- Project: House Aperture
- Architect: ALEXIS DORNIER
- Location: Indonesia, Bali
- Year: 2023
- Area: 120 m2
- Photography: KIE
A Compact, Vertical Home with Panoramic Ocean Views
House Aperture by Alexis Dornier is a sculptural two-bedroom residence located on the western cliffs of Uluwatu in Bali. Designed as part of the renowned Uluwatu Surf Villas resort, the home embodies a refined balance between compact living, tropical architecture, and modern sustainability.
With a modest footprint of just 1,291 square feet, the three-story structure is carefully woven into the sloped terrain, offering a unique architectural journey from jungle floor to open ocean view.
Three Levels of Immersive Living
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Top Floor: The upper bedroom crowns the home with breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean—perfectly positioned for sunrise reflections and sunset hues.
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Middle Level: The heart of the home lies in the living room, which flows effortlessly to the pool deck and outdoor lounge, blending interior and exterior life.
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Lower Level: A serene, stone-clad bedroom sits nestled in lush tropical greenery, providing privacy and cool respite within a garden-like setting.
Each floor is oriented to maximize the surrounding landscape while maintaining intimacy and privacy.
Sustainable Design with Local Soul
Materiality plays a central role in the expression of House Aperture. The residence is constructed using:
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Reclaimed timber
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Steel structural elements
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Glass walls and doors
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Singaraja limestone cladding
The standout feature is the movable screen facade, which filters harsh sunlight and creates a dynamic appearance that transforms throughout the day. These adjustable panels also support cross-ventilation and blur the boundaries between inside and out—crucial for Bali’s tropical climate.
Part of Uluwatu’s Surf Culture
As part of the Uluwatu Surf Villas, House Aperture aligns with the resort’s ethos of adventure, sustainability, and laid-back luxury. Its position within a larger community of surf-focused travelers adds a social and cultural dimension to its otherwise tranquil setting.
Designed for both respite and reconnection, the home encourages slow living, outdoor immersion, and appreciation of material honesty.
Conclusion: A Minimalist Masterpiece Above the Ocean
House Aperture by Alexis Dornier is a thoughtful response to its site—modest in scale, monumental in experience. Through material integrity, spatial layering, and a commitment to craft, this cliffside home redefines compact luxury in one of Bali’s most iconic surf destinations.
