RF Studio has completed a new artist residence for Yayasan Bali Purnati, a foundation dedicated to performing arts in Bali, located in Batuan, south of Ubud. The ambitious project expands the foundation's existing grounds with three custom-designed villas and nine guest rooms specifically created to accommodate artists-in-residence and enhance the foundation's public programming capabilities.

The architectural design philosophy centers on minimal environmental intervention, with the structure conceived as a natural extension that seamlessly integrates into the surrounding landscape. The buildings merge harmoniously with the local rice fields, native vegetation, and the daily rhythms of island life. The architects drew inspiration directly from the site's existing natural features, incorporating trees, volcanic stone, bamboo, salvaged wood, and terracotta into the design while carefully weaving the structures around the land's natural contours to create a series of interconnected living spaces.

The collaboration between RF Studio's lead designer, artist Rafael Freyre, and Yayasan Bali Purnati dates back to 2002, when the Peruvian architect first arrived on the island carrying architectural drawings. He was accompanied by the late theater director Robert Wilson following their summer residency at the Watermill Center in New York. This long-standing partnership has now culminated in a residence that perfectly complements the foundation's existing amphitheater and stage, positioning the architecture as an integral part of a living cultural system.

The interior design was realized through close collaboration with local artisans, with all furniture and fixtures custom-crafted specifically for the site using traditional techniques and materials. "It's not about building something new. It's about uncovering what is already here. The spirit of the place is older than us. The architecture just listens and reacts," Freyre explained, emphasizing the project's respectful approach to the existing environment.

Yayasan Bali Purnati serves as a unique platform where traditional Balinese cultural practices intersect with contemporary artistic experimentation. The foundation was established in 2000 by dancer Restu Imasari, writer Leonard Lueras, journalist and cultural organizer Justin B. Smith, Willem Eisenbeis, and Christopher Frank. Since its founding, the organization has welcomed artists from diverse disciplines including performance, dance, music, design, and visual arts, while maintaining strong connections to the local cultural fabric.

The foundation's artist-in-residence program, which began in 2005, invites practitioners from around the world to spend extended periods on the compound developing new projects. These residencies often culminate in free public presentations that benefit the local community. With the completion of the new residence facilities, the foundation significantly strengthens its capacity to host international artists while offering a sustainable alternative to the rapid overdevelopment currently affecting much of the island.

The new residence transforms daily activities into part of a broader performative experience, where simple acts like resting, bathing, watching the moon, and tending to gardens become meaningful elements of the artistic process. Co-founder Justin B. Smith reflected on the project's significance, stating, "Rafael has created an architectural artwork in the heart of Bali's leading international arts foundation, renewing a tradition that started 26 years ago in the rice fields south of Ubud." This new addition ensures that Yayasan Bali Purnati can continue its mission of fostering cross-cultural artistic collaboration while preserving the natural beauty and cultural integrity of its unique location.