# YSG Transforms Bali Residence into Boutique Wellness Hotel The Moon Gang hotel blends Indonesian cultural heritage with Japanese design influences. - **Source:** [Interior design | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/cb2e5f17-36d4-4880-b1ae-26168d46e00a) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/415d1f48-a868-42cf-a99d-c11bd7225eb8 ## Adaptive Reuse in Ubud Australian studio YSG converted a dilapidated private vacation residence into The Moon Gang, a boutique hotel in Bali. Located among rice fields on the northern outskirts of Ubud, the property features five interconnected suites. The site is secluded, accessible only by foot or motorbike, emphasizing its role as a quiet retreat. ## Cultural and Musical Fusion The hotel is defined by a deep appreciation for Indonesian music and culture. A central feature is a DIY DJ station stocked with curated Japanese city pop and Indonesian records by DJ Midnight Runners. This space encourages guests to engage directly with the regional soundscapes while relaxing in the lounge area. ## Architectural Design Elements The design incorporates bamboo and timber structures alongside lava stone tiling to reflect both Indonesian and Japanese aesthetics. The spa area features sliding bamboo doors that depict lunar phases, adding a cosmic touch to the interior. These elements transform the former concrete bunker into a modern, textured space for travelers. ## Commitment to Local Sourcing YSG prioritized local materials to overcome logistical challenges of the remote site. Furniture includes stools made from recycled plastic bottle tops by Weedoo Plastics and handwoven lounge chairs from BYO Living. Wall sconces crafted from local seseh wood and green resin by AA Practice further emphasize the project's regional focus. ## Sustainable Construction Practices The renovation addressed severe water damage by replacing rotten wooden walls and concrete flooring. To manage drainage, the team crushed terracotta tiles and breeze blocks, repurposing them as flooding riffraff. Joinery was specifically designed to be assembled on-site, minimizing the need for transporting large, pre-fabricated components to the secluded alleyway location. ## Symbolic Design Details The pool area features a black-and-white checkered tile relief surrounding its edge. This design choice serves as a direct nod to the Saput Poleng cloths traditionally wrapped around holy objects in local Balinese customs. Such details ground the modern hotel in the spiritual and cultural history of the surrounding region. ## Targeting Unique Guest Experiences The suites are specifically designed for dreamers, misfits, and wanderers seeking an alternative to large-scale resorts. Each room features walls finished with recycled earth-based materials and objects from local studios. A new second-storey bamboo suite, complete with an oversized skylight, offers guests a unique perspective of the surrounding Balinese landscape. ## Studio Design Evolution This project follows YSG’s previous work, including a Sydney co-working space and a 1970s-inspired cafe. By focusing on boutique hospitality, the studio demonstrates its ability to blend historical architectural elements with contemporary wellness needs. The Moon Gang represents a shift toward highly curated, culturally immersive travel experiences in Southeast Asia. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/11/11/ysg-moong-gang-hotel-bali/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._