The Arc – Green School Gymnasium

A green school for the future

Bali, Indonesia, 2021

About the project

‘An extraordinary project. It brings together local materials, fundamental research and creativity-charged structural engineering expertise to produce something of pure delight. …This is a marvellous demonstration of artistry, technical know-how and a drive towards net zero.’ – Institution of Structural Engineering

‘Drawing on the local architecture vernacular, as well as organic design, mixed with cutting-edge engineering, The Arc at Green School in Bali is an eco-friendly design, proudly showcasing the power and beauty of nature and geometry’ – Wallpaper

‘A refined design with unparalleled beauty’ – Dezeen

The Arc is a gymnasium and a community wellness space at the extraordinary Green School campus in Bali, Indonesia. The Green School was created by John and Cynthia Hardy and is devoted to educating with a focus on sustainability.

As with all buildings on the campus, the Arc is designed to be structurally efficient and constructed with natural materials wherever possible.

The building pushes the boundaries of bamboo construction – it’s a feat of green engineering, but also functional, and beautiful.

The process

Atelier One has worked for several years in close collaboration with bamboo specialist architects Ibuku and bamboo craftsman Jörg Stamm on research and testing to create a striking and sustainable space to house the school’s new gymnasium and wellness space.

The Arc is a series of interdependent bamboo arches, stitched together by anticlastic grid shells – this complex construction system generates strength from curvature running in two different directions, while creating an organic shape.

The design was inspired by the ribcages of mammals, specifically where the outer layers of muscle and skin help to hold the rib bones in place.

Photo credit: Jules De Laage of Ibuku. — Courtesy of Jules De Laage of Ibuku.

The outcome

The Arc is unique in its construction and its use of bamboo – the research undertaken, and the new design language created will inspire other designers working with bamboo around the world.