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FEATURES • HOTELS

Crafting Tomorrow: Desa Potato Head’s Creative Village Legacy

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Stepping into Desa Potato Head, you don't just visit a place; you are transported to a world where originality oscillates through every corner, where the art of living and dreaming combine effortlessly. This creative village is a sanctuary for mind, body, and soul, offering a unique experience where beach and culture blend. It’s a place where wellness is a way of life, attracting icons like Grace Jones and Erykah Badu, who have left their mark here.

Amanda Marcella, who leads Potato Head's sustainability efforts, brings her background in brand management to the table, naturally complementing the principles of environmental responsibility and community empowerment embedded in every aspect of the venue. From the shutters sourced from Java to the handcrafted bricks that make up the Potato Head Suites, the venue showcases a stunning kaleidoscope of colors, celebrating local craftsmanship and the beauty of natural materials.

But Potato Head is more than a feast for the senses. In 2017, they boldly became the first hospitality company in Indonesia to commit to the UN’s Climate Neutral Now initiative, measuring, reducing, and offsetting their greenhouse gas emissions. Recycled materials breathe new life into the space — from discarded bricks to recycled plastic bottles woven into ceilings. The studios’ furniture, born from the hands of Balinese artisans, reflects the blend of innovation and tradition. At Potato Head, sustainability isn’t just a concept; it’s a way of life that’s as organic and colorful as the land it cultivates.

With each initiative, from local artisan support to waste management, Potato Head continues to set a standard for what it means to create 'Good Times, Do Good', having been officially recognized as a certified B Corporation. It’s a place where the essence of Bali is honored, where every brick, every meal, and every action is a celebration of sustainability, creativity, and community.

October 2024 • Words & Photography by The Punch

FEATURE

"The goal at Potato Head is to achieve zero waste to landfill, and a comprehensive waste management system has been put in place to reach it."

REPURPOSED ELEGANCE & ARTISANAL SKILL

Potato Head Beach Club, which opened in 2010, features an iconic facade made from vintage shutters collected across Java. As the people of Java modernized their homes and replaced their traditional shutters, these discarded pieces were repurposed to create the Beach Club’s unique design. In 2017, Potato Head Suites, formerly known as Katamama, opened with handmade pressed bricks crafted by artisans from two villages in Bali, demonstrating the brand’s devotion to local craftsmanship and unique, natural materials.

In 2019, Potato Head Studios followed suit by incorporating best practices through recycled and natural materials, including study chairs made from recycled plastic produced on-site. Designed by Rotterdam-based OMA in collaboration with Potato Head Design Studio and Indonesian architect Andra Matin, the studios prioritize natural light and ventilation, reducing energy consumption while integrating sustainability into every facet of the design. Their commitment extends beyond materials: a Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) plant ensures a steady supply of fresh drinking water, while a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) reclaims greywater for reuse. Natural ventilation systems harness the wind’s energy, and green roofs cool the building by retaining water.

A CLOSED - LOOP SYSTEM IN RESIDUE

The goal at Potato Head is to achieve zero waste to landfill, and a comprehensive waste management system has been put in place to reach it. Partnering with Eco-Mantra, they implemented the system and conducted regular audits to ensure progress. Waste, they believe, only becomes waste when it ends up in landfills—by properly separating materials, they can upcycle them for other uses. To support this mission, Potato Head collaborates with partners like Urban Compost for composting and other third parties for recycling. They also work closely with suppliers, encouraging the use of reusable containers, like providing small strawberry suppliers with reusable packaging, furthering their efforts toward zero waste in Bali.

CREATIVE RECYCLING: THE WASTE LAB'S IMPACT

The Waste Lab which launched in 2018, addresses the environmental impact of building Potato Head Studios. Faced with waste from construction materials, the team repurposed items like styrofoam and cardboard, creating their first product from repurposed styrofoam. The lab then expanded to develop innovative materials, blending styrofoam with oyster shells and crafting recycled plastic boards. During the pandemic, the Waste Lab continued evolving, making candles from used cooking oil and partnering with designers to transform waste into new products. Its purpose remains focused on reducing environmental impact through creative, sustainable solutions.

THE ROAD TO CARBON NEUTRALITY

Achieving carbon neutrality at Potato Head starts with measurement—knowing the exact carbon emissions from operations, including employee commutes, energy use, water consumption, and the supply chain. Eco Mantra audits these emissions annually, allowing the team to set long-term reduction goals. In addition to reducing emissions, Potato Head offsets current emissions through UNFCCC projects and engages in mangrove conservation, which helps absorb carbon and supports marine biodiversity. Guests can also contribute by opting to offset their carbon emissions when booking a stay, ensuring a systemic approach to carbon neutrality that involves both operations and guest participation.

FARMING FOR UNITY: STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY

The Sweet Potato Project began during the pandemic as a way to support the Potato Head staff, who, like many others, were facing challenges during the global closure. This initiative provided an opportunity for the team to work the farm, grow produce, and engage in something meaningful while coming together as a community. The project not only supplied food but also deepened the bonds among staff, who are seen as family. Today, the produce from the Sweet Potato Project is shared with staff and donated to local orphanages, with ongoing efforts like distributing nasi bungkus twice a week to communities in need. The farm’s supply is also used in Potato Head’s restaurant and bar, with plans to expand the farm to create a more sustainable, circular system that benefits both the business and the community.

Keep posted for full article - Uncovered Bali coming soon

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