Villa Omah Prana Payangan by Alexis Dornier sits in the highlands of Payangan as a study of circular form and controlled structure. The project follows one clear idea: a ring-shaped plan that arranges every room along the perimeter. This configuration directs the entire home toward the surrounding area and establishes a consistent orientation. The living room opens toward both the courtyard and the exterior, creating a direct flow between the inner circle and the broader site. The bedrooms and other enclosed areas sit deeper within the plan as air-conditioned, private spaces that hold a quieter atmosphere.
HOUSING
The circle functions as the project’s central tool. Alexis Dornier organizes the entire home around a single fixed point, and every major element radiates from it. Concentric lines define the plan, the pool, the circulation routes, and the built-in components. This shared origin produces a sense of clarity.
This approach creates a structure that feels unified without relying on decorative complexity. The form sets boundaries and frames movement, while the circular system maintains consistency across functions. The pathways follow curved lines, the pool mirrors the plan, and the interior pockets accommodate daily routines without disrupting the central idea.
The surfaces draw from Bali’s craft traditions, which operate through interlaced patterns and rhythmic structures. Brickwork arranged in herringbone formations, textured wall treatments, and quiet geometric motifs reference these methods. Alexis Dornier interprets these influences in a contemporary register, giving the house tactility without excess. The materials bring variation and depth, while the circular plan remains the primary focus.
The project carries a cinematic sensibility that influences how the space unfolds. Some of the curvature and atmospheric qualities reference early Ken Adam sketches for Moonraker, where geometry directs the viewer’s perception and scene staging follows architectural intent. Alexis Dornier’s approach reflects this interest: he favors simple structural gestures, strong enough to leave a clear imprint, and pairs them with tactile surfaces and crafted detail.
Villa Omah Prana maintains its focus on one conceptual gesture. The circular plan organizes the daily functions of the home and defines its presence. Material choices strengthen this foundation, drawing from local craft in a way that keeps the architecture grounded. The house stays open to its surroundings, with every room positioned toward the exterior and the inner courtyard.
Project: Villa Omah Prana Payangan
Location: Payangan, Bali
Typology: Residential, Rental
Total size: 475 m²
Status: Completed 2022
Architectural design: Alexis Dornier
Construction: Bali Construction
Photo credit: KIE
Interior: Bares, AD
