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Ubud's Lotus Yoga Shala redefines sustainable architecture with bamboo design
Bali newsBali3 min read
Pablo Luna Studio in Bali has developed the Lotus Yoga Shala in Ubud, an innovative structure designed to integrate with its natural surroundings without traditional air conditioning or walls. Inspired by a lotus flower, the shala's roof mimics petals, a biomimetic approach developed since 2021. The design utilizes petung bamboo, bundling it to form flexible gridshell primary arches, which allows for an open, airy perimeter. This method demonstrates bamboo's structural capabilities as an alternative to steel and concrete. The shala's platform conforms to the natural hillside, minimizing site disturbance and respecting the topography. Its open-air design allows air and light to flow freely, dissolving the boundary between indoor practice and the lush landscape, offering an immersive yoga experience. The project emphasizes authentic climate-responsive design, considering airflow, material, and shading. Bamboo, known for its quick growth and carbon-sequestering properties, is central to this energy-efficient approach. The Lotus Yoga Shala serves as a model for how sustainability and comfort can coexist, challenging conventional spa-like wellness spaces with its site-specific, bamboo-based construction and philosophy.
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