CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
In this part of the study, it discusses the related literature/case study, both local
and foreign, and its relevance to this research study.
2.1. FOREIGN RESEARCHES
Figure 1: ‘ulaman eco retreat resort’
INTRODUCTION
Ulaman Eco Retreat is a wellness retreat that has been integrated into a forest
that borders luscious rice fields on one side and a dramatic river on the other. The river
converges water from the whole area creating a junction of small waterfalls that
produces enough flow to power a hydro electric generator that can sustain the power of
the buildings within the complex. Merging with nature has been at the forefront in the
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approach to the design, not just by its operation but by using materials found directly on
the site and the immediate locality, therefore enabling the resort to become fully carbon
zero. As an ecological wellness resort in Bali, it blends nature and relaxation of the
guests. It also considers the holistic retreat, where your state of health and wellbeing is
looked on as a “whole”. Where the goal is to balance mind, body and soul so that you
are vital and can live life as your best self. You will have access to holistic therapies
that treat you on every level such as reflexology, aromatherapy, energy healing and
acupuncture combined with activities such as yoga, meditation and tai chi. The idea is
that once you leave you will not just feel physically well but also emotionally and
mentally at one. This is truly resetting your compass on all levels.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The Ulaman Eco Retreat is located in a remote serene area of Bali, Indonesia
and in a convenient 30 minutes from the renown Canggu and Ubud areas. Its purpose
is to present an eco-friendly hideaway; allowing you the space, sanctuary and silence to
unwind while offering preferred amenities and impeccable service. Ulaman Eco Retreat
is surrounded by untouched jungle forest, rice fields, regional vegetation and
spectacular river landscapes. The eco-friendly resort also features an organic garden,
lush tropical fruit trees, and an impressive hand-carved Buddha mural depicting his life
and journey - scaling over 40 meters into the side of a cliff.
The eco-conscious masterminds behind Ulaman Bali, Dino Magnatta and Charlie
Hearn, envisioned a modern-day thoughtfully crafted experience that nurtures both your
physical and emotional well-being in a serene and sustainable environment. Dino, a
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Toronto native and an accomplished business entrepreneur, established himself as a
leader in the real estate, restaurant and furniture industries prior to his work in Bali. He
fell in love with Bali through his business ventures and travel. Dino genuinely
appreciates Balinese people, their culture, religion and spiritual beliefs and it quickly
became his favorite destination in the world. He wanted to create a truly remarkable
property with an “Ubud feel”, closer to Canggu and Seminyak areas with tranquil water
features that promoted whole-body wellness, and paired the effort with ecologically
sound practices. When he connected with Charlie Hearn, a “green” architect from
Inspiral Architect, it was a match made in eco-lux heaven when their ideas came
together to create this unique eco-retreat.
Property Information. Ulaman Eco Retreat for people who strive to live more
consciously without compromising comfort and luxury A secluded, lush haven of
tranquility awaits you. Spending any amount of time at distinctive Ulaman Eco Retreat
will result in you feeling renewed and invigorated while leaving the smallest ecological
footprint possible. You are invited to discover how good it feels when luxury, eco-
conscious design, relaxation, comfort and desired amenities seamlessly blend together
to create a truly remarkable stay. Recharge your mind, body and soul. Ulaman offers a
unique holistic retreat experience—immersed in traditional Balinese culture—for people
who strive to live more consciously without compromising comfort and luxury. Located
in a remote and serene area of Bali, The Ulaman Eco Retreat’s purpose is to present an
eco-friendly hideaway; allowing you the space, sanctuary and silence to unwind while
offering preferred amenities and impeccable service.
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THE SITE
Figure 2: Project Location:Kaba-Kaba, Kediri, Tabanan
Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Figure 3: Ulaman Eco-Retreat Site
Location
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Ulaman Eco Retreat is located in Kaba Kaba village – only 30 minutes from Ubud
and Canggu. It is thoughtfully nestled among lush forests, rice fields, and spectacular
river landscapes. The resort features organic gardens and fruit trees, and an impressive
hand-carved Buddha, scaling over 40 meters into the side of a cliff.
DESIGN APPROACH
Ulaman Eco Retreat highlights the Vernacular Architecture that focuses mainly
on sustainability as an Eco-conscious Architecture. The project was truly vernacular,
using material from around the site and using labour from the nearby areas in the
construction process, “Being very intensive to build we were able to recruit the nearby
village to work on what has become the most substantial rammed earth project in
Indonesia,” according to them. Vernacular Architecture is the modest style of building
that is specific to a region and period. It encompasses cultural building traditions that
have been passed down through several generations. While the styles and techniques
evolve, each vernacular structure is modest, cost-effective, and sustainable. It relies on
the use of local materials and knowledge to construct buildings. Not only is this fast-
growing material incredibly sustainable, its flexibility means it can able to create spaces
that echo the abundance of life in the tropics. Built objects have been created which
seek to biologically morph from the surrounding elements, in effect growing from the
ground and sprouting among the rich vegetation. One such building is the yoga studio
which literally floats from the cliff’s edge with a cantilevered structure supporting a
parabolic bamboo pavilion.
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Figure 4: Ulaman Eco-Retreat Aerial View
DESIGN ANALYSIS
One of the core values of Ulaman Eco Retreat’s Mission Statement is to manifest
its eco-friendly designs and green practices. This charming retreat is constructed
entirely using bamboo and rammed earth walls sourced from its initial land. Ulaman
prioritizes eco practices by using components found directly on the surrounding land,
including employing local Bali craftsmen.
As a part of implementing their eco-conscious approach, Ulaman works
attentively with Bali’s zero waste initiatives to ensure that its recycling, composting and
natural cleaning regimens are always environmentally responsible. In addition all power
in the property is supplied by a custom hydro-turbine system fueled by the nearby
Ulaman waterfall.
Ulaman Eco Retreat aspires to provide first-class comfort and amenities to create
an all-around remarkable experience for guests. Round-the-clock services and a private
butler will be available to cater to all guests’ needs. Guests can customize their daily
activities to cater to whichever interest energizes them that day. Spa services,
meditation, and yoga are a few of the sanctuary’s intimate experiences designed to
maximize well-being. For adventure and nature seekers; hiking and biking through rice
terraces and local villages is a great way to immerse yourself in Balinese culture, as
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well as relaxing on Ulaman’s comfortable lounge net while overlooking the majestic
waterfall and river.
Figure 5: Interior Spaces- Ulaman Eco- Resort
BUILDING STRATEGIIES
The first instigation of this can be seen in the dramatic use of rammed earth for
all ground level walls. Being located on a hill required significant ground works,
therefore with much excess soil, creating these significant masses of curved walls was
easily justified. Along with being able to connect the occupant to the beauty of rammed
earth with its physicality and layered coloring, it also maintains superior insulation and
structural properties. Being very intensive to build we were able to recruit the nearby
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village to work on what has become the most substantial rammed earth project in
Indonesia.
The rest of the structure has been made with bamboo, much of which was
harvested from the site. Not only is this fast-growing material incredibly sustainable, its
flexibility means were able to create spaces that echo the abundance of life in the
tropics. Built objects have been created which seek to biologically morph from the
surrounding elements, in effect growing from the ground and sprouting among the rich
vegetation.
One such building is the yoga studio which literally floats from the cliff’s edge with
a cantilevered structure supporting a parabolic bamboo pavilion. The rooms themselves
provide the eco luxury that is required for this up market project, with a feeling that is
nurturing and in some feature bedrooms, almost cocoon like.
The guest villas too look towards a unique design, yet with the common
denominator of bamboo architecture and the warming tones of rammed earth that make
up the resort. The curvilinear formations of the roofs can be admired from different
heights and angles while the reflections from the meandering pool below add to the
effect.
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Figure 6: Ulaman Eco-Retreat Construction Materials
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Figure 7: Lower Ground floor plan
Figure 8: Upper Ground Floor plan
Figure 9: Eco-Retreat Elevation
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Figure 10: Ulaman Eco- Retreat Section 1
Figure 11: Ulaman Eco-Retreat Section 2
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Figure 12: Ulaman Eco- Retreat Construction Materials
ACCOMODATIONS
The entire Ulaman Eco Retreat property consists of eight guest villas and one
large 3-bedroom house which can accommodate up to 22 guests, making it an ideal
setting for wedding parties, yoga re Accommodation
Ulaman Eco Retreat offers an exotic tropical resort experience for singles,
couples, or groups. The expansive main home features three well-appointed bedrooms
and the exclusive use of a private, custom curved salt water pool. So relaxing, you will
feel like you are floating along the jungle river. If traveling alone, each of the three
bedrooms within the main home can be rented individually. Each of our other eight eco-
luxurious villas come equipped with a private salt water pool. The entire Ulaman Eco
Retreat property can accommodate up to 22 guests, making it an ideal setting for
wedding parties, yoga retreats and conferences. Center yourself at the peaceful yoga
shala that overlooks the cliff and river below. A unique bamboo jungle treehouse offers
stunning views to start or end your day. Unwind, be still and get pampered with lavish
spa treatments performed in the jungle treehouse.treats and conferences.
RECOMMENDATIONS
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. The idea behind Ulaman was to come close to the earth, promote wellbeing and
eco-consciousness, and to have a more Ubud-style vibe closer to popular Canggu.
Ulaman Eco-Retreat features incredible wavy and earthy bamboo architecture,
sweeping jungle views, beautiful pools, and essentially everything you would want out of
a more remote and extremely visually and spiritually pleasing to people at any age. It
has tons of eco-initiatives and everything that a person may need. Ulaman is truly close
to Balinese culture and people, while providing a space for travelers who enjoy
experiencing something unique and rejuvenating. The retreat ended up expanding more
quickly than anticipated. Once the first house was built, they added two villas by the
side for guests. It was at that point the ‘go big or go home’ mentality took over, at which
point 6 more pool villas were built to compete the 11 rooms.
The rooms are all built from bamboo, wood, stone, and a fascinating material
called ‘rammed earth.’ Rammed earth is essentially made by using earth from the land,
adding a few ingredients, and ramming it tightly together that it becomes stronger (and
more aesthetically pleasing) than concrete.
DO’S AND DON’TS
DO’S:
• The Ecological Wellness Retreat has positive impact to those who are looking for
a serene place to heal and reflect most especially by the way the design applies
its traditional and tropical vibes as design approach which makes it more
harmonized with the nature.
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• Design redefines the unique holistic retreat for people inside and outside of the
community.
• The choice of the site reflects as an ideal address far away from crowded places
and terminals that can cause noise and heavy traffic congestion.
• The construction is focusing on the value, or functional aspects of every design
element, instead of just its aesthetics.
• The Design-Builders recognize the importance of long-term planning, which is
why they have built ecological wellness retreat designed to last base on the
country’s tropical climate.
• The construction involves incorporating flexibility into space, room design and
other elements that focuses mainly on locally produced materials enabling the
structure maintain its stability.
• Use cost-effective and highly durable materials that last for a long time.
• Incorporating green solutions and sustainable designs ensuring the rooms is built
to last, and reduces costs in the long-term.
DON’TS:
• Planning with less future expansion in mind. Making it a challenge in
incorporating technological advancements that are constantly changing.
• Minimizing the potential use of natural ventilation for rooms by using mechanical
systems such as air-conditioning unit and making it more expensive for the
users.
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