Architects: Studio WNA
Area: 50 m²
Year: 2015
Photographs: Sasha Juliard, Valentino Luis, Jordan Hammond, Emily Hutchinson, Reis Junk
Manufacturers: Freemite, ISEH Bambu Bali
Consultant: Widhi Nugroho
City: Bali
Country: Indonesia

Hideout, a bamboo house project by Studio WNA, began in 2014 with a focus on creating an accessible, sustainable bamboo structure on a riverbank in Bali. This all-bamboo house, known as Hideout Bali, features a classic A-shaped saddle roof with distinctive triangular windows and open spaces, capturing views of the surrounding jungle. Utilizing locally sourced bamboo from Karangasem, known for its density and termite resilience, the project incorporates natural treatments for durability. The design integrates trees into the garden and includes an outdoor shower, creating an experience that feels close to nature and rooted in sustainable building practices.

The Hideout project began in 2014 with the development of a straightforward bamboo structure for a small house situated on a riverbank, offering striking views of the lush surrounding jungle. In recent years, bamboo has gained considerable attention in Indonesia as a sustainable and versatile building material, influenced by the inspiring work of John Hardy and his family in Bali.

In 2014, the team observed the contrasting applications of bamboo—a fast-growing, locally abundant material in Bali—primarily used either as a low-grade material for cow sheds or as a luxury material in select upscale accommodations. The Hideout project was thus conceived to create a unique and accessible bamboo house experience for those wanting to spend a night surrounded by sustainable design.

All bamboo for this project was sourced from nearby villages, reducing the construction’s environmental impact. The bamboo, harvested from Karangasem’s mountains at around 800 meters above sea level, is regarded as some of the finest in Bali due to its lower sugar content, high density, durability, and natural resistance to termites. To ensure longevity, the bamboo underwent a combination of natural smoke treatment and non-toxic product applications.

The first house, Hideout Bali, is constructed in a traditional style with a saddle roof and ample open space. This all-bamboo structure features six main pillars supporting a thatched roof. The A-shaped roof design allowed for distinctive triangular windows, a key element of the building’s aesthetic. Embracing the tropical climate, the house includes an outdoor shower nestled beneath trees in the garden. Wherever possible, trees have been integrated into the house and garden layout, creating a treehouse-like atmosphere.