© Adi Wiryawan

© Adi Wiryawan

© Adi Wiryawan

© Sony Sandjaya

© Sony Sandjaya

© Sony Sandjaya

© Adi Wiryawan

© Adi Wiryawan

© Adi Wiryawan

© Adi Wiryawan

© Adi Wiryawan

© Adi Wiryawan

© Adi Wiryawan

© Adi Wiryawan

© Sony Sandjaya

© Sony Sandjaya

© Sony Sandjaya

The studio of Popo Danes architecture consulting firm can be summed up in one sentence: “A workplace that breathes life.” Compared to other architecture consulting firm offices with their small cubicles crowding the interior of a building, Popo Danes studio is something entirely different. Standing on a 2400 sqm site, this studio is an extension building of an old family house. The old house-built by Popo Danes father in 1969-is preserved and will be used as a gallery, while the rest of the site is left as an open space of lush greenery that will enhance the view from studio.

© Sony Sandjaya

© Sony Sandjaya

© Adi Wiryawan

Unlike other design done by Popo Danes to his clients, the studio eschews Balinese traditional architecture and embraces contemporary architecture. Popo Danes explains that this evasion is deliberately done to accommodate the spirit of the young architects working under him.

© Adi Wiryawan

© Adi Wiryawan

Despite the contemporary façade, Popo Danes love for old woodworks and artistic antiques can be felt throughout. Planks from an old traditional ship were recycled as a door, railings and stairs, book shelves and benches. Some antique furniture, artworks and paintings are artfully arranged as decorative elements that illustrate Popo Danes fondness in art.

© Sony Sandjaya

© Sony Sandjaya

© Sony Sandjaya

This compound was built with several functions in mind. In addition to its function as consulting office and gallery, it is also a studio for teaching yoga and Balinese dance. Popo Danes also hopes that this studio will be able to house a gathering of Indonesia’s creative community. In fact he is committed to hold such gathering more than once a month. These function are what make this office breathe life.

Location: Denpasar, Bali, IndonesiaArchitect: Popo Danes Architect StudioType of buildings: Architecture StudioDesign period: 2008Construction period: 2009Owner: Popo DanesSite area: 2400 sqmDesign principals: Popo Danes