Alexis Dornier designs prefab homes on stilts that could be moved from

place to place
Bali-based architect Alexis Dornier has developed a concept for prefabricated homes that could easily be
taken apart and reassembled in a new location.

Stilt Studios are small homes on stilts, which could be erected in a variety of different places without
causing major damage to the landscape.

Stilt Studios are small homes on stilts

Dornier came up with the idea as an alternative to the current situation in Bali, where buildings are
often constructed and then demolished shortly after, because sites are often let for short time periods.

"The reality here is that we often find leasehold plots with a limited amount of years," explained the
German architect, who relocated to Bali in 2013.

The buildings are designed to have a minimal impact on the landscape

"This situation calls for us to tread lightly through prefab 'PropTech' structures that could be packed up
and re-erected someplace else," he told Dezeen.

"Someone could also put this unit into their garden and possibly start a little side business for
themselves."

The design currently includes steelwork, but the long-term ambition is for CLT frames
The first Stilt Studio to be constructed will be a studio for Dornier and his team. They plan to build it in
the midst of woodland, where they can benefit from the shade of surrounding trees.

However, Dornier is keen to scale the project up. He is developing a series of different typologies and
facades, all customisable in shape and material, so that the buildings can serve a range of uses. He also
suggests that multiple units could be connected.

The buildings will be customisable in shape and material

The current design is for steel frameworks, but the long-term ambition is for the structures to be built
from cross-laminated timber (CLT), to make them more environmentally friendly.

"This technology that has been around for decades, but here in Indonesia it is not feasible due to the
large amount of illegally harvested tropical wood polluting the market for innovation," said the
architect.

The idea is that the buildings could serve a range of uses

Other sustainable features include large overhangs designed to minimise solar-heat gain, rainwater
harvesting, cross ventilation and energy-generating solar panels. It is also envisaged that food could be
grown underneath the buildings.

Dornier also recently completed a series of villas at idyllic surfing retreat, Uluwatu Surf Villas. He
believes Stilt Studios could also tap into the growing market for tourism in Bali.

Each building could be easily taken apart and reassembled in a new location
"Tourism in Bali is reaching its peak," he explained.

"In order to bring development into remote areas, to boost the economy on remote islands, we need
knock-down structures that are fabricated offsite, and that can be erected in a minimum amount of
time, without complex skillsets necessary," he continued.

"The experience of being off the ground evokes a sense of protectiveness, adventure and creates a
framework for memories."