Commercial Facilities
Yoga Shala
Meranti Glulam Open-Span Structural Pavilion Designed for Tropical Open-Air Performance in Ubud
Architect
Archimetriz Architect
year
2021
location
Bali, Indonesia
size
200 m²
The Brief
Project Overview
Yoga Shala required wide-span Glulam installation in Ubud without cranes, enclosed staging, or heavy lifting equipment.
Construction occurred in semi-open tropical conditions.
Objective
The objective was to validate manual installation of engineered timber by proving:
• Wide-span structural performance without intermediate columns
• Alignment control without mechanical lifting systems
• Moisture stability in open-air exposure
• Installation sequencing compatible with low-mechanization sites
This project demonstrated that engineered precision is system-driven, not equipment-dependent.
The Constraints
Fully Manual Installation
No cranes or mechanised lifting equipment were permitted on site.
Structural members had to be:
• Sized for manual handling
• Balanced during lift
• Sequenced for controlled erection
• Dimensioned to prevent torsional stress during placement
Improper sequencing risked misalignment and structural distortion.
Installation logic had to support manual accuracy.
Semi-Exposed Tropical Environment
The pavilion remains open on all sides.
Timber elements are exposed to:
• Humidity
• UV radiation
• Rain-driven moisture
• Continuous airflow
Detailing required moisture allowance and ventilation integration.
Structural logic had to coexist with environmental exposure.
Wide-Span Requirement
The architectural intent demanded an unobstructed interior.
Glulam members were required to:
• Carry roof loads efficiently
• Maintain stiffness
• Control deflection
• Preserve roof-line geometry
Span clarity defined the spatial experience.
Structural discipline enabled visual calm.
The Engineering
Meranti Glulam Structural System
Meranti was laminated to control grain orientation and improve predictable bending behavior. The system delivered span capability with manageable weight for manual erection.
Wide-Span Load Path Clarity
Primary glulam members carried roof loads with simplified secondary framing. Load paths were resolved to support open-air conditions while preserving roof-line geometry.
Manual Installation Component Strategy
Members were dimensioned for controlled team lifting and stable alignment during placement. Sequencing reduced torsional stress risk and minimized field modification.
Moisture and Ventilation Detailing
Semi-exposed conditions require airflow and movement allowance. Detailing maintained ventilation gaps and protected interfaces to limit moisture trapping, relying on physical durability logic rather than heavy chemical treatment.
The Products and Materials
The Results and Insights
Manual Erection Feasibility Confirmed
The project demonstrated that wide-span Glulam roof systems can be assembled without cranes when members are sized for handling and erection sequencing is engineered in advance.
Semi-Exposed Tropical Detailing Validated
Performance under open-air humidity conditions reinforced that durability is achieved through physical detailing and ventilation strategy, not reliance on chemical treatment alone.
Wide-Span Spatial Clarity Achieved
The structure delivered an unobstructed interior with controlled deflection behavior and stable roof-line geometry, confirming that span discipline directly shapes spatial experience.
Systems Insight
Precision on low-mechanization sites is driven by workflow:
Pre-resolved geometry reduces field interpretation.
Prefabricated interfaces reduce on-site correction.
Sequencing discipline prevents tolerance stacking.
Location
Bali, Indonesia
Jl. Raya Sanggingan No.90 Kedewatan, Ubud Gianyar, 80571 INDONESIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question unanswered? Speak to our team.
Can Glulam perform in open-air tropical environments?
With proper detailing, ventilation strategy, and protected interfaces, glulam maintains geometry and connection reliability in humid climates. Performance depends on airflow, drainage, and disciplined joint detailing rather than mass alone.
How was the structure erected without machinery?
Members were sized for manual handling and installed through controlled sequencing. Connection points were simplified to reduce torsion risk during lifting.
Why was Meranti selected?
Meranti provides a balanced strength-to-weight ratio, suitable lamination behaviour, and warm aesthetic tone. In Glulam form, it offers improved structural predictability compared to solid sections.
What role did Woodlam play?
Woodlam engineered and delivered the glulam structural system and supported installation sequencing for manual erection under semi-exposed conditions.