Tony designed the T-houses with a concept of forming a small community with simple housing, a plan for ‘minimal impact living’. He has started such a complex in the village of Lodtunduh near Ubud on the edge of extensive rice terraces situated within a grove of bamboo, coconut, banana, and jackfruit trees. There are nine individual T-houses positioned for maximum privacy, each with a view of the sawah landscape and spectacular Bali sunsets. Part of Tony’s philosophy is to never build on the rice fields but to use land untellable for rice cultivation, which is usually on the edges of existing sawah or in river ravines. Many fruit trees, flower and organic vegetable gardens have been planted for communal sharing, as are the 14-metre lap pool, computer room and laundry room that are being planned.

Gwilliam is the lead architect on the Lodtunduh T-house project along with architect Marita Vidal. The project’s construction is by Nyoman Sarma and its project manager is Wayan Nama. For this project, the team agreed that the village of Lodtunduh was to be closely involved – neighbours helping neighbours – and so they taught the local people construction techniques and how to grow vegetables and plants the organic way. In keeping with the communal aspect of the project, the people are also being trained to after maintenance, cooking and housekeeping services. Says Tony, “This a win-win project. We learn local farming culture and crafts from the locals and we share our global knowledge with the villagers.”