«The biggest challenge with this project was to create simple, modern architecture using a combination of natural and engineered materials, without detracting from the atmosphere of the location and its connection to nature» is how Cipta Setia Wijaya, architect and interior consultant for CNS Designworks, described the project for Atlas Beach Fest, a beach club on the Berawam waterfront in Bali.
One of the compositional and architectural cornerstones of the project was the desire on the part of both the client and the architects to create a one-stop entertainment and lifestyle centre that «represents Indonesia, is made by Indonesia and belongs to Indonesia». The result is an elaborate 2.9-hectare space that fits seamlessly into the local area and offers a wide range of facilities, including the beach club with daybeds that appear to float on the water, a gym, a dining area, a disco and a stage for events.
As mentioned above, one of the most important design principles was the desire to create a closer connection with Bali’s natural environment and to reduce the project’s ecological footprint. This was done by adopting simple building systems, choosing minimalist architectural styles and using local resources. «Efficiency and simplicity are at the heart of this project,» explains Cipta Setia Wijaya. «We had to meet a very tight schedule, which gave us a further incentive to adopt an engineering approach and ensure maximum simplicity of construction. We also tried to minimise the use of air-conditioning and reduce power consumption, and we selected natural materials such as wood, straw and natural stone alongside engineered alternatives capable of reproducing local materials.»
The project requirements fitted in perfectly with the stylistic trends that are currently most popular in the region, including a strong preference for textured surfaces. With this in mind, the architects chose the Norde ceramic tile series from Atlas Concorde, opting for four different quartzite-inspired versions that recreate the rough surfaces found in nature. This LEED certified series combined the architects’ stylistic demands with the needs of functionality. «We see Atlas Concorde as our partner because they use dedicated state-of-the-art 3D printing technology. We were totally convinced by these tiles right from the start, particularly given the current popularity of textured tiles in Bali,» concluded Cipta Setia Wijaya enthusiastically.
