German architect Alexis Dornier has completed Villa Omah Prana, a striking circular residence that seamlessly integrates into the forested slopes of Payangan, located just north of Ubud, Bali. The 475-square-meter retreat adopts a unique ring-shaped design that wraps around a lush internal courtyard, creating an intimate connection between the built environment and the surrounding tropical landscape.
The residence sits like a carefully placed ring over the natural terrain, featuring a distinctive compound-like arrangement that draws inspiration from traditional Balinese architecture. The building's low, continuous timber roofline and radial floor plan echo the geometric patterns found in local vernacular design, while its broad, funnel-like roof creates both a shaded perimeter walkway and an introverted central core. The shingled roof texture and earthy color palette help the structure blend harmoniously with its tropical forest setting.
Inside Villa Omah Prana, Dornier has incorporated sophisticated design elements that complement the circular form. The interior features elegant herringbone brickwork and deep-toned timber ceilings that follow the building's curved circulation routes. Sliding glass doors provide seamless access to the central garden, while the planted courtyard serves as a meditative focal point that reinterprets traditional Balinese compound designs through a contemporary architectural lens.
The villa's connection to its natural surroundings is enhanced through strategic openings that frame views toward the valley below. These transparent moments merge the sheltered interior spaces with the expansive forest canopy, creating a sense of living within the landscape. The central planted courtyard acts as both a green void at the heart of the plan and a source of natural light and ventilation for the surrounding rooms.
Along the villa's outer perimeter, a crescent-shaped infinity pool curves between the building's edge and the descending hillside landscape. This water feature maintains the circular geometry while framing panoramic views of the surrounding forest. The pool's placement creates a seamless transition between the architectural elements and the natural topography, reinforcing the design's emphasis on harmony with the land.
The completed project demonstrates how contemporary architecture can respectfully engage with traditional design principles while creating spaces for modern living. The roof, courtyard, and pool work together to generate a profound sense of retreat, resulting in a house that literally bends with the natural contours of the land and unifies all its volumes under one continuous, sheltering roof canopy.
