Begawan Biji

One of the primary challenges of the project was designing entirely around the materials already available. The entire timber structure was built using the client’s personal collection of reclaimed ironwoods, requiring the design to adapt to the material, not the other way around. Furthermore, the client and team were very concerned with the surrounding rice fields and rice varieties and pesticide contamination. Water quality, water circulation, waste management were all very challenging.

The design solution was driven by a commitment to environmental sustainability, cultural integrity, and community benefit. Working with a limited supply of reclaimed ironwood, the team allowed the material to shape the structure, reversing conventional design processes. The building sits on stilts to protect the natural landscape and features passive cooling, eliminating the need for air conditioning. A wastewater garden filters greywater on-site while enriching the ecosystem. Integrating traditional Balinese aesthetics with modern Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) systems required creative problem-solving and close collaboration. The result is a regenerative, culturally rooted space that exemplifies sustainable, place-based architectural innovation.

Begawan Biji demonstrates how thoughtful design can generate lasting commercial, environmental, and social impact. Commercially, it offers an authentic, culturally immersive dining experience that distinguishes itself in Bali’s hospitality landscape. Environmentally, the project employs reclaimed materials, passive cooling, and a wastewater garden to minimize ecological footprint and support local ecosystems. Socially, its profits are donated to the Begawan Life Foundation, funding conservation, education, and regenerative farming in rural communities. The impacts of its eco-consciously designed restaurant save 348,441 kWh of electricity and 8,880,000L of water, reduced carbon emissions by 278,753 kg CO2E, and reduced 66,820,000kg of waste to landfill.

The structure promotes community, openness, and harmony with nature. Entirely constructed from reclaimed ironwood, black bamboo, rattan, and Sumba stone, the design reflects a commitment to sustainable materials and vernacular craftsmanship. The building is naturally ventilated and elevated on stilts, reducing its environmental footprint while offering immersive views of rice paddies and forests. A two-tiered roof houses an upper dining level, enhancing the spatial experience and maintaining seamless connection to the landscape. Interiors are curated with Indonesian antiques and hand-crafted details, including bespoke copper sinks and lamp shades, celebrating artisanal heritage. An integrated wastewater garden provides natural water filtration while supporting local biodiversity. Uniquely, all profits from the restaurant are donated to the Begawan Life Foundation, which supports wildlife conservation, regenerative farming, and rural education. Begawan Biji demonstrates the feasibility of blending traditional techniques with modern efficiency. It sets a new benchmark for culturally rooted, environmentally responsible hospitality, offering a replicable model for regenerative design that elevates both place and purpose.