Overlooking the Cliffs of Uluwatu, close to the famous Hindu temple, The Istana was already one of the most established rental properties on Bali when Gfab were approached to remodel and extend it. Originally the house was built in a gloomy, traditional style but sadly, due to poor planning, did not function well and despite the lavish materials and budget, it quickly became apparent that a change was needed to create a property deserving of both the name and its site. What remains of the old villa is its basic “parti” and its roof.

Otherwise all the spaces were completely re-envisioned and extensively remodeled. In addition to the cosmetic aspects of the job, Gfab used this opportunity to address all the problems with the original design and reduce its energy consumption. In effect, we have created a whole new villa beneath its original canopy plus added new ancillary spaces such as commercial kitchen, spa, games/children’s wing and a state of the art of 21st century version of the traditional bale perched on the cliffs edge.