Planning a destination wedding that's complete with gorgeous backdrop, intricate decor and romantic ambience? Singapore-based destination wedding specialist Tirtha Weddings recently opened The Glass House by Tirtha situated in Uluwatu, Bali.
The sprawling property is shrouded in lush greenery. Renowned architects Alessandro Landi of Landi Design and Fredo Taffin — who designed Ku De Ta Bali and The Istana Bali — were the creative forces behind the design of The Glass House, which comprises a main guesthouse with an annexe and lawn. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows flood reception spaces with natural light, while dark wood accents bring a touch of nature and modern simplicity to the interiors.
We speak to landscape designer Saeko Aizawa of Salad Dressing, who curated and designed the gardens, canopies and foilage in The Glass House, to find out more.
What was the inspiration behind the design of The Glass House?
We were inspired by the fecund environment as well as the mysticism of Bali and its potential to evoke an ethereal feeling. Mythological Balinese creatures from Hindu folklore as well as influences from famous painters like Walter Spies and Donald Friend are evident in the property.
Our concept behind The Glass House is inspired by nature, immateriality and the beauty of the tropics. Our idea is to convey the tale about the tropics to the guests that come to be in touch with the property. The modern tropical garden concept was developed by Made Wijaya in Bali, who designed Amandari, Four Seasons Jimbaran and other well-known resort and gardens. Made Wijaya mentioned that "tropical gardens should be poetic and romantic, complementing the architecture and providing a natural counterbalance to the man-made."
Our director Chang Huai Yan worked with Made Wijaya in Bali and through him, we came to learn the spirit of tropical gardens, which is the essence of the tropics for The Glass House. We seek not a form or style, but rather the feeling. We appreciate the local tradition and Balinese craftsmanship such as wood carving, metal artworks and fabrics and have tried to incorporate some of these materials and processes into our design so The Glass House is really Bali in spirit rather than form.
What is the story behind the incorporation of wayang kulit in the design?
We have taken the concept of Balinese shadowplay, distilled the essence of the traditional artform by creating a stylised, minimalist representation on the walls of the bar. Together with the lushness of the garden, it lulls guests into the space.
What was your approach to selecting the types of greenery for the space?
The overall approach to selecting the greenery is to bring the guests on an adventure in a secret garden setting. The bamboo tunnel at the beginning of the property escorts the guests to the secret garden. A spill-out deck stretches into the garden and gradually filters into the lawn.
The alfresco garden can be used as a party space and is surrounded by glaucous plants that reflect the romantic notion of full moon and that would work well for the dry weather of Uluwatu.
(Photo: Various ways to dress up this wedding venue — here's a charming greenhouse setting beneath sparkling chandeliers.)
(Photo: The ethereal garden venue caters to approximately 100 people and up to 170 people when combined with the terrace of the main building, while the greenhouse, an annex on the first floor, accommodates up to a hundred.)
(Photo: An indoor space on the main house’s first floor is able to facilitate a pre-dinner cocktail session up for to 50 people.)
(Photo: If you prefer a look that's less opulent, decorate the space and transform it into a whimsical garden filled with beautiful blooms.)
(Photo: Luxuriant foliage surrounds the compound.)
(Photo: The Glass House also offers optional accommodation in its 3 luxurious guestrooms, for up to 6 guests.)
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