Bali, Indonesia, known for its natural beauty and deep-rooted spirituality, is now the setting for a stunning architecture and design project. The local studio Ibuku completed “Lumi Shala,” a yoga and meditation studio that radiates serenity and connection with nature. 

This unique building is the latest addition to Alchemy Bali, a wellness retreat and restaurant located close to the town of Ubud. Here we see how Ibuku has managed to combine architecture, nature, and spirituality to create a unique space at Alchemy Bali. 

The perfect combination: Design and nature 

One of the most outstanding features of Lumi Shala is its design with overlapping “petals” made of bamboo and clad with gleaming copper tiles. Each of these petal-shaped roofs was created using bamboo arches at both ends, connected by a double-curved structure that defines its distinctive appearance. 

These bamboo roofs allow sunlight to filter gently through the narrow gaps, and their structure is left exposed to form the building’s internal ceilings. 

Freedom everywhere you look 

Ibuku Studio chose custom copper tiles to clad the bamboo ceilings. These tiles reflect a warm golden light on the bamboo ceilings, creating an atmosphere that evokes lightness and freedom. 

The arched openings formed by the spaces where the bases of each bamboo petal overlap provide access to the central space and views of the surroundings from the inside. 

A 100% natural structure 

The bamboo roof structure is supported by a series of low walls and buttresses around the perimeter of the circular plan. These were built with handmade bricks and covered with a mixture of limestone, clay, and local earth. 

These exterior buttresses have been creatively used to create storage spaces and tiered seating around the central space. The building’s mud floor connects to the tradition of walking and dancing on mud floors that have endured for millennia. 

This construction reconnects us with our ancestors and the land we come from. Along the entrances, the soft clay bases invite comfortable relaxation. 

Lumi Shala at Alchemy Bali is a testament to architecture merging with nature and spirituality. So, Ibuku Studio has created a space that is not only functional and visually stunning but also filled with a deep sense of peace and beauty. Every aspect of its design has been meticulously cared for to reflect the essence of Bali and its relationship with the land. 

Lumi Shala integrates with its surroundings, connecting with the history and essence of humanity. This project is an inspiring example of how architecture and design can create spaces that nourish body and soul.