Bali is renowned for its rich cultural fusion, which is one of its core values. However, many resorts and tropical tourist attractions on the island today tend to focus solely on providing holiday experiences for visitors, often isolating vacationers from the local community. This project, located on Seminyak Beach—the last undeveloped beach in Bali—seeks to maximize integration with the local community. Its design challenges the typical resort models currently found on the island, addressing the sense of separation they create.
Potato Head Studios hotel is one of three buildings that make up Desa Potato Head—“Desa” meaning village in Indonesian—and is fully open to the public. The other two buildings include another hotel and a beach club. The newly constructed Potato Head Studios not only offers public spaces but also incorporates various infrastructure facilities alongside private rooms.
The architect designed a floating circular structure elevated on columns above the ground floor, accommodating private hotel rooms, exhibition spaces, and a large sunset-viewing bar. This design creates an open public platform that seamlessly connects with the natural beach environment outside. Situated at the center of the resort, this open platform also serves as a versatile venue for different activities such as cultural events, festivals, and daily leisure, allowing visitors to engage deeply with Bali’s local culture.
Within this floating circular block, a public circulation path leads visitors to the rooftop area, where they can experience a unique public space and a small sculpture park. Along this pathway, the architect integrated functional spaces including restaurants, swimming pools, and hot spring rooms, enhancing the visitor experience.
The design thoughtfully incorporates local Indonesian cultural traditions. The open public space on the ground floor evokes the traditional Indonesian garden courtyards, while the private courtyard on the second floor reflects the region’s elevated courtyard typology.
Unlike typical enclosed resorts designed for private consumption, Potato Head Studios embraces an open and inclusive public space concept. It aims to provide meaningful experiences and foster opportunities for contemporary Balinese culture, benefiting hotel guests, local residents, and the wider public alike.
Project Drawings
▲ First floor plan
▲ Plan view
▲ Plan view
▲ Plan view
▲ Plan view
▲ Sectional view
▲ Sectional view
Project Information
Project Type: Hotel
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Architectural Design: OMA
Year of Completion: 2020
Photographer: Kevin Mak, courtesy of OMA
Lead Architect: Ken Fung
Project Manager: David Gianotten
Project Co-Leaders: Michael Kokora (2015), Fred Awty (2017)
Special thanks on behalf of wakulchre नमक मांग रहा उड़ Diana, Thorben Bazlen, Von Xiao Chua, Kwan Ho Li, Mike Lim, Ioana Mititelu, Catherine Of, Slobodan Radoman, Rizki Supratman, Shinji Takagi, and Patrizio Zobernig.
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