Dapur Naga Communal Kitchen And Dining Space / Bamboo U

Architects: Bamboo U
Area: 220 m²
Year: 2021
Photographs: Bamboo U
Lead Architects: Bamboo U – Orin Hardy and Jules De Laage, IBUKU – Elora Hardy
Lead Team: Sai Goutham
Structural Engineer: Neil Thomas
Province: Bali
Country: Indonesia

Dapur Naga by Bamboo U in Bali is a communal kitchen and dining space designed as an experiment in bamboo architecture, accommodating over 50 people. Its anticlastic roof, inspired by the fluid form of a whirling Sufi skirt, enhances ventilation and frames scenic views, supported by fan-shaped posts, bamboo lidi beams, and a central reciprocal tower aligned with the sloping site. The design retained existing trees, incorporated river stones in the foundation, and used handcrafted copper shingles and skylights to integrate the building with its natural surroundings. Bamboo U workshops engaged local craftsmen and participants in the construction process, resulting in a sustainable, community-driven project that blends innovation, traditional craftsmanship, and natural materials.

Dapur naga communal kitchen and dining space / bamboo u

Dapur Naga, situated in Bali’s tropical landscape, is a bamboo architectural experiment that functions as a communal kitchen and dining area for over 50 people. The project faced notable challenges due to the sloped site with three distinct levels, along with the goal of integrating the structure harmoniously with its natural surroundings. The design concept drew inspiration from the flowing form of a whirling Sufi skirt, which influenced the building’s undulating anticlastic roof. This carefully crafted roof enhances natural ventilation and frames scenic views, creating a welcoming space beneath that echoes the graceful motion of a dancer while serving as a practical shelter.

The roof of Dapur Naga is stabilized by fan-shaped posts and lidi bundles, which are structural bamboo beams designed to support its sweeping curves. A central reciprocal tower with a narrow neck and wide base serves as the building’s core anchor, strategically positioned to follow the site’s varying levels. These distinctive structural components were initially tested through full-scale 1:1 prototypes to address performance and engineering challenges before the final construction phase.

The design of Dapur Naga carefully preserved the site’s existing trees, ensuring the structure blended seamlessly with the natural environment. River stones were incorporated into the foundation, enhancing the feeling that the building organically emerged from its surroundings. Local craftsmen played a key role in the construction, handcrafting the copper shingles that form the curved roof. Skylights made from transparent acrylic were integrated into the roof, allowing natural light to illuminate the interior and reinforcing the building’s connection to its environment. The project used a diverse mix of materials, including lime, burnt clay, Jember, cement tiles, and terracotta tiles, resulting in a visually rich and textured finish.

During the design and construction process, Bamboo U organized several courses that allowed participants to gain hands-on experience with bamboo building techniques, including shaping the roof and installing skylights. This participatory approach became an integral part of the project’s development, fostering a strong educational and community-oriented dimension. Dapur Naga stands as a significant example of sustainable architecture, advancing bamboo construction methods while remaining deeply connected to its natural surroundings. The resulting space is a dynamic fusion of innovation, craftsmanship, and the aesthetic appeal of natural materials.