FROM ROME TO BALI:
THE EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY OF FURTHER HOTEL
A Serendipitous Encounter: How Italian Visionaries Shaped Further Hotel
In the realm of architecture, serendipity and personal connections can spark collaborations that transform visions into reality. This was true for Claudio and Andrea, two Italians whose paths crossed through a series of fortunate events and a mutual friend. Claudio was on the verge of signing a contract with the renowned architect studio DUST from Tucson when, in 2020, his friend Alessandro Borghi introduced him to MORQ, an architecture studio in Rome. Intrigued by their work, Claudio explored their Instagram profile and found that their design philosophy resonated deeply with his own ideas.
Moved by the potential synergy, Claudio reached out to Andrea, one of MORQ’s founders. Andrea quickly arranged a meeting, and their conversation that night revealed a strong connection, perhaps due to their shared Italian heritage and early departure from Italy. Andrea, originally from Rome, had left Italy at a young age, but the cultural bond between them was undeniable.
Their first official meeting took place in Bali in 2019, just before the world was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. During this visit, Claudio together with his partners Tim and Simon, explored Pererenan, a place that, in 2019, was far less developed than it appears today. Their discussions laid the groundwork for what would become their collaborative project, centred around the concept of a “diffused hotel,” a new approach to hospitality that would define their work.
The journey to realizing this vision was not without challenges. The initial design from MORQ did not meet Claudio’s and Martine’s expectations, leading to multiple revisions. Yet, through persistence and collaboration, they crafted a project that perfectly aligned with their shared vision. Claudio retains the original sketches, which highlight the project’s evolution and the creative journey involved.
Initial Design
Actual Design
Initial Room Design
Actual Room Design
Looking back, Claudio reflects on how pivotal those fortuitous events and personal connections were in shaping their project. The story of Claudio and Andrea illustrates how talent, passion, and a touch of serendipity can lead to remarkable outcomes. Their project not only exemplifies architectural excellence but also underscores the power of human connections and the unexpected opportunities they can bring.
An Immersive Experience: Entering the World of Further Hotel
The Further Hotel is more than just another project by MORQ—it’s an immersive experience meticulously crafted to resonate with every step you take. From the moment you enter our lobby, the design begins to speak. As you ascend the stairs, you’ll notice a seamless continuity, where concrete pathways and textured surfaces converge to create a unique and evolving experience.
Conclusions of the place To integrate the elements of water and vegetation that characterize Bali’s landscapes To aknowledge the limits of the urban context and its future developments
An enclosure built in layers providing protection and different levels of intamicy; An inner world.
Minimalism in Design: MORQ’s Signature Approach
MORQ is devoted to crafting architecture that is both meaningful and essential. In constant dialogue with the natural and built environment of Pererenan Village, they view constraints not as obstacles but as the foundation of creativity.
Their vision brings together intimacy and openness, allowing spaces to dance with the changing shades of natural light throughout the day. These spaces are animated by the tactile and emotional qualities of the materials used—materials that are deeply rooted in the local context. This is why MORQ chose Balinese brick as a focal element in Further Hotel, connecting the architecture to the spirit of the land.
MORQ believes in minimalism, where geometry, materiality, and line blend harmoniously to form the architectural narrative. When you stay in one of our rooms—whether in the Main Building, Further Gallery, or Studio A—you’ll discover elements like the camouflage cupboard and hidden doors, integrated seamlessly into the design. These features create a sense of spaciousness, simplicity, and a touch of surprise, inviting guests to explore and experience the unexpected.
With nearly 20 years of experience, MORQ’s signature approach to materials and light is a result of continuous research and collaboration with artisans from around the world. Their aim is to craft spaces with intentionality, where stories unfold naturally—a backdrop to life that is both profound and timeless.