It was a privilege to explore the vision of Alexis Dornier about minimalist architecture and sustainable design. Alexis’ journey from studying architecture at the Berlin University of the Arts to establishing himself as a renowned architectural designer in New York City showcases his deep-seated passion for architecture. In 2013, he made a life-changing decision to move to Ubud, Bali, where he began consulting on locally designed and built architectural projects, marking a significant shift in his career.
In Bali, Alexis’ architectural consultancy quickly evolved into a holistic, independent design practice. He founded Alexis Dornier Studio and co-founded Stilt Studios with his former client and now business partner, Florian. These ventures have allowed Alexis to leave a significant mark on the Balinese landscape through innovative and sustainable designs.
Stilt Studios, one of Alexis’ key projects, exemplifies the principle that “less is best.” These pre-crafted, small-scale structures are designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, celebrating compact, minimal space design. The stilted units are suitable for the tropical climate of Indonesia, promoting natural ventilation and offering unique, intimate spaces that blend seamlessly with their surroundings. The elevated design helps catch natural breezes and offers unexpected views, enhancing the connection between the inhabitants and the environment.
Alexis’ design philosophy revolves around creating minimal impact on the environment while maximizing the experience of the space. His approach to architecture is about utilizing fewer materials and making efficient use of space. This philosophy is evident in the structural design of the units, which feature four central columns that support all building components. This innovative design minimizes the footprint and material usage, embodying a minimalist ethos.
Stilt Studios offers a variety of designs, ranging from smaller units to larger modular structures. These designs are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, incorporating transparent architecture that frames the natural landscape. The emphasis is on creating spaces that feel intimate and integrated with nature, rather than imposing on it.
Alexis Dornier Studio does not adhere to a specific architectural style. Instead, it embraces a collaborative approach that values teamwork and client input. This flexibility allows the studio to explore different design approaches and be continually surprised by the outcomes. This method encourages stretching the boundaries of creativity and innovation in architectural design.
One of the standout projects of Alexis Dornier Studio is a five-bedroom residence in Bali, which emphasizes the flow of the landscape through the building. The design employs a color and material palette that dissolves the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a seamless integration with the environment.
Alexis is passionate about all scales and demographics of architecture, balancing luxurious designs with minimalist, small-scale structures. This versatility is evident in the various projects undertaken by his studios, from residential homes and resorts to smaller, modular units designed for minimal impact.
Alexis Dornier’s work challenges us to rethink our approach to architecture. By focusing on minimal impact and maximum experience, he demonstrates that sustainable, innovative design can coexist with luxury and comfort. His commitment to “less is best” encourages a future where architecture harmonizes with the environment, offering functional, beautiful spaces that respect and enhance their natural surroundings.
We look forward to seeing more groundbreaking work from Alexis Dornier and his studios, as they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in architecture and design.
This North Facing villa opens towards the East to always soak in the cool and diffused light. Its orientation is mindful of the adjoining clubhouse and its expansive garden. The planning allows the villa’s private lawn to visually merge with it, creating a larger and cohesive space. With a connection to the open space at […]
An Urban Sanctuary Woven with Craft, Warmth, and Light Explicitly tucked into a quiet residential pocket, this home with a jaali facade is a thoughtfully layered expression of calm, character, and craftsmanship. Every surface and corner is rooted in intention — where light, material, and memory meet. The Jaali Design in this Layered Home Exudes […]
The design of the house prioritises connectivity to nature by incorporating green elements like vertical gardens or landscaped courtyards. This is achieved through various means, such as large windows framing scenic views, outdoor living spaces seamlessly merging with the surrounding landscape. The emphasis on connectivity to nature creates a serene and harmonious environment, fostering a […]
“Viraam,” a 4000 sq ft house design that embodies its literal translation: “a pause.” The vision is to create a sanctuary for relaxation, introspection, and to escape from the constant demands of daily life – an urban void for personal retreat. Editor’s Note: “Viraam is not just a house, it’s a pause. A place to […]
The facade of this Indian contemporary house design strikes a careful balance between solids and voids, with sculpted forms that reveal the inner workings of the space. The design plays with light and shadow, creating visual depth and intrigue from the exterior. The form resembles a cuboid that has been scooped out, while the outer […]
This 5 storey building takes inspiration from ancient haveli architecture. “Hailing from north India, the family held deep nostalgia for haveli, large residences with communal courtyards called chowks, projecting balconies called jharokhas and intricate brick or stone lattice screens called jaalis, vernacular to many western and northern regions of India,” said SJK Architects partner Vaishali […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
This remodelling project aimed to revitalise a load-bearing house while respecting its original integrity and adapting it to contemporary needs. The design approach prioritised minimal structural intervention, allowing the existing framework to guide spatial reconfiguration. Careful consideration was given to preserving the load-bearing walls, which formed the backbone of the original construction. Openings were strategically […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]