Elora Hardy Joins Father John In Expanding Bamboo Design In Bali

In 2010 Elora Hardy left her career in Manhattan, working for five years creating fabric prints for Donna Karan, and returned to her childhood home of Bali. Elora Hardy is the daughter of jewelry designer John Hardy, who sold his business in 2008 and co-founded the Green School in Bali with his wife Cynthia. As its name suggests, open-air The Green School is based on sustainable principles and is spectacularly known for its bamboo construction. 

Returning to Bali, Elora founded Ibuku, self-described as a team of designers and builders who aspire to make the most of bamboo and local talented craftspeople and young minds. Ibuki develops a balance of ancient and new ideas in its commitment to building almost entirely handmade villas and bespoke furniture. A major project for Hardy is Green Village,a resort community along the Ayung River, 20 minutes from the Green School.

At a time when environmentally-conscious architecture is becoming more mainstream, Ibuku takes it to a new level. ‘Most green design now is part of a conventional paradigm that tries to be ‘less bad’, explains Elora. ‘If Leeds measured us, we would be off the charts.’

Watch an outstanding new TED Talk by Elora Hardy, John Hardy’s original TED Talk on The Green School and an interview with the duo on AOC’s front page.

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