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 the case for Claudio and the MORQ team Andrea Quagliola, Matteo Monteduro, and Emiliano Roia who connected 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 based in Rome and Perth. Intrigued by their work, Claudio explored their Instagram profile and found that MORQ’s design philosophy resonated deeply with his own ideas.
Moved by the potential synergy, Claudio reached out to Andrea, one of MORQ’s founders, who quickly arranged a meeting. The connection between Claudio and Andrea was instant, genuine, and facilitated by their shared Italian heritage, along with the proximity between Perth and Bali. Andrea’s frequent visits to Pererenan made the collaboration more seamless. However, this connection was not exclusive to Andrea; it extended to MORQ as a whole, with the vision shared and refined among Andrea, Matteo, and Emiliano.
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, along with his partners Tim and Simon, explored Pererenan, a place that, at the time, was far less developed than it appears today. These early discussions laid the groundwork for what would become their collaborative project, centered around the concept of a “diffused hotel,” a fresh approach to hospitality that would define their work.
The project evolved gradually, gaining depth and specificity as the team worked together to integrate local materials and respond to the context of Pererenan. Rather than focusing on initial challenges, the design journey became a collaborative exploration of meaning, authenticity, and refinement. Through multiple revisions, the MORQ team, with the support and exceptional talent of Sido Cherel, developed a design that increasingly resonated with Claudio, Martine, and their shared vision. Each iteration of the design added layers of responsiveness to the local landscape, cultural elements, and the distinctive vision of Claudio, Martine, Tim, and Simon. Claudio still treasures the original sketches, which capture the project’s development and the creative journey involved.
Initial Design
Actual Design
Initial Room Design
Actual Room Design
Reflecting on this process, Claudio emphasizes how these fortuitous events and personal connections shaped their project. The story of MORQ and Further Hotel is a testament to how talent, passion, and a touch of serendipity can lead to remarkable outcomes. Their work exemplifies architectural excellence, underscoring the power of human connections and the unexpected opportunities they can bring.
An Immersive Experience: Entering the World of Further Hotel
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 dedicated 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.
Spaces are animated by the tactile and emotional qualities of materials—elements rooted in the local context. Balinese brick serves as a focal element in Further Hotel, connecting the architecture to the spirit of the land and grounding the experience in Bali’s heritage.
With nearly 20 years of experience, MORQ’s signature approach to materials and light is a result of continuous research and collaboration with artisans worldwide. The result is an intentional architectural narrative where geometry, materiality, and line blend harmoniously to provide a backdrop for life that is both profound and timeless.