The fourth edition of Bali's premier design festival, Jia Curated 2025, transformed an abandoned and overgrown theme park in Sanur into a stunning showcase of sustainable architecture and innovative design. Eight remarkable pavilions constructed from unconventional materials including barley, bamboo, cardboard tubes, and fabric threads demonstrated cutting-edge approaches to eco-friendly construction while highlighting creativity from across Indonesia and other Asian countries including Japan and Taiwan.
Hosted in the forgotten Bali Festival Park from August 14-18, 2025, the festival challenged exhibitors to minimize environmental impact through the use of natural or recycled materials and design-for-disassembly approaches. Participants were specifically instructed not to disturb existing vegetation, leading to creative integration of sprawling roots and leafy branches into many structures. According to co-founder Budiman Ong, the festival's primary mission is to "establish Indonesia on the map of global creativity."
Among the most striking installations was the Serumpun Pavilion designed by Jakarta-based Studio Aliri for the Millimeter Manifesto collective. This modular three-story structure, built entirely from locally sourced wood, housed works by nine Indonesian designers committed to location-appropriate design. The pavilion featured rattan furniture by Alvin Tjitrowirjo and Hendro Hadinata, a desk by Felix Sidharta of Cassia, and terrazzo works by Cynthia Margareth, all emphasizing local materials and traditional craft heritage.
The festival's headline sponsor, The Balvenie whisky brand, collaborated with Jakarta designer Lianggono from Studio Lianggono to create perhaps the most unusual pavilion of the event. Using actual barley grains - the same ingredient used in the brand's single malt Scotch - Lianggono designed a round structure resembling oversized hay bales. The pavilion featured different-sized openings that revealed looping corridors within, while barley grains covered the floor of the central space, which came alive through dance performances throughout the festival.
Innovative use of recycled materials was exemplified in renowned Indonesian architect Andra Matin's "Light Between Lines" bookshop installation. As part of the festival's "Waste to Wonder" initiative, Matin constructed the entire structure using recycled cardboard tubes previously used for product packaging. The design recalled traditional bamboo construction techniques, with cardboard tubes running in three directions to create a modular grid system that incorporated bookshelves, planters, and seating areas. The bookshop was curated by Indonesian retailer Gavra Books.
Budiman Ong's lighting brand, Ong Cen Kuang, created an atmospheric installation within a ruined, open-air concrete structure. The design featured new Jamur pendant lights suspended from scaffolding, while long black fabric threads stretched from floor to ceiling created the impression of enclosed walls while maintaining airflow and natural light. Dead leaves gathered during installation created a natural, crunching floor surface that enhanced the organic atmosphere.
Bamboo craftsmanship took center stage in the pavilion created by Indonesian furniture manufacturer Dekor Asia. The structure demonstrated various traditional bamboo techniques, with one side featuring basket-making methods to create a curvaceous, nest-like form, while the opposite side showcased a modular gridded structure. The pavilion hosted furniture from Abadia Studio, a newly launched brand specializing in recycled wood furniture.
The collaborative effort between carpenter KalpaTaru and architect Conchita Blanco from Blanco Studio resulted in "The Living Character of Teak," a pavilion celebrating locally sourced teak wood. Conceived as a "living library of teak," the structure combined timber offcuts with raw, unprocessed wood. An interactive exhibition inside educated visitors about different teak varieties, cutting techniques, and traditional joinery methods, emphasizing the cultural significance of this important Indonesian material.
Sustainability reached its pinnacle in the pavilion created by Indonesian furniture company CVP in partnership with Bali-based ZXC Studio. This circular design showcase was assembled entirely from materials destined for the brand's furniture production. Teak lumber offcuts were rebonded to create a latticed, semi-circular framework, while rope threads formed curtain-like interior divisions. Crucially, every component will be reused for future furniture production after the festival, ensuring zero waste.
The festival's most ambitious concept was realized in the "Pavilion of Wa," overseen by interior designer Thufeil Hadi. This innovative structure functioned as a fully operational one-room hotel, housed within a modular timber framework designed for installation in various landscape settings. The interior showcased the breadth of Indonesian design talent, featuring furniture by Juno Home, textiles by Lana Daya, carpets by Floor Studio, and bedding by Madeem, all photographed by Indra Wiras.
Jia Curated 2025 successfully demonstrated that sustainable design and creative innovation can work hand in hand, while establishing Indonesia as a significant force in contemporary Asian design. The festival's emphasis on local materials, traditional craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility offers a compelling model for future design events worldwide.
