BaleBio, Bali, 2025
Photo Credit: Iwan Sastrawan
The BaleBio is a demonstration pavilion, and a key component of the Bauhaus Earth Rebuilt Project; a research project exploring pathways to a regenerative built environment in four regions, including Bali, Indonesia, exploring the use of bio-based building materials with the potential to be carbon neutral or negative. Bamboo was identified as a highly renewable resource that can be grown, manufactured and built locally, providing a sustainable alternative to emission-intensive materials.
The results of our research, which included life cycle assessment, structural testing, value chain analysis and documentation of challenges and opportunities, aims to provide recommendations for scaling up and replicating the project, contributing to a roadmap for promoting regenerative building practices in Bali and Indonesia more broadly. The BaleBio, built to house various public activities, is an expression of Bali's ability to pioneer regenerative building practices.
Size: 84m2
Location: Mertasari Beach, Sanur, Bali
Funder: BMUV (Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection)
Design: Cave Urban, Bamboo Village Trust
Manufacturing: Indobamboo, KalTimber, Bhoomi, Bamboo Pure, Wedoo, Rothoblaas
Structural Engineering: Atelier One
LCA Analysis: Eco Mantra
Partners: Bauhaus Earth, Bamboo Village Trust, Kota Kita, Warmadewa University, Kota Denpasar, Firma Gamala
In collaboration with our key partners, we conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA), structural testing, and value chain analyses in the planning process, to further refine regenerative construction practices and assess their scalability. After performing the Cradle-to-Gate calculations, the results show that the total emissions of the BaleBio pavilion are 121% lower compared to a conventional construction.
Life Cycle Analysis
Poster Credit: Eco Mantra
Photo Credit: Iwan Sastrawan
Graphic Credit: Furqan Muhammadsyah
“The BaleBio draws upon local Balinese vernacular typologies, reimagined through the use of locally sourced natural and recycled materials to create a vision for how construction can have a positive impact on the environment.”
- Jed Long, Cave Urban
1) Plupuh (Flattened Bamboo), From Belege Village, Gianyar
2) Floor: Lime Paster , From Sanur, Bali, 3) Floor: Reclaimed Ulin/Iron Wood, From East Kalimantan
7) Structure: Laminate Bamboo Column, From Kusamba Village, Klungkung Bali
7) Column: Laminate Bamboo Column, From Kusamba Village, Klungkung Bali
5) Floor: Reclaimed Roof Tile
Information on the Bale Banjar
A Bale Banjar is a traditional open-air meeting hall found in every Banjar (village organisation) and serves as a hub for social, cultural and religious activities. It hosts community meetings, ceremonies, art rehearsals and social gatherings, while also acting as an emergency shelter when needed. It typically has a raised platform with a thatched or tiled roof and is centrally located in the village. As a key part of the Banjar system, the Bale Banjar embodies Bali's strong community spirit.
Photo Credit: Iwan Sastrawan
Information on engineered bamboo
In comparison to raw bamboo used in traditional architecture, engineered bamboo undergoes treatments such as lamination, compression and resin bonding to improve durability, strength and resistance to pests and moisture. Used in construction for flooring, wall panels and beams, it provides a sustainable alternative to wood and steel. With abundant bamboo resources, Indonesia is increasing its production to support local industries and reduce deforestation.
Photo Credit: Iwan Sastrawan
Photo Credit: Iwan Sastrawan
