A living expression of spirituality
In Bali, architecture is not simply a matter of construction, it is a reflection of a spiritual and social philosophy. Traditional Balinese houses are more than homes; they are sacred spaces that embody the connection between people, the environment, and the divine. Every pavilion, every courtyard, every wall is shaped by centuries-old beliefs and rituals that remain alive today.
A philosophy carved in wood and stone
Traditional Balinese architecture, or rumah adat Bali, is based on ancient principles that guide how homes should be built, organized, and inhabited. One of the most important systems is called Asta Kosala Kosali, a set of rules similar to feng shui, which governs spatial orientation and proportions. It takes into account the owner’s caste, family structure, and the spiritual direction of the land.
At the core of these principles is Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese concept of harmony between the human world, nature, and the spiritual realm. This philosophy shapes not only religious life, but also how people design, build, and live in their homes. In Bali, to build a house is to create a space where balance, protection, and connection to the universe are respected every day.
A house without walls, open to the sky
A Balinese house is not a single building but a group of open-air pavilions surrounding a central courtyard. This ensemble is called a karang. Each pavilion has a specific role: one for sleeping, one for cooking (called paon), another for guests, and one especially important structure, the family temple, or sanggah kemulan.
This temple is always placed in the northeast corner of the compound, facing Mount Agung, the sacred volcano believed to be the seat of the gods. On the other hand, less sacred or “impure” parts of the house, such as toilets or garbage areas, are placed in the southwest. This symbolic organization reinforces the idea of spiritual cleanliness and order.
Unlike many Western houses, Balinese homes are open to the elements. The roofs are made of thatch or terracotta, and walls are low or absent. This allows wind to pass freely and natural light to enter. Spaces are rarely built in a straight line because straight paths are thought to allow evil spirits to enter too easily. Instead, layouts are designed to confuse these forces, keeping the home protected.
Sacred space, everyday rituals
Spirituality is not separate from daily life in Bali, it is part of every moment. In a traditional home, small offerings called canang sari are placed each morning at shrines, entryways, and sacred corners. Made of flowers, rice, incense, and palm leaves, these offerings are symbols of thanks and devotion.
The house itself is a spiritual structure. Even the number of steps, the height of the roof, or the choice of stone or wood carries meaning. High-caste families may build more complex or richly decorated compounds, but all traditional homes are sacred, regardless of size or wealth. The layout reminds each resident of their relationship to the gods, to nature, and to their ancestors.
Village life and collective identity
Traditional Balinese homes are not built in isolation. They exist within a desa, a village that is also structured according to sacred principles. The entire community is organized along the axis of kaja (towards the mountains, representing purity and the divine) and kelod (towards the sea, representing the underworld and purification).
Each village has three main temples: one for the gods (pura puseh), one for the ancestors (pura dalem), and one for the community (pura desa). Life in the village is guided by a local council called the banjar, which organizes festivals, ceremonies, and even decisions about how houses should be built. Architecture, in this sense, becomes part of a collective identity. A family’s home is not just their private space, it reflects the shared values and spiritual obligations of the whole village.
The challenge of modernity
In recent decades, Balinese architecture has faced growing challenges. The rapid development of tourism has led to the construction of modern villas, hotels, and cafes, especially in places like Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak. Many of these new buildings are made of concrete and glass, ignoring the traditional orientation and spiritual layout of Balinese compounds.
This shift threatens not just aesthetic traditions but also the philosophy behind them. When buildings are designed only for speed or profit, they lose their spiritual purpose. They may be more comfortable by modern standards, but they no longer reflect the harmony that is central to Balinese identity.
Still, hope remains. Some villages, such as Penglipuran and Tenganan, continue to follow ancestral construction methods. Local architects are also finding ways to blend traditional values with modern design, using eco-friendly materials, respecting spatial orientation, and reviving symbolic details. These efforts show that Balinese architecture can evolve while keeping its soul intact.
Conclusion: more than architecture, a way of life
Balinese traditional houses are not just physical spaces, they are living expressions of a sacred worldview. They teach us that a home can be more than a shelter: it can be a place of balance, of gratitude, and of spiritual presence. Every courtyard, every altar, every breeze through an open pavilion tells a story of connection, to nature, to ancestors, to the gods.
In a world where buildings are often designed for speed, profit, or fashion, Bali offers another model. It invites us to think differently about what it means to “build” a life. Through their homes, the Balinese people show that architecture can be a source of identity, wisdom, and harmony.
To walk into a traditional Balinese compound is to enter a living philosophy. It is to step into a space where the sacred and the everyday are never separate and where being “at home” also means being in balance with the universe.