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Sora Villa in Bali by Colvin Haven Redefines Intimate Living with Charred Timber and Local Stone

architecture-design · 2026-10-16

Andrew Swallow and his firm, Colvin Haven, have finalized Sora, a two-bedroom villa in Bali that emphasizes daily nourishment and rejuvenation. Following their previous project, Umah Tsuki, this residence is both compact and intricately designed, featuring hand-charred Shou Sugi Ban, local paras stone, and recycled Ulin hardwood. By removing corridors, Swallow achieved a seamless connection with nature. The home centers around two main hearths: one in the kitchen, representing the family nucleus, and another wellness area equipped with cold tubs, steam rooms, and outdoor showers. Swallow notes that the design brief focused on subtraction, aiming for a more intimate version of Tsuki. He believes that residential design should prioritize how a home revitalizes its inhabitants over mere square footage. Sora marks Colvin Haven's inaugural client project, with two additional homes currently underway. Swallow cherishes the journey through the open-air corridor, zen gardens, and views of rice terraces and volcanoes, emphasizing accessible luxury without depending on size or imported materials.

Key facts

  • Sora is a two-bedroom villa in Bali designed by Andrew Swallow and Colvin Haven.
  • The design uses hand-charred Shou Sugi Ban, local paras stone, and recycled Ulin hardwood.
  • The home is organized around two central hearths: a kitchen and a wellness hub.
  • The wellness hub includes private cold tubs, steam spaces, and outdoor garden showers.
  • Sora is the first home Colvin Haven built for a client, following their own family home Umah Tsuki.
  • Two new editions of the design are under construction.
  • Swallow's favorite moment is the walk through zen gardens, past koi, through the kitchen, to views of rice terraces and volcanoes.
  • The project aims to bring accessible luxury without compromising on quality or relying on imported materials.

Entities

Artists

  • Andrew Swallow
  • Ellie Stathaki
  • Tadao Ando
  • Rem Koolhaas
  • Glenn Sestig

Institutions

  • Colvin Haven
  • Wallpaper*
  • Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
  • Bartlett School of Architecture
  • Thames & Hudson

Locations

  • Bali
  • Indonesia
  • Thessaloniki
  • Greece
  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources