Restaurants

Talaga Sampireun Bali: Designed to Mimic the River’s Flow

May 29, 2024
|
By 
Elle Yap

The well-known Indonesian restaurant chain, Talaga Sampireun, is synonymous with lakeside dining experiences. “Talaga“, means lake, while “sampireun” stands for community gatherings. Their commitment to this concept is evident across all locations, but their newest branch in Bali designed by K-Thengono Design Studio takes it a step further.

Talaga Sampireun Bali Restaurant at night. Photo by Indra Wiras.
Talaga Sampireun Bali Restaurant at night. Photo by Indra Wiras.
A view of Talaga Sampireun Bali Restaurant in the daytime. Photo by Indra Wiras.
A view of Talaga Sampireun Bali Restaurant in the daytime. Photo by Indra Wiras.
Different perspective of Talaga Sampireun Bali Restaurant. Photo by Indra Wiras.
Different perspective of Talaga Sampireun Bali Restaurant. Photo by Indra Wiras.

Instead of the standard formula featuring individual saung (Sundanese for huts) scattered around a lake and a separate main dining hall, the design team aimed for a more integrated experience. “Here, the design forms a narrative, tracing the story of a rural Indonesian village nestled beside a body of water,” the architects said about their design. 

Curves of the River

The huts of the restaurant illuminated. Photo by Indra Wiras.
The huts of the restaurant illuminated. Photo by Indra Wiras.
One of the private huts of the restaurant. Photo by Indra Wiras.
One of the private huts of the restaurant. Photo by Indra Wiras.
The restaurant and the environment around it. Photo by Indra Wiras.
The restaurant and the environment around it. Photo by Indra Wiras.

Taking its design cues from a meandering river, the architects reimagine its flow as a continuous, curved spine that winds above the lake. This serves as the central axis, with spacious dining areas arranged along its curves. Open-air saung nestled along the path mimic the shape of leaves, echoing traditional riverside settlements.

Unlike other Talaga Sampireun branches, where the main dining areas are positioned away from the water’s edge, this new design offers direct access. Families with young children can enjoy feeding the fish in the lake, and all guests can experience the tranquility of the aquatic landscape. Walls are absent, creating a refreshingly open space and maximizing natural ventilation.

Creating a Comfortable Dining Experience

Pathway of the restaurant. Photo by Indra Wiras.
Pathway of the restaurant. Photo by Indra Wiras.
Talaga Sampireun showcasing its signature roof design. Photo by Indra Wiras.
Talaga Sampireun showcasing its signature roof design. Photo by Indra Wiras.
The roof that greets visitors entering the restaurant. Photo by Indra Wiras.
The roof that greets visitors entering the restaurant. Photo by Indra Wiras.
Talaga Sampireun and some of the local rattan-made decor of the building. Photo by Indra Wiras.
Talaga Sampireun and some of the local rattan-made decor of the building. Photo by Indra Wiras.

The arrival sequence itself sets the stage for the immersive experience that awaits inside. As you enter, a soaring rooftop greets you with its impressive height, which gradually decreases as you walk along the pathway towards the dining areas. This choice creates a sense of intimacy, bringing you down to a more human scale – a welcoming contrast to the vastness of the surrounding water landscape. Well-placed skylights throughout the restaurant allow natural light to flood in, adding another layer of visual interest.

The design aims to engage all five senses; from the sounds of the surrounding lake and forest, to the flavors and aromas of Talaga Sampireun renowned cuisine. Locally sourced materials like teak, brass, and red brick harmoniously play off the sleek lines of the modern steel structures. Decorative elements crafted from rattan by local artisans adorn the ceilings, celebrating the region’s rich craft heritage.

Talaga Sampireun in Bali fuses nature, tradition, and contemporary design, all while staying true to the brand’s identity. This gathering place invites guests to experience a uniquely Indonesian atmosphere by stimulating all your senses. Savor dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients, listen to the gentle sounds of nature, and admire the hand-crafted details adorning the entire space. It’s a feast for the body, mind, and soul

Read more: Lake 192 House in Korea: Fulfilling Mental Health through Urban Design

Mabini 180: Form Meets Purpose.

Mabini180: A New Community Hub Where Form Meets Purpose

Mabini180 is a community hub that houses cafes, a dance studio, a co-working office, an art gallery, and other lifestyle establishments. It derives its name from its address: 180 Mabini Street. However, more than being the driving force behind its name, the location inspired its design, which H1 Architecture crafted.  When H1 Architecture was tapped […]

The Ultimate Apartment Starter Kit for First-Time Movers.

The Ultimate Apartment Starter Kit for First-Time Movers

Every year often brings the exciting prospect of a fresh start, and for many, that means moving into their very first apartment. While the anticipation is thrilling, the reality of setting up a new home can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with a blank canvas. So, we’ve curated a practical apartment starter kit to provide […]

"Letting Go" by Pattpiha for "A Place to Let Go."

‘A Place to Let Go’: Pattpiha Takes a Journey of Self-Conviction Through Art

A Place to Let Go, the first exhibit of Pattpiha at Vinyl on Vinyl Gallery, works to capture the artist’s inner life. The exhibition adopts a chaotic, surrealistic look as a way of peering into the feelings of the author at this stage in their life.  A collection of paintings, sculptures, and various artistic touches […]

Carlo Calma and His Pursuit of Architectural Happiness

Beautifully designed spaces have the power to transcend their function. They evoke emotion, spark joy, and create meaningful connections through design. These choreographed experiences engage the senses, giving rise to a distinct sense of place infused with surprise, delight, and a sense of wonder. It’s what celebrated designer Carlo Calma, Creative Director of Carlo Calma […]

Tampipi House: Designing Outside the Box

The Tampipi House is a modern interpretation of Filipino design. Crafted by Carlo Calma, Creative Director of Carlo Calma Consultancy, the structure features a minimalist exterior, with the facade decked with small square cutouts—an ode to the tampipi, which is a traditional handwoven box with a lid.  Calma designed this house for a small family: […]

"Somewhere in France" exhibit by Manuel Baldemor.

‘Somewhere in France’: Manuel Baldemor Distills Parisian Nostalgia in Art

Somewhere in France is the newest exhibition from Alliance Française de Manille in Makati City. The exhibit opened on December 12, and will be viewable to the public until January 25. Centered around the artistry of Manuel Baldemor, it showcases his perspective of the French landscape, viewed specifically from his distinctive Filipino folk style.  Manuel […]

Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]