On the south-western coast of Bali, in the tranquil village of Seseh, a house has been built that redefines the way we think about tropical interiors. Olga Kurek, an architect and founder of Amok Architecture, designed the 200 square metre space for a yoga teacher and her family, deliberately moving away from the aesthetics typically associated with the island. Instead of woven fabrics and decorative boho styles, we see ‘tropical modern’ – architectural, understated and based on the relationship between materials and nature. Raw concrete, fine stones, Italian fabrics and bespoke furniture create a cohesive composition, complemented by a lush garden that spills into the interior.
Between Mexico and Bali
The project was inspired by contemporary developments in Mexico, where concrete, wood and stone coexist with lush vegetation. A similar principle was applied at Seseh. On the ground floor, the exposed concrete ceiling and structural beams have been left visible; their raw character is contrasted with soft fabrics and organic forms. Arches appear in various parts of the house, serving to organise the space and guide occupants through successive zones.
The central part of the house comprises the living room, dining room and kitchen, designed so that light and greenery become integral elements of the composition. The tropical garden is not merely a backdrop viewed through a window – it enters the interior, altering the character of the space depending on the time of day. In the kitchen, the decision to reposition the window proved crucial. As a result, the fitted units frame the glazing, and the garden appears precisely on the axis of the worktop. The dining table is positioned along the same axis, with a row of strelitzias stretching out behind it. The boundary between the house and the garden becomes a conceptual one, in keeping with the idea of contemporary architecture that treats the landscape as a design material.
Onyx, burgundy and a pink bath
The house’s colour palette is derived from natural stones. In the kitchen, green onyx has been used for the island and worktop, its pattern harmonising with the vegetation outside the window. In the owners’ private bathroom, the starting point was a marble panel set within the arch behind the bath. The deep burgundy of the walls and the powder pink of the freestanding bath were derived from its colour scheme. Stone reappears in the bespoke washbasins. The result is sensual and rich in colour, yet subordinate to the architecture.
Designed on site
A consistent palette of materials is repeated throughout the house: terrazzo on the floors, lime plaster, wood, stone and concrete. Their textures work particularly well in the tropical light, creating reflections and subtle imperfections. Most of the furniture was created specifically for this project – from the kitchen, through the table and chairs, to the beds. The exceptions were chosen deliberately. The master bedroom features Italian Dedar fabrics, used on the upholstered headboard and seat. The same fabric reappears in the dining room, creating a subtle link between the private and living areas. Hanging above the bed is a work by the Balinese artist Rizzi Riza, treated on a par with European design.
The staircase acts as a visual counterpoint to the calmer living area in this interior. The sage-coloured walls are paired with terrazzo in a graphic ‘salt and pepper’ pattern. A local sculpture has been placed on the landing, and the whole is complemented by lamps from the Piment Rouge showroom. A similar principle has been applied in the study, concealed behind decorative glass doors. The room opens out onto the terrace, swimming pool and garden, ensuring that nature remains within sight even whilst working.
Private and full of character
Upstairs is the master bedroom, connected to a walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom. The private interiors feature bolder accents. The most spectacular is the bathroom, where an arch frames the bath and marble, whilst on the opposite side it discreetly conceals the shower and toilet. Stone washbasins are the main feature visible from the entrance. The other bathrooms also have their own distinct character: the guest bathroom features a green washbasin and a shower with a window overlooking the garden, whilst the small bathroom under the stairs is finished with green tiles that complement the natural stone.
design: Amok Architecture
photos: visualstories.jpg
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