In a developing area of Bali in Seminyak, in the south of the island, the Singaporean owner of a plot of land wanted a holiday property that was open, convenient to live in, and yet maintained some references to traditional Balinese dwellings (though not at all overtly). The site was originally virgin paddy fields, and though close to the sea, there was no possibility of a view from the single-storey structure, which was also what the client requested.

Architect Ian Chee has designed a complex that creates entirely its own habitat within the surrounding walls. Chee’s intention was to re-interpret the traditional Balinese layout of a dwelling. In this, there is a series of small construction grouped in the same compound, with a minimum of five areas: entrance, bedroom kitchen, bathroom and granary. The precise layout varies according to status and caste, and follows rules laid down in treatises, some going back to the fifteenth century. Masonry platforms are traditional, as is the interpenetration of interior and exterior space.

One of the bedrooms seen from its small courtyard garden, planted with Bird of Paradise plants (Strelitzia reginae). The garden, which can be entered through sliding glass doors, connects the bedroom to the bathroom. The same bedroom is seen from its entrance. A full-height sliding door that can open the room fully to the rest of the compound. The living shelter is in the background. The bathroom of another bedroom seen from its courtyard garden, open-air bathing is another Balinese tradition that suits the climate. A mirror running the entire width of the bathroom enhances its open, natural aspect.

The bedrooms and the TV/Study room are fully air-conditioned. The master bedroom offers a Chinese style antique bed with en-suite bathroom and the both guest rooms offer double bed bedrooms with private bathrooms. All rooms have a view to towards the pool and the large open lawn shaded with tall swaying coconut trees. Coco Groove has its own in-ground pool tiled with beautiful natural green color stone tiles. Behind the pool overlooking the entire property is a Balinese bale just perfect for those afternoon naps. Alternatively you can just laze beside the pool on one of the outdoor lounges.

This house, completed in 2004 and with a total built-up area of 550 square meters, was conceived as a series of bales (the Balinese version of a gazebo) linked by a covered walkway and orientated to take advantage of the prevailing winds, using large cantilevered overhangs and plated pergolas for shade and protection from rain.

By adapting the arrangement of a traditional Bali home, the architect was able to satisfy the client’s wish to keep the guest quarters separate, and these were located in a line extending from the corner housing the kitchen, service quarters and garage. The living shelter followed by the master room extends from this corner at a right angle, while the house temple was placed facing the sacred mountain Gunung Agung in the opposite corner of the compound.

One entire wall of the compound is lined by plantings of small trees. The water connects the living area at firth with the bathrooms that adjoin the master and second bedrooms. The focus of the house is the living shelter, roofed but open on three sides. In the centre of this is the sunken seating area, into which steps lead down from two opposite corner. Early morning sunlight streams into the living shelter (overleaf), with its dining table at left. The area faces out on to the lawn, swimming pool and a small bale in traditional style, thatched with alang-alang grass.

As the architect comments, ‘In material terms, we chose a palette of simple finishes’. And in the bathrooms the combination is of river pebbles set in one wall, wood, concrete and polished metal. A borderless mirror, projecting slightly to accommodate concealed lighting behind, gives a modern contrast to the pebbles.

Woven bamboo matting in various forms is used for cupboards and screens. A bathroom door-handle is cast in metal from one of the river pebbles used throughout the house. A dressing-room mirror, designed by the architect, is set in the neck of a tailor’s dummy imprint of bamboo matting has been left in a concrete ceiling from the formwork.

Coco Groove is fully serviced with its own staff, including a cook, a maid, gardener, and night time security staff. The staff is at your call for the entire duration of your stay and will cater to your every need.