Architecture

2017

Photographer : Hemant Patil

The vision for Kondan Resort goes beyond the primary purpose of providing hospitality with modern amenities at a scenic location, and seeks to address concerns related to its social, regional and environmental context. Only half the 30 acre property has been developed, with the resort facilities being restricted to 16% of the area, 10% allotted for rainwater harvesting and power generation, and 23% reserved for reforestation. Taking clues from traditional architecture, the built-form was evolved as a series of walls that define private and public spaces, and lend their peripheries to socio-economic activities reminiscent of historic citadels.

Maval is located in the hills that separate the cities of Mumbai and Pune, and contains a series of large man-made lakes built to supply water and hydroelectricity to these urban areas. Although scenic, the region remains remote and lacks basic facilities, with the primary source of income being small-scale paddy and dairy farms. The client, originally from Maval, chose to return with a business model that would also create livelihood opportunities and stimulate the local economy. The attempt then was to provide the urban visitor an expected level of comfort housed in a built-form that respects its context and does not alienate its neighbours.

 
Located on a slope along the backwaters of a lake, only a fraction of the site has been developed, and where construction was undertaken, footprints were optimized to respond to topography, exiting trees and natural waterways, with portions of the natural surroundings either contained or revealed as views. Imagined on the lines of a historic citadel, the site is sub-divided into zones of increasing privacy, stepped down along the hillside and defined by eight intersecting walls, each with a unique character specific to its purpose. 

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Architects : PMA madhushala
Year : 2017
Website : https://www.pmamadhushala.com/

Wall segregating the public and private zones, retaining of the nostalgic era to create a backdrop for kund.



Reception and waiting area



Congregation of walls at Central Foyer



Multi levelled sitting at Restaurant



Tarangan cottages corridor



Bottle wall courtyard



Outdoor seating with nature for cottages



Tarangan cottages : a series of six cottages cantilevered off an axial spine towards a grove frequented by fireflies.



Aamrai suites : four multi-level suites situated inside a mango orchard, the spaces of each being draped around one or more courtyards.



Aamrai suites



Swimming Pool: spreads organically through a cluster of trees, ending in an infinity edge towards the eastern valley.



Pool ending inside nature



Local material and Local Labours : Daily-wage labourers from nearby villages were trained in masonry or other vocational skills. Design Philosophy was based on these core factors:

 
Site should be self-sufficient in terms of water resource. Strategic energy generation to achieve high performance with low maintenance and minimum dependability on the grid. Development with minimum intervention to the site by its proportions, planning and everyday waste management. Proper site management, suitable Landscape design with local plants to maintaining its primitive ecosystem. Use of local resources in the form of material and manpower.


Tarangan wall: The project with cluster of open, semi-open and closed spaces creates a inclusive experience to enjoy the nature of surrounding rainfall, clouds, trees, birds and fire-flies. Whole project was great process of close understanding about this region, their people and beautiful landscape




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