Celeste is a modern tropical villa designed with careful consideration of Bali’s climate, topography, and cultural legacy. Guided by an understanding of the site, Celeste is not just a home — it’s a holistic living experience.
With Celeste, we played around with biophilic design principles. Large, carefully oriented openings and a double-height void promote natural airflow and thus, reducing the need for air conditioning. To reduce solar gain while maintaining natural light and breeze, balcony shade and generous eaves are strategically incorporated.
The ground floor is kept open and fluid, allowing the living room, dining space, kitchen, and pool deck to flow into one another. Boundaries between “inside” and “outside” are intentionally blurred, creating a more connected way of living. Upstairs, the layout becomes more private and secluded, with bedrooms arranged around a central void. This void allows light and air to move vertically through the house, maintaining a sense of intimacy while keeping the space private.
The material palette is closely tied to its surroundings. Walls and floors use natural Bali stone, including Kerobokan stone—not only for its durability and thermal mass, but as a quiet nod to the land and its people. Wood elements are layered in to bring warmth and texture, balancing the solidity of the stone.
Often, houses are designed to stand out—to become the focal point of their surroundings. With Celeste, we chose to reverse this mindset. The villa is intended to blend in rather than dominate, allowing its inhabitants to feel more connected and grounded in what’s already there.
