and South-Wing suites. The centrepiece of the main building, the outdoor reflecting - Design Challenge
- Architectural Poetry
Taking inspiration from the cyclical nature of a lotus leaf, Bumi Kinar’s architecture
showcases gentle curvilinear lines that evoke lightness and grace. Just as the lotus leaf rises
untainted from the ground and collects the pure morning mist on its surface, Bumi Kinar
embraces the mystical nature of Bali, making it a retreat unlike any other. - Project Duration
- The project finished in March 2024 in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
- Operation Flow
- An Artistic Haven
Beyond serving as a place to relax, both the Bale Banyu Gallery and The BuKi Gallery double
as an art exhibition and creative hub where guests can come together to exchange ideas
and inspire one another. It is a space where the allure of nature meets the creativity of
human expression. - Research
- Your journey through Bumi Kinar begins the moment you pass through the entrance gates.
As you navigate through the complex, the luscious greenery that engulfs the resort,
complimented by statues depicting legends of the Hindu religion, invite you to immerse
yourself in the mystical aura of Ubud. Bumi Kinar is designed as a continuation from the
traditional heritage design of the existing villas that have stood for three generations,
seamlessly intertwining aspects of heritage with a modern touch that appreciates
contemporary ideals. These villas perched on higher ground provide a tantalizing glimpse
into the main compound below, serving as a captivating starting point for your journey into
paradise. - Inspiration
- Informed by a curvature line of the lotus leaf, Bumi Kinar's architecture gently curves, symbolizing renewal and purification, embodying the essence of a retreat and healing resort. The Lotus itself is called “Lian Hua” in mandarin language which mean “purification”
- Image Credits
- Photographer: Mario Wibowo