Hospitality Installation
A Tent in Bali
Modular Jabon Glulam Event Frame Engineered for Rapid Assembly and Reusable Outdoor Deployment
Architect
Sperry Tents
year
2024
location
Bali, Indonesia
size
17,6 m²
The Brief
Project Overview
A Tent in Bali was a 17.6 m² temporary hospitality installation engineered for single-day beachfront use.
The structure required manual assembly and full dismantling without heavy machinery.
Objective
The objective was to validate portable Glulam systems by delivering:
• Manual assembly without cranes
• Stable structural performance in outdoor coastal conditions
• Modular repetition for rapid setup
• Efficient dismantling and reuse logic
This project expanded Glulam beyond permanent structures.
The Constraints
One-Day Installation Window
The structure had to be erected within a limited event schedule.
Manual Assembly Requirement
No heavy machinery was available. All members had to be lightweight and manageable by hand.
Outdoor Beachfront Exposure
Wind, humidity, and uneven ground conditions required structural stability despite minimal foundation intervention.
Reusable System Logic
The frame needed to be dismantled without damage to ensure future deployment.
The Engineering
Compact Glulam Structural Frame
Jabon glulam was selected for strength-to-weight efficiency. Lamination improved bending consistency while keeping member weight manageable for manual handling.
Lightweight structure does not mean reduced structural logic.
Simplified Mechanical Connector System
Connections were engineered for intuitive assembly using mechanical fasteners. No specialized tools or heavy machinery were required.
Connection clarity reduces field error.
Pre-Resolved Geometry
All members were prefabricated to precise dimensions. On-site cutting was eliminated to maintain tolerance control.
Predictability enables rapid setup.
Modular Repetition Logic
Structural elements were designed to repeat efficiently, supporting fast sequencing during event installation.
Repetition reduces assembly risk.
Wind Stability Strategy
Load paths were calculated to resist lateral wind forces typical of beachfront exposure. Stability was engineered despite lightweight construction.
The Products and Materials
The Results and Insights
Rapid Deployment Achieved
The full structure was assembled within one day without heavy equipment.
Portable Timber System Validated
The project proved that glulam can function in temporary, mobile hospitality environments.
Connector Engineering Strengthened
The simplified joint system balanced ease of use with structural integrity.
Expanded Application Scope
This installation broadened Woodlam’s structural timber capabilities into modular event architecture.
Location
Bali, Indonesia
Jl. Pantai Berawa Desa No.150 Tibubeneng, North Kuta Badung, 80361 INDONESIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question unanswered? Speak to our team.
Can glulam be used for temporary structures?
Yes. When engineered with modular logic and mechanical connectors, glulam can provide structural stability while allowing full dismantling and reuse.
Why was Jabon selected for this project?
Jabon offers a favourable strength-to-weight ratio. When laminated into glulam, it provides structural reliability while remaining manageable for manual handling.
How was the structure assembled without heavy machinery?
All members were prefabricated to precise dimensions and connected using simplified mechanical joints that required no cranes or complex tools.
What does this project demonstrate about engineered timber?
It demonstrates that engineered timber systems are not limited to permanent buildings. With disciplined design and connector logic, glulam can support portable, modular hospitality installations.