Bringing Bali to LA
Balinese architecture inspired the use of red balau to clad this spectacular West Hollywood residence. The homeowner, a devotee of Balinese art, culture and design, wanted to emulate a sense of that Southeast Asian island's architectural tradition without slavishly copying its style.
Designers Christopher Mercier and Douglas Pierson of (fer) studio, LLC met the challenge of integrating Balinese architectural themes into a contemporary Los Angeles setting by using tropical woods, including red balau (Shorea spp.) and ancient teak (Tectona grandis), to achieve the owner's goal of all things Bali transformed into an LA setting.
"Our task was to interpret Balinese architectural style in a way that did not look incongruous in a contemporary urban setting," Pierson said. "We immediately ruled out the tiki-hut look, and as the design process evolved, we eliminated the vaulted roof concept and looked for other ways to mediate between classic Balinese and contemporary character."
In traditional Balinese architecture, wood is everywhere and earth tones are dominant. Natural, organic materials evoke tranquility and harmony with nature, essential aspects of the Balinese culture and design tradition. "The wood, in this case, was the transformative element enabling a seamless integration of the old and the new together in the present," Mercier noted.
Frequently asked questions
What wood species were used on the West Hollywood Balinese-inspired residence?+
The home was clad primarily in red balau (Shorea spp.) and also incorporated ancient teak (Tectona grandis) to achieve the Balinese aesthetic in a Los Angeles setting.
Who designed the West Hollywood Balinese-inspired residence?+
The residence was designed by Christopher Mercier and Douglas Pierson of (fer) studio, LLC.
How did the designers adapt Balinese architecture for a contemporary LA setting?+
The designers ruled out the tiki-hut look and eliminated the vaulted roof concept, instead using tropical woods and earth tones to mediate between classic Balinese character and contemporary urban design.
Why is wood important in traditional Balinese architecture?+
In traditional Balinese architecture, wood is everywhere and earth tones dominate. These natural, organic materials evoke tranquility and harmony with nature, which are essential aspects of Balinese culture and design tradition.
What role did wood play in integrating old and new in the project?+
According to designer Christopher Mercier, the wood was the transformative element that enabled a seamless integration of traditional Balinese style and contemporary design in the present.
What was the homeowner's design goal for the West Hollywood project?+
The homeowner, a devotee of Balinese art, culture and design, wanted to emulate the architectural tradition of Bali without slavishly copying its style, transforming Balinese themes into an LA setting.