Building in Bali presents unique opportunities and challenges. While local expertise is invaluable, it’s essential to be aware of potential design pitfalls that can impact the livability, safety, and cost-effectiveness of your project. This guide will help you navigate these challenges, ensuring a successful and satisfying build.

The Importance of Good Design

A well-designed building is both beautiful and functional. A good architect understands how to create spaces that are comfortable, practical, and suited to your needs. Don’t hesitate to seek out architects who can bring fresh ideas to your project and go beyond the ordinary.

Selecting the Right Architect

Finding the right architect is crucial. Here’s what to consider:

• Qualifications and Experience: Make sure your architect is qualified and ask to see samples of their previous work. Go and visit some of their projects to assess their design, use of materials, building layout, structural design, and overall livability.
• Collaboration: Choose an architect who will listen to your needs and is willing to work with you, rather than impose their own ideas.
• Concept Drawings: Start with a concept drawing and ensure that the room layout suits your needs before moving forward with detailed plans.

Common Design Issues in Bali

When working with a local architect, pay special attention to these common issues:

• Room Layout: Local house layouts often differ from what you might expect in a contemporary, internationally-designed space. Living rooms may be small, dining rooms non-existent, and staircases may be too narrow or steep.
• Privacy and Space: Be mindful of privacy concerns and avoid wasted space, such as unnecessary corridors.
• Views and Sunlight: Many local houses do not take advantage of views or natural sunlight, and may lack proper ventilation.
• Sun Direction: Consider the direction of the sun to maximize natural light and provide shade to keep rooms cool.
• Solar Water Heater Placement: Ensure solar water heaters are installed facing the correct direction.
• Heights and Dimensions: Be aware that standard heights for doorways, counters, and fixtures may be too low for some, since the average height of Indonesian people is generally lower.
• Bathroom Design: Traditional Balinese bathrooms are “wet” bathrooms, with floors set lower and lacking separate shower areas. Modern designs usually utilize “dry” bathrooms with the floor at the same height as the rest of the house.
• Plumbing: Many locally designed bathrooms have floor drains without U-bends, connected directly to the sewer, leading to unpleasant odors.
• Foundations and Structure: Local practices sometimes skip soil tests or use inadequate foundation designs. Ensure your building has proper foundations and that structural columns and beams are adequate.
• Door Swing: Consider the swing of doors for privacy, particularly for bathrooms and toilets. Doors should swing into the room to avoid immediately exposing the interior.
• Window Design: Choose windows that “scoop” prevailing winds into the house, maximizing natural ventilation. In Bali, this means opening windows on the eastern side outwards in an anticlockwise direction and clockwise on the western side. On the North and South sides they should be able to open fully.
• Ceilings: Avoid plywood or Kalsi board for ceilings, as they tend to crack. Instead, use modern plasterboard for a better finish.
• Electrical Fittings: Avoid the common practice of placing plug sockets high on walls. Instead, they should be placed lower for easy access. Also, light switches should be lower and reachable for children.
• Toilet Design: Consider providing both toilet paper and water spray options, and a squat toilet in the maid’s room.

Safety Considerations

Safety is often overlooked in local building practices. Always check for these:

• Tempered Glass: Use tempered glass for shower screens, not ordinary glass.
• Gas Cylinder Safety: Ensure gas cylinders and regulators are not in poorly ventilated areas.
• Non-Slip Flooring: Install non-slip floor tiles in bathrooms and other areas that may get wet.
• RCBOs: Use RCBOs (electrical contact breakers with earth leakage detectors) instead of standard contact breakers on power circuits.
• Earthing: Ensure all electrical circuits are properly earthed.
• Swimming Pool Safety: Make sure swimming pools have a shallow end with steps and, ideally, a fence.

Conclusion

By paying close attention to these details, you can avoid common design pitfalls and ensure that your Bali building project is successful, safe, and meets all your needs. Working with a local architect can be a cost effective way, but it is essential to stay involved in the design process and check all aspects of the design. Remember that careful planning and attention to detail are key to creating a space you will love.