High above the treetops in Penestanan, on the outskirts of Ubud, Bali, is the boutique hideaway Lift. This project incorporates different aspects of Balinese design and living into the resort. Designed by Indonesian-based architectural studio Alexis Dornier, Lift is the epitome of light architecture: building structures that reduce their footprint on site and uplift the natural landscape.
Moving away from traditional building techniques, such as a heavy reliance on concrete to provide rigid structure, Alexis Dornier were inspired by building locally and separating their accommodation from that of the rest of the island, which typically uses a high quantity of concrete to create its breezy holiday feel. But the real luxury comes from a blending of your surroundings and an attention to the materials already presented in that space, which is at the centre of Lift’s mission. Having a cost effective and fast build meant utilizing materials such as steel, locally sourced bamboo and timber to create the exterior of the cluster of treehouses. Climbing an external spiral staircase, each treehouse features passive cooling (the practice that limits heat gain and increases heat loss in a structure with low or no energy consumption) which is ideal for tropical regions.
Both structurally and design-wise, there are three main structures; The George Orwell, Stanley Kubrick and the Earnest Hemingway. Each treehouse features a plush king sized bed, separate luxury bathroom with a walk-in shower, air conditioning, and a private external terrace for a relaxing seating space. Importantly, Alexis Dornier gave each name and its corresponding dwelling a different structure, material, and appearance. This was a way to showcase a specific element of eco design while still maintaining and overarching theme.
The Earnest Hemingway design is elevated twelve meters (39.4 ft) above the ground and is furnished with furniture made from Rattan (a material typically used for whicker weaving in the tropical regions of Australia, Asia, and Africa) and recycled timber that has been locally sourced. This Rattan technique is accentuated in the bathroom and open bedroom, where various blinds and panels obstruct the windows and offer hidden details of privacy. The roof is inspired by traditional Javanese homes, associated with aristocratic living, signaling the luxurious nature of this accommodation.
However, the George Orwell and Stanley Kubrick villa roofs feature the typical Balinese Alang-Alang thatched roof, which is a style both close to home and also ideal for passive cooling and a tree-like appearance. With changes to the interior and a private rooftop terrace, the Stanley Kubrick is by far the most modern of the three, but all tend to experiment with the conditioned treehouse design and create something welcoming; an oasis of comfort high off the ground.
The resort also features an outdoor pool, bar, sauna, hammocks, picnic tables, yoga deck, and secluded recreational areas for added comfort.
The prices start at $75 (68 EUR) per night, per couple. The resort is located near national parks, waterfalls, the Bali zoo and marine park for exciting day trips.
