From the celestial glow of its lobby to the grounded textures of volcanic rock, the SAKA Museum is a masterclass in thoughtful, place-based design

“AKA Museum is not just a building,” says Wesley Ho. “It’s a story—a reflection of Bali’s soul and its connection to the world.” This ethos lies at the core of Napp Studio & Architects, the Hong Kong-based firm co-founded by Ho, which has gained international recognition for its ability to merge local narratives with contemporary design. Under their visionary leadership, the SAKA Museum has evolved into a living, breathing narrative of Bali’s identity—an architectural triumph that balances heritage, modernity, and sustainability with remarkable precision.

Nestled within the serene landscapes of AYANA Bali, the museum redefines what cultural spaces can be: a seamless dialogue between the past and the future. Honoured as one of the Top 100 projects in the Kyoto Global Design Awards for Environmental Design and featured in Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024, the SAKA Museum stands as a global benchmark in how architecture can celebrate culture, history, and the natural environment.

For Ho, the design inspiration was clear from the beginning: Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence. “Nyepi is the most sacred day of the year for Balinese and foreigners alike. It’s a day of reflection and introspection, where the entire island falls silent,” he explains. This unique cultural moment, where light pollution disappears and the stars emerge in full clarity, shaped the spatial and lighting design of the museum.

As you enter the museum’s lobby, one is greeted by a ceiling that replicates the star-filled sky of Nyepi night. Achieved through 3,000 precisely arranged LED lights, the ceiling transitions from a soft glow to an immersive constellation as evening falls, creating a meditative atmosphere. “We wanted the design to embody the calm and reflection that Nyepi inspires, blending traditional Balinese respect for nature with contemporary techniques,” Ho shares. This celestial lighting, made possible by advanced grid systems that conceal structural elements, is both technically innovative and profoundly symbolic.

ARCHITECTURAL PRECISION ROOTED IN MATERIALITY
Ho’s practice, Napp Studio & Architects, has garnered a reputation for integrating place-based materiality into their projects, and SAKA Museum is no exception. Using locally sourced volcanic rock and gray granite, the design pays homage to Bali’s volcanic origins while significantly reducing the project’s environmental footprint. “These materials ground the museum in its environment and capture the resilience of Bali’s landscape,” Ho notes. The volcanic rock, with its raw and rugged textures, juxtaposes the refined finishes, offering visitors a tactile journey that reinforces the museum’s connection to its surroundings.

Napp Studio’s portfolio extends beyond SAKA Museum, encompassing a wide range of cultural and commercial spaces across Asia. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and conceptual clarity, the studio often incorporates local narratives into global design frameworks. “For us, architecture is storytelling,” says Ho. “With SAKA Museum, we wanted to tell a story that is deeply rooted in Bali’s spirit yet resonates universally.”

SUSTAINABILITY AND THE SPIRIT OF TRI HITA KARANA
The Kyoto Global Design Award recognised SAKA Museum not only for its aesthetics but also for its commitment to environmental responsibility—a hallmark of Napp Studio’s ethos. The museum’s design adheres to the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which emphasises harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. This is reflected in the building’s orientation, which optimises natural ventilation and reduces reliance on artificial cooling. Features such as deep overhangs and perforated panels regulate light and heat, demonstrating how sustainability is integrated into the museum’s core. “Sustainability isn’t just a design consideration—it’s a responsibility,” Ho remarks. Balancing traditional Balinese principles with modern practices is emblematic of Napp Studio’s approach. “Balinese aesthetics inherently align with sustainability,” Ho explains. “Our challenge was to create a modern space that resonates with these traditions while addressing contemporary needs.” The result is a building that feels timeless yet forward thinking, a rare achievement in today’s architectural landscape.

THE KNOWLEDGE CENTRE: A CULTURAL HAVEN
Central to SAKA Museum’s function is its Knowledge Centre, a warm and inviting space designed for immersive engagement with Balinese culture. The use of timber tones and earthy finishes evokes the feeling of a traditional wooden chest, creating a tactile and visual contrast to the cooler tones of the lobby. “We envisioned the Knowledge Centre as a personal, intimate space where visitors could connect more deeply with Bali’s heritage,” says Ho. This deliberate shift in ambiance showcases Napp Studio’s ability to choreograph emotional journeys through design.

BALANCING HERITAGE AND MODERNITY
The museum’s architecture exemplifies Ho’s ability to distil traditional motifs into contemporary forms. Elements like temple inspired rooflines and Nyepi-themed lighting are reinterpreted to appeal to both local and global audiences. “We weren’t replicating Balinese architecture—we were interpreting it,” Ho explains. This reinterpretation ensures the museum remains relevant across generations and geographies, creating a space that feels both familiar and innovative.

A STUDIO OF GLOBAL VISION
Founded by Wesley Ho and Aron Tsang, Napp Studio & Architects has quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the design world, blending conceptual rigour with environmental sensitivity. Their projects explore the intersection of tradition and modernity, bringing fresh perspectives to historical narratives. “Every project is an opportunity to bridge the past and future,” says Ho. “With SAKA Museum, we sought to create a design that not only honours Bali’s heritage but also sets a precedent for what cultural institutions can be.”

As SAKA Museum prepares to unveil its January 2025 exhibitions, including an immersive Nyepi experience and a gallery dedicated to the UNESCO-recognised Subak agricultural system, it continues to redefine the possibilities of cultural spaces.

Also Read: The Figured Ground University Sports Arena by Thirdspace Architecture Studio is a beacon of innovation