Architect: Studio Jencquel
Area: 450 m²
Completion Year: 2018
Project Location: Bali
Photographer: Tommaso Riva

This is a close look at the main entrance of the property with a large concrete gateway with intricate designs.

This is a look at the terraced grass lawn leading to the house with open walls and dark roofs complemented by the thick tall trees in the background.

This is a close look at the side of the house that has glass walls, dark roof and mosaic stone base below and has a view of the tall tropical trees.

The mosaic stone wall on the side of the house supports the infinity pool at the side of the house with a view of the treetops and tall tropical trees.

This side of the house has glass walls that open the interiors to the poolside area of the house.

This is a close look at the poolside area that has concrete walkways adorned by the tall tropical trees and shrubs on the far side.

This is the view of the cliff from the edge of the poolside area. You can see here that there is a stone walkway and steps to access the lower area of the property.

This is another look at the poolside area that has an infinity pool and lounges on the side shaded by the tall tropical trees.

This is a close look at the wooden pillar of the side of the house that supports the wooden ceiling and roof that has exposed beams.

The infinity pool has a design that makes it seem like a part of the grass lawn and the surrounding landscape.

The earthy tones of the house exterior are complemented by the forest of tall tropical trees in the background.

The grass lawn has small hills and tropical trees and shrubs that pair well with the earthy exterior walls of the house.

This is a close look at the wooden deck terrace that has a fire pit on the corner across from the L-shaped outdoor sofa with a view of the treetops beyond.

Upon entry into the house, you are welcomed by this simple foyer that has wall-mounted artsworks and a tall wooden arched ceiling with exposed beams.

This foyer has a rustic woven divider panel that separates the hallway from the dining area with a wooden dining table.

This is a close look at the living room that has a tall arched ceiling above the large coffee table paired with a sofa and a couple of arm chairs.

This is another view of the living room showcasing the beige sofa set and the large open wall that lets in an abundance of natural lighting.

The background of the living room is a glass wall that showcases the view of the thick landscaping of trees and shrubs behind the house.

This is another close look at the living room that showcases the hanging decorative lighting and the wooden bench on the side wall.

This is a view from the vantage of the living room sofa showcasing the tropical trees of the poolside area outside.

This view of the living room showcases more of the large coffee table and the tall beamed cathedral ceiling above with multiple ceiling fans.

This is a view of the low wooden platform behind the sofa with various decorations to adorn the dining area that is only a few steps away.

This is a view of the living room that showcases the proximity of the living room open walls to the poolside area lounges.

This is a full view of the dining area with a large rectangular wooden dining table surrounded by cushioned chairs and topped with rustic hanging decorations.

This is a close look at the wooden cabinetry of the kitchen with a contrasting white counter and backsplash.

Above the backsplash is another tier of counter that is perfect for storage and decorations for the kitchen.

This is a nighttime view of the infinity pool showcasing the silhouettes of the tall tropical trees.

This is a close look at the glass doorway of the bedroom with a direct access to the outdoor areas of the house.

This is an open doorway that connects the interior of the bedroom to the outdoor poolside area.

This is a close look at the bedroom with a study area on the far corner by the doors. It has a wooden plank wall and a wooden desk paired with a cushioned chair.

On the side of the bed is the large wooden cabinet and dresser with rustic woven elements to its cabinet doors.

This is another look at the study area on the far corner of the bedroom with a wooden desk and a cushioned chair.

This is a wooden window above the headboard of the bed with a view of the shower area with mosaic textured stone wall and creeping vines.

This is a look at the bedroom's study area from the vantage of the poolside area through the glass wall.

This is the view afforded by the study area of the bedroom with a built-in wooden desk.

This bedroom has a platform bed topped iwth a tall beamed wooden cathedral ceiling that has a ceiling fan.

The bed stands out against the surrounding wooden elements and walls adorned with a wall-mounted rustic artwork on the far wall.

This is another look at the study area of the bedroom with a wooden desk and a cushioned chair.

The bathroom has a simple and rustic vanity paired with a white porcelain rectangular sink adorned by a potted plant and wall-mounted artwork.

This is a close look at the side of the house with glass walls that feature glimpses of the bedroom interior. The outdoor area is adorned with multiple lanterns and a grass lawn.

On the side of the bedroom is a large glass wall that lets in natural lighting as well as provide a view of the surrounding landscape of green grass and tropical trees.

This is a close look at the open doorway of the bedroom showcasing the various wooden elements of the interiors complemented by the abundance of natural lighting.

This is another look at the study area of the bedroom with a built-in wooden desk and a cushioned chair.

This is a close look at the glass sliding door of the bedroom showcasing the wooden frame and the handle.

This is a close look at the den with built-in cushioned benches paired with built-in wooden shelves filled with various decors and displays.

In the middle of these cushioned benches is a built-in side table with decors on it that matches the shelves in the background.

This is the bathroom with a large rustic vanity paired with a alrge mirror and has a view of the bathtub on the far side.

This is a closer look at the bathtub house with wooden elements that match the walls and ceiling.

This is another look at the rustic large vanity made of wood from the vantage of the bathtub.

This is a close look at the glass doors of the bedroom with a dark cushioned daybed just outside.

This is another look at the poolside area of the house with a view of the glass walls and earthy roofs complemented by the tall tropical trees.

Umah Hati (Tranquil Heart) is an understated and humble private villa, yet also is a subtly audacious hybrid, bridging the West and the East. It seamlessly blends with the environment, giving it the feeling of a large cabin – but far more precious.

Studio Jencquel handled the architectural and interior design for the project, located in Sayan on the outskirts of Ubud, Bali. Construction began in June 2016 and was completed in December 2017. Using high-quality materials and sophisticated craftsmanship, Umah Hati makes the most of its setting and context, emanating tranquility from the heart of the house to its surroundings.

Working closely with the client, the design process yielded a timeless blend of Balinese vernacular and modernity. The L-shaped, single floor villa has a built surface of 400 m2 on a 4000 m2 property. It hosts three bedrooms with en suite baths, living room, dining area, kitchen, powder room, pantry, laundry, and staff quarters. In traditional Balinese style, many parts of the house are open to nature. Outside, a shimmering lap pool points toward lush jungle and the Ayung River gorge.

Local materials were carefully chosen for the project, including reclaimed Indonesian ironwood for the roof and structure. A key feature is the roof design, constructed with immaculate detail and fine craftsmanship. Rafters are made of Bankirai wood, sanded smooth and left natural. Japanese joining techniques bind the main roof ridge.

Woven rattan from Sulawesi beautifully lines the interior, while ironwood shingles secure the roof cover. Modest proportions and height lend an intimate, sheltered feel to the proceedings, and an appearance of simplicity that hides the complexity of its execution.

A river in Ubud provides soft volcanic Paras stone for distinctive wall-cladding. Exotic Asian and Italian marbles constitute bathroom vanities, as well as lovely flooring in the living room, kitchen, and master bath. Richly hued Indonesian teak is used for wall cladding, bedroom floors, windows, and doors. A century-old teak log has been repurposed as a spectacular vanity in the master bath, complete with an inlaid marble sink. Outside, garden walls are crafted of rough lava stone.

Workers surprisingly discovered a beautiful garden space hidden along the river’s edge of the property and furnished it with a wood platform – a reminder that sometimes the land talks to us, if we listen.