Fine Dining In Paradise; Merah Putih

Located in the overwhelmingly busy streets of Bali’s up-and-coming area of Kerobokan, is the architectural masterpiece of Merah Putih – a luxuriously modern interpretation of Indonesian dining. Owner Jasper Manifold has pushed the boundaries of Indonesian cuisine and fine dining, offering a unique experience showcasing innovative design, with help from a local design firm, which will impress the island’s visitors whilst also supporting the environment. Greeting you through the entrance of the establishment is a sumptuous bar and lounge, featuring steel grey velvet upholstered seating and a marble and granite bar – a sultry oasis detached from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s jammed streets. This contemporary space flows through to the main atrium of the building, which is the true design masterpiece and showstopper. The design by Inspiral Architecture and Design Studios implemented a mix of traditional, contemporary, and eco-friendly design practices to create this unique venue. The restaurant is encased in a heat reflective coated glass, allowing natural light to penetrate through to the plants below and assists in reducing energy usage. The glass casing looks like an oversized contemporary treasure chest, housing the secrets of what lays inside... An infinite ceiling made of translucent tensioned fabric fans down into rows of palm tree-shaped columns, exaggerating the height of the space. Again, this design has an ecological benefit; the fabric ceiling captures rain that then cascades down the columns to an in-house filtration system, providing clean filtered water that can be used to wash vegetables and even for drinking. Underwater LED lights placed within the columns emphasise the view of the indoor waterfall feature – a beautiful connection between the indoors and mother nature, which diners can experience even in Indonesia’s torrential downpours in the later months of the year. Subtle Indonesian references can be seen in the carved stone wall featured in the bar area, as well as the three teak ‘pods’ lining the mezzanine level, which are reminiscent of a traditional Lumbung of Sasak architecture. The emphasis on nature and the tropical landscape has also been introduced through beautiful Asian-inspired wallpaper, surrounded by a fishpond, continuing the water theme through from the columns. [gallery columns="4" ids="29998,29999,30000,30002,30003,30004,30005,30006,30007,30008,30009,30010"]