H I L I W A T U R E S O R T
"Hili," derived from the word 'Hill,' representing the hills, and "Watu," taken from the word 'Batu' or stone, are two names combined based on the site survey conducted by Jeghier Architect's team during their initial visit to the Bresela area in Ubud, Gianyar, Bali. The total site area is approximately 26,000 square meters. Following discussions with the owner and resort operator, it was agreed upon to have 12 units of 1-bedroom villas, 1 unit of the President Suite with 3 bedrooms, 1 unit of 4-bedroom villas, and 24 units of suite rooms.
Beyond constructing a mere resort, architecture is a profound and significant concept. It reflects decisions about how people should live, work, and even die. Simultaneously, architecture is an expression of boundless admiration; each person's admiration is articulated in a unique language. In the context of admiration, architecture doesn't merely reveal its virtue. This is what distinguishes architecture from mere buildings.
On the other hand, architecture is also considered to possess tremendous power. It is the embodiment of culture and even civilization. It can embrace and convey profound spiritual and universal truths.
At this resort, there are two wings of suite room buildings, each containing 12 rooms, and there are 4 units of connecting rooms. The total number of suite rooms is 24, with a size of 331.93 square meters. The total area for each wing is 1731.11 square meters. The Wine Restaurant is surrounded by a pond and has three levels: the Wedding Chapel on the ground floor, the restaurant on basement 1, and the treatment area on basement 2. The total area of the Wine Restaurant is 2,146.95 square meters, including facilities such as the lobby, sufficient parking space, back-of-house (BOH), gymnasium, three-level pool, cinema, spa, river restaurant, river trekking access, and helipad. The lobby roof is designed to be 24 meters high to create a grand and out-of-proportion impression for the overall building.
The Hili site's form is represented by the roof shape following the site's contours, and the 'Watu' or stone shape is translated into a curved form in the suite room roofs and façade. Indeed, the competition in the business world, especially in hospitality and resorts, is intense worldwide. As architects, we are required to create something that adds value to the market. The success of a resort or hotel is not solely the result of the management, owner, or operator's work but also significantly influenced by the architect's role in the hotel business's success.
Hiliwatu, where Ubud is known for its nature, we strive to harness the potential of the environment, such as the sunrise, river sounds, and relatively higher rainfall during the rainy season compared to other areas in Bali. Therefore, we designed a roof that maximizes natural light throughout the day, with the option to open and close automatically, including automatic curtains for those who prefer not to leave their beds. The solid wood columns, measuring 25 cm x 25 cm, are hand-carved without the assistance of machines. We aim to create a construction narrative that can be shared with the staying guests."