Anna-Carina Tetzner and Sean Peel fell in love with Bali after visiting the island for three years in a row. Inspired by their vacations, they made the decision to build their own home in Bali, Indonesia. They leased a plot of land in Ubud for 20 years and embarked on constructing a sleek, modern modular home. The couple’s choice of a modular design allowed them to navigate the narrow road leading to their property and also gave them the opportunity to build the house themselves. Despite challenges such as building during the rainy season and navigating communication barriers, Tetzner and Peel successfully completed their home and now have plans to build another one in a different location on the island.
Table of Contents
First things first: Find land
Introduction
Anna-Carina Tetzner and Sean Peel, a couple originally from Australia, fell in love with Bali after visiting the island multiple times. They made the decision to leave their life in Brisbane and build their dream home in Bali. This article will explore their journey in finding the perfect plot of land, navigating property ownership laws in Bali, and the challenges and rewards of building their own modular home in the jungle.
Finding the perfect plot
Fortunately, Tetzner and Peel had friends in Bali who introduced them to a plot of land just outside of Ubud, a town in central Bali known for its cultural heritage and stunning rice terraces. They instantly fell in love with the location and signed a leasehold contract for the land, which is a common practice in Bali due to strict property ownership laws for foreigners. They paid 275 million Indonesian Rupiah (approximately $17,000) for a 20-year lease, with the option to renew at the end of the term. The land measures around 6,500 square feet, providing ample space for their future home.
Navigating property ownership laws in Bali
Property ownership laws in Bali prohibit foreigners from owning land. Instead, foreigners can lease land for a set period of time. Tetzner and Peel were aware of these laws and went through the process of leasing the land they chose. They paid the required fees and signed a leasehold contract, giving them the right to use and develop the land for the duration of their lease. At the end of the lease, they have the option to continue or relinquish the leasehold.
A modular design for DIY
Choosing a modular design
Due to the limited access they had to the property, Tetzner and Peel decided to choose a modular design for their home. The narrow road leading to their property made it difficult for larger construction materials to be transported. A modular design allowed them to build the components off-site and easily transport them to the property. The couple designed their own modular home using steel frames and wood panels, which offered durability and ease of construction.
Overcoming limited access to the property
The couple faced challenges with limited access to their property due to the narrow road leading to it. However, the modular design of their home allowed them to transport the components in smaller vehicles. A local steel fabricator constructed the panels and delivered them to the site, where Tetzner and Peel could easily carry them. This solution saved them time and manpower that would have been required for traditional brick and mortar construction.
Building the house themselves
One of the advantages of a modular design was that Tetzner and Peel were able to build the house themselves. With components that could be simply assembled, the couple didn’t need a large workforce to construct their home. Peel, who had experience in renovations from working with his father, played a key role in assembling the steel frames and walls. This hands-on approach allowed them to have more control over the construction process and saved them additional costs.
The benefits of modular construction
Building their home with a modular design had several benefits. The use of steel frames and wood panels ensured a durable and long-lasting structure. Additionally, the modular components could be easily transported and assembled, making the construction process more efficient. Furthermore, the couple’s decision to build the house themselves not only saved them money but also allowed them to customize the design to suit their preferences. Modular construction proved to be a practical and cost-effective solution for building their dream home in Bali.
An open-plan, modern home
The layout and design of the house
Tetzner and Peel’s home is designed with an open-plan layout, creating a spacious and airy living environment. The house consists of three rectangular buildings connected by sheltered walkways. The first building houses Tetzner’s pottery studio, while the second encompasses the kitchen, dining, and living areas. The third building contains the bedroom and bathroom, with an additional door leading to the garden outside. This thoughtful layout allows seamless movement between different parts of the home while providing privacy and functionality.
The exterior and interior features
The exterior of the house features a dark gray, almost black, steel-clad finish with wood accents. This striking color contrast, combined with the lush greenery surrounding the property, creates a visually appealing aesthetic. Inside, the couple opted for an open floor plan, with no doors across the front of the house. This design choice allows natural light and the island breeze to flow through the interiors, creating a comfortable and refreshing living space. The interior design combines modern elements with natural materials, such as timber, to complement the tropical surroundings.
Creating an open and airy space
The open-plan layout of Tetzner and Peel’s home promotes a sense of spaciousness and freedom. By eliminating unnecessary walls and doors, the couple has created a seamless flow between different areas of the house. Ample windows and strategic placement of skylights maximize natural light and ventilation. The combination of the open design and careful selection of materials and colors contributes to an overall sense of openness and airiness, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.
Powering the home and water source
The couple’s home is connected to the grid for power supply. However, they have also installed a well on the property for water access. Ubud receives ample rainfall, and wells are a common feature in the area. Tetzner and Peel’s well is deeper than most, reaching 80 meters into the ground. They utilize the well water for watering their gardens and showering, filtering it before drinking. This self-sustaining water source aligns with their eco-conscious lifestyle and ensures access to water even during dry seasons.
Building during the wet season wasn’t fun
Challenges of starting construction during the rainy season
One of the major challenges Tetzner and Peel faced was starting their construction project during the rainy season. The rainy season in Bali typically lasts from November to March, with central areas like Ubud experiencing higher rainfall. The couple had to deal with unpredictable weather patterns, which impacted the progress of their construction work. Heavy rains made it difficult to work outdoors and caused delays in the construction schedule.
Managing work hours and weather conditions
Due to the weather constraints, Tetzner and Peel had to be flexible with their work hours. They scheduled their construction work based on weather forecasts and made the most of dry periods. On particularly rainy days, they had to postpone outdoor work and focus on indoor tasks or planning. Adapting to the weather conditions was crucial to ensure the safety of the construction site and the quality of the work being done.
Dealing with language barriers
As newcomers to Bali, Tetzner and Peel faced language barriers while coordinating with local contractors and suppliers. The main languages spoken in Bali are Indonesian and Balinese, and the couple had limited proficiency in both. However, they found creative solutions to overcome this challenge. They utilized translation tools like Google Translate and used WhatsApp to communicate with contractors, sending translated messages to ensure clear communication. This resourcefulness allowed them to effectively convey their requirements and understand the responses of their local counterparts.
Learning and adapting during the construction process
Throughout the construction process, Tetzner and Peel embraced a continuous learning mindset. They acknowledged that building their own home in a foreign country would come with unforeseen challenges. However, they remained resilient, adaptable, and open to learning from the unique experiences they encountered. The couple understood the importance of patience and flexibility, which were instrumental in navigating the construction process and overcoming obstacles. Their willingness to adapt to cultural differences and local work practices played a significant role in the successful completion of their dream home.
Learning through the process
Living near the construction site
During the construction of their home, Tetzner and Peel chose to live in close proximity to the site. Initially, they resided in a small resort nearby, but eventually, they decided to rent a house within walking distance of the site. This allowed them to be readily available for any construction-related matters and eliminated the need to constantly commute. Living near the construction site provided convenience and allowed them to closely monitor the progress of the project.
Realizing the project wasn’t as daunting as expected
Building their own home in a foreign country may have seemed daunting at first, but Tetzner and Peel discovered that the project was more manageable than they had anticipated. Peel likened the task to eating an elephant, emphasizing the importance of breaking it down into smaller, achievable steps. Tetzner echoed this sentiment, highlighting the power of determination and perseverance. Ultimately, the couple learned that with the right mindset and approach, they were capable of overcoming challenges and bringing their vision to life.
Adapting to cultural differences and local work practices
Tetzner and Peel were aware that Bali’s work practices and cultural norms might differ from what they were accustomed to in Australia. They embraced the cultural differences and adjusted their expectations accordingly. They understood that timely work schedules and precision in tasks might not align with the Balinese concept of “Bali time.” This required them to exercise patience and allow for flexibility in their plans. By respecting and adapting to the local work practices, they fostered strong relationships with the local community and ensured a smooth construction process.
Patience and flexibility
The construction process taught Tetzner and Peel the value of patience and flexibility. They learned to embrace unexpected delays, work with the rhythm of the local culture, and accept that construction timelines may deviate from initial plans. By practicing patience and maintaining a flexible mindset, they were able to navigate challenges more effectively and maintain a positive attitude throughout the construction journey. These qualities were instrumental in ensuring a successful and fulfilling experience in building their dream home.
Capturing the moments
Documenting the construction process on YouTube
Midway through the construction project, Tetzner and Peel started documenting their progress on YouTube. Initially, they wanted to create a simple video diary to preserve memories of their home-building journey. However, their content evolved into a blend of cinematic shots and raw footage, showcasing the challenges, triumphs, and behind-the-scenes moments of constructing their home. The couple’s YouTube channel provides viewers with a unique glimpse into their experiences and serves as a source of inspiration for others embarking on similar projects.
Creating cinematic and raw videos
Tetzner, with her artistic background, took charge of creating visually stunning videos of their construction process. By combining cinematic shots, time-lapses, and personal reflections, she captured the essence of their home-building journey. The videos provide viewers with an immersive experience, where they can witness the progress of the construction project and gain insights into the couple’s motivations and aspirations. Tetzner’s talent for storytelling adds depth and emotion to the videos, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with their audience.
Preserving memories
Through their videos, Tetzner and Peel not only document their construction process but also preserve cherished memories of their time in Bali. The videos serve as a visual diary, capturing significant milestones and personal reflections. By sharing their experiences with others, the couple leaves a lasting legacy of their home-building journey. They inspire others to embark on their own creative projects and provide a valuable resource for those seeking guidance and insights into the process of building a home in Bali.
Do your research first
Importance of researching and getting multiple quotes
Tetzner and Peel emphasize the importance of conducting thorough research and obtaining multiple quotes before starting a construction project in Bali. By gathering information about local construction practices, materials, and suppliers, they were able to make informed decisions and avoid potential challenges. Getting multiple quotes allowed them to compare prices, assess the credibility of contractors, and ensure they were receiving fair value for their investment. Doing comprehensive research sets a solid foundation for a successful home-building project.