Bamboo badminton court’s sustainable architecture is guided by function
Studio Jencquel and Ibuku showcase sustainable architecture at its best in this Kura Kura based badminton court in Bali

Studio Jencquel and Ibuku’s Kura Kura project is an architectural treasure tucked away in the mountains of Bali. At 200 sq m, this bamboo badminton court structure is a modest but intriguing feature of the leafy grounds of the Rumah Hujan Estate in Ubud, designed around sustainable architecture principles.
Intended initially as a paddle tennis court, the project evolved organically into a badminton court, when Studio Jencquel founder Maximilian Jencquel realised that Indonesia’s national sport would be a more fitting addition to the estate’s grounds. Aside from being a visual highlight, the building contributes to a wave of striking bamboo-based architecture in Bali.
Recently, in search of more sustainable solutions, local designers have looked increasingly towards traditional building methods from the region’s vernacular. In designing Kura Kura, Jencquel collaborated with design studio Ibuku – who have been setting a precedent in modern uses for bamboo in design and construction within Indonesia with projects such as The Green School and a yoga studio design. Similarly, the court pays its respects to Bali culture, making the most of traditionally used and locally sourced bamboo throughout.
The structure of the court itself provides the home behind it with a sort of privacy screen from the street. Meanwhile, its intriguing bamboo roof tiles and proud stance serve as a dramatic introduction to the Rumah Hujan Estate’s grounds. Comfortably aligned with nature, the silhouette sits harmoniously in the landscape and its curved roof is guided by its function. The design for the court’s top organically progressed from a (more conventional) boxy juxtaposition to Bali’s natural landscape into a dome reminiscent of a turtle’s shell. In terms of practicality, the form serves to accommodate the arched path of the shuttlecock, and ends up using only the space it needs; demonstrating efficiently how it can avoid both material waste and imposition on the environment.
The roof, upheld by bamboo pillars and lined in swathes of contrastingly toned wood, stands at varying distances above the ground. A gap between walls and roof allows airflow and means it can be used year-round, letting in the outside breeze.
The use of bamboo draws us back to the cultural roots of Bali, it upholds an ethos of sustainable architecture, and trusts the wisdom of methods used traditionally in the region. Jencquel’s choice of material also introduced a rare species of dark-toned bamboo, sourced from the ravines of Bali and the nearby town of Java. Alongside its lighter coloured counterpart, it provides a pleasing contrast and pattern. Basket-woven wood, which takes 3-4 years to mature, makes up the entirety of the overhead structure, while rubber flooring ensures the court is deftly fit for its sport and purpose.
INFORMATION
Martha Elliott is the Junior Digital News Editor at Wallpaper*. After graduating from university she worked in arts-based behavioural therapy, then embarked on a career in journalism, joining Wallpaper* at the start of 2022. She reports on art, design and architecture, as well as covering regular news stories across all channels.
-
Last chance to see: Sharjah Biennial 15, ‘Thinking Historically in the Present’
Built on the vision of late curator Okwui Enwezor, the Sharjah Biennial 15: ‘Thinking Historically in the Present’ offers a critical reframing of postcolonial narratives through major new commissions
By Amah-Rose Abrams • Published
-
For London Gallery Weekend 2023, the mood is hardcore
With London Gallery Weekend 2023 almost upon us (2 – 4 June), here’s our list of must-see art exhibitions
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Published
-
Birkenstock celebrates its most memorable styles with colourful capsule (and matching socks)
Birkenstock marks the 40th, 50th and 60th anniversaries of the Gizeh, Arizona and Madrid sandals, respectively, with limited-edition versions
By Jack Moss • Published
-
Seosaeng House is a holiday home designed to capture the rising sun
Seosaeng House, Studio Weave’s first project in South Korea, is a clifftop holiday home perfectly designed to capture a new day dawning over the East Sea
By SuhYoung Yun • Published
-
The finest brutalist architecture in London and beyond
For some of the world's finest brutalist architecture in London and beyond, scroll below. Can’t get enough of brutalism? Neither can we.
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Sustainable architecture: innovative and inspiring building design
This is sustainable architecture at its best: from amazing abodes to centres of care and hard-working offices, these buildings not only look good but also do good
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Modernist architecture: inspiration from across the globe
Modernist architecture has had a tremendous influence on today’s built environment, making these midcentury marvels some of the most closely studied 20th-century buildings; check back soon for new additions to our list
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
MJE House is a rural Brazilian retreat defined by its striking cantilever
MJE House by Jacobsen Arquitetura is an idyllic, rural Brazilian retreat defined by its contemporary forms and bold cantilever overlooking the countryside in Upstate São Paulo
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Villaggio Eni: a modernist gem in the Italian Dolomites
Designed by Eduardo Gellner in the 1950s, the Villaggio Eni holiday resort, in the Italian Dolomites, is being repurposed as a modernist refuge for artists and creatives
By Emma O'Kelly • Published
-
Spruce house offers a minimalist take on sustainable architecture
Spruce House, London practice Ao-ft’s debut project, is a carefully crafted timber house that perfectly slots into its urban landscape
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Members’ club 1 Warwick is a new home away from home in Soho, London
Members’ club 1 Warwick by Fettle Design opens its doors in central London, sharing round-the-clock offerings
By Ellie Stathaki • Published