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Maayaa Resort / Aslam Sham Architects

• Curated by Hana Abdel
• Architects: Aslam Sham Architects
• Area Area of this architecture project Area:  35000 ft²
• Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2022
• Photographs Photographs: The Fishy Project
• Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers:   Palmex
• Interior Contractors : Simple Decor , Home Work Interiors
• Principal Architects:  Aslam Karadan, Sham Salim
• Senior Architect:  Aboobacker T
• Drawing Coordinators:  Aparna V K, Faris T K
• Site Coordinator:  Vishnu
• Landscape Architect:  Deepthi C B
• City:  Anaikatti
• Country:  India

Text description provided by the architects. Nestled upon a serene hillside, Maayaa emerges as a captivating Balinese-themed retreat, inviting travelers into a realm where architectural brilliance harmonizes with the embrace of nature. This tropical paradise, overlooking the Nilgiris and framed by the convergence of the Bhavani and Siruvani rivers, holds a unique allure. With an unwavering commitment to preserving the pristine landscape and creating a sanctuary of serenity, Maayaa seamlessly melds modern design with traditional elements, crafting an unforgettable experience for its esteemed guests.

Embracing a simplistic and Calming Aesthetic Maayaa envelops visitors in an earthy and welcoming ambiance, radiating a tropical modernist charm that instantly soothes the senses. Natural tones and a rich tapestry of textures intertwine to craft an inviting haven, where each element is purposefully selected to resonate with the tranquility of the surrounding flora. Balinese culture's enchantment weaves through every facet of the resort, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the captivating aura of Indonesia. Tropical-themed furnishings and rustic accents sourced directly from Indonesia adorn the resort's interior spaces, further enriching the authentic Balinese experience.

A seamless and organic fusion with nature, Maayaa’'s architectural design transcends convention, offering an open and seamless transition between its spaces. From the entrance to the dining and lounge areas, guests are invited to move effortlessly through the retreat, forming a connection with the abundant flora at every step. The intelligently crafted spatial arrangement emphasizes an interactive flow between communal spaces, granting guests an effortless opportunity to explore and engage with the environment. Lounge areas adorned with stone pillars sans walls ensure the natural view is not just preserved but amplified and in turn, elegantly merges the retreat with its natural surroundings. The resort accommodations, strategically placed along the site's natural contours, encompass standard rooms with river-view balconies and independent cottages featuring plunge pools. These accommodations provide guests with breathtaking river views and an unparalleled sense of seclusion. Connecting passages and charming bridges seamlessly link the accommodations to the clubhouse and shared amenities, further heightening the immersive ambiance of the retreat.

Dining amidst Nature's Splendor - The dining area boasts artful glass frames, offering guests breathtaking views that allow them to savor meals while being completely immersed in the splendor of the natural landscape.

Balinese Roofing Elegance and Earthy Walls Gazing upward, the thatched roof evokes a sense of traditional Balinese architecture, skillfully combined with modern fire resistance and durability standards, seamlessly blending heritage with contemporary safety norms. Amidst the tranquil backdrop, a grand rubble wall stands with pride, creating a visually captivating contrast against the backdrop of nature's allure. This ingenious fusion of elements adds an intriguing dimension to the architecture, spotlighting the retreat's bold commitment to bridging the past and the present.

Sustainability as the Guiding Beacon Maayaa's dedication to sustainability transcends mere aesthetics. Utilizing stones sourced from the site for wall construction, the retreat showcases its unwavering dedication to preserving the environment while imbuing the design with a rugged yet refined touch. Every facet of Maayaa is meticulously crafted to harmonize with nature, culminating in an eco-conscious oasis for mindful travelers seeking an authentic and responsible escape.

Harmonious Coexistence with Nature and Personal Seclusion Beneath the outward unity of structure, Maayaa ingeniously orchestrates its layout to ensure privacy and solace for its cherished guests. Each individual space serves as an intimate sanctuary, allowing visitors to revel in moments of tranquility while remaining an integral part of a larger communal experience.

Project gallery

Project location

Address: anaikatti, tamil nadu, india.

Materials and Tags

• Sustainability

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Kumarakom Resort by Morphogenesis: Luxurious and Innovative Resort

Along tranquil backwaters, among the shades of coconut trees, A peaceful retreat in God’s own country!

Spread along the Vembanad lake backwaters, Kumarakom Lake resort is an ongoing eco-retreat on the manmade Puthenkayal island in Kerala. This 40-acre site is arrayed with small artificial water channels and lies facing the backwaters in a serene natural ambience. This eco-resort of studio Morphogenesis, by Manit Rastogi and Sonali Rastogi, offers a twist to the vernacular architecture of Kerala. At first glance, we can see its form inspired by the vernacular architecture of the Kerala houseboats ( kettuvallam ). The vernacular nalukettu (courtyard house) form of Kerala houses, along with the kettuvallam have been referred to while designing within the local context. 

The architects at Studio Morphogenesis aimed to change very little in the existing land formation while designing the master plan. The villas are arranged in clusters of differently sized units such that they interact with the surroundings in a very natural and harmonious manner. The stilted built structures and connecting pathways help retain the unique character of the location while also providing safety from uncertain water levels. The location of the villas is over-layered with the striated water channels running through in such a way that they create an interlocking movement system of road and pathways. This network is periodically hyphenated with nodes connecting to a tertiary movement system linking villas. The pathways are covered to provide rain protection, ensuring they connect effectively while maintaining privacy and peace for each of the individual units. Along with this, the condition of no vehicle movement inside the site and a clear distinction between the location of facilities and villas helped to construct the master plan. 

The aerodynamic form was developed considering the microclimate of the site, along with studying the vernacular architecture. One typology of the built structures is designed as per the houseboats, while the others take inspiration from the traditional Kerala matrilineal homestead, locally called ‘Nalukettu’ , where four blocks are built around a courtyard into which the roof slopes on four sides. As per various architectural studies, the passive design strategies of traditional ‘Nalukettu’ houses have been successful in maintaining comfortable indoor conditions at all seasons in southern India. The flexibility of these indoor courtyards offers a wide range of opportunities for human interaction.

The steeply pitched roofs and overhanging eaves allow easy discharge of rainwater. Owing to the heavy monsoons of Kerala, it is essential to install proper drainage for the courtyard to avoid flooding the house. A well planned and well-executed drainage system can not only save the house from flooding but can also efficiently harvest rainwater that can, in turn, replenish groundwater in the growing crisis of freshwater scarcity. The integration of current technologies with passive techniques can provide cost-effective measures for human comfort in today’s houses.

This type of structure allows one to enjoy the outside rain and sunlight while also being protected from it. Furthermore, these villas are topped with aerodynamic, retractable roofs with perforated cantilevers, filtering wind and sunlight with such efficiency that night and day will remain appropriately cosy inside.

In the design of this resort, studio Morphogenesis tries to employ a sustainable approach by using local techniques and materials along with technologically advanced design forms. The hyperbolic form of the roof has been derived from a tree, where the foliage spread is used to provide shade whilst simultaneously creating a Venturi effect to regulate the temperature. 

The location and orientation have been derived from achieving a maximum flow of westerly winds to provide natural ventilation throughout the elongated site. Along with that, the roofs are retractable with large perforated cantilevers. This allows one to adjust the roof as per the temperature or wind outside but at the same time provides a pleasant indoor-outdoor experience. All these contribute to creating a sustainable environment on multiple levels, which is one of the main goals of studio Morphogenesis.

Ultimately, Kumarakom Lake resort becomes a cosy, secluded oasis where people can enjoy nature. The architects of the project intend to create an identity for the project that engages the imagination of the client by setting it amidst a calm setting. Its sustainability and architectural character also add to its quality as a space. While exhibiting a distinct uniqueness, the resort is an ode to Kerala’s regional identity. 

References:

• Morphogenesis. (n.d.).  Kumarakom Resort . [online] Available at: https://www.morphogenesis.org/our-works/resort-in-kerala/ [Accessed 10 Apr. 2022].
• McCoy Mart. (2017).  Kumarakom Resort by Morphogenesis . [online] Available at: https://mccoymart.com/post/kumarakom-resort-morphogenesis/ [Accessed 10 Apr. 2022].
• ‌says, H.S. (n.d.). Nalukettu – The Heart of a Tharavad – Archipasta. [online] Available at: https://archipasta.com/archipasta/#:~:text=Nalukettu%20or%20%E2%80%98courtyard%20house%E2%80%99%20is%20the%20most%20evolved [Accessed 10 Apr. 2022].
• Anon, (2016).  Kumarakom Resort, Kerala – Morphogenesis Architects – ArchitectureLive!  [online] Available at: https://architecture.live/kumarakom-resort-kerala-morphogenesis-architects/ [Accessed 10 Apr. 2022].
• ‌Blog, S.M.T.B. to (n.d.). Socio-Cultural Manifestation in Built Form- Kerala. [online] Morphogenesis. Available at: https://www.morphogenesis.org/media/socio-cultural-manifestation-in-built-form-kerala/ [Accessed 10 Apr. 2022].

An observant and wandering soul, Gandhali has always been fascinated by the power that words can hold. While exploring architecture, she developed an interest to learn about spaces and the life in them, and about seeing architecture through words. She strives to be able to express through her words too.

How would urban landscape look like if they were designed by female

Alternative materials: Transparent aluminium

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• Gir Vihar - Eco Resort: d6thD Design Studio built triangular...

Gir Vihar - Eco Resort: d6thD Design Studio built triangular cottages among old mango trees in India

On the edge of Gir lion sanctuary, lies the Gir Vihar - home to 20 cottages; designed by village-based architect Himanshu Patel from “d6thD” design studio with overt principle of vernacular architecture in mind.

Design Philosophy:

The concern for climate as well as economic and cultural sustainability has been looked to incorporate into design without which sustainability may not work in the Indian context. Rather spending millions on the best technology to create the greenest of green building when very few Indians can associate with them and even fewer can afford, architect have come up with simple, established and honest practice offered by vernacular architecture.

The old construction techniques like rubble stone packed foundation, load bearing walls, arches, dome and pitched roofs have been used. Locally available materials like sand stones, bricks and terracotta tiles are not only serve to be economical but also attempt to someday instill a feeling of pride and belongingness among the visitors.

Design Explanation Text:

The site was actually mango farm having trees at 30 feet interval in grid. Considering the huge foliage of mango trees, it was very challenging to build cottages without chopping out the trees and this constraint of the site became the source of creativity and ingenuity. Architect came up with the triangular shaped cottages which took the place around mango trees effortlessly and beautifies the scheme. Also looking at an earthquake prone zone of the site location, using stable triangular form is wiser choice especially when the entire structure is built with load bearing walls out of locally found sand stone in order to minimize the use of cement concrete.

As one enters the site, one is welcomed with a distant eye pleasing view of various plays of geometries and volumes but ambiguity and uncertainty hold one’s hand until one walks to a more distinguished reception area which is covered with dome and vibrantly glows with the rays of light from the skylight above.

All cottages are north south oriented in order to take in the diffused north light in balconies from where the couple spends most of time enjoying the panoramic view of adjoined forest. What acts as a foyer space for the ground floor turns to be the balcony for upper floor when the triangles are stacked systematically. A certain flavor of awe and possibility takes birth when one views the vastness of life from the converging triangular balconies. Moreover, L shaped staircases leading to the upper floors add play and offers various perspectives to enjoy the beauty of solid stone mass created due to bathroom walls in south.

Centrally placed restaurant block on the site is designed to be the most flexible and comfortable to all. The central spiral stone pillar supporting the hexagonal roof acts as a pivot for the entire site wherein all activities smoothly flow around the block. The large brick arches of the dining hall interestingly frame the scenes of the exteriors and the extended outdoor seating sensitively blurs the boundaries of open and built.

Surroundings-

The free-flowing spaces and the uninterrupted movements all minutely add up to create a drama wherein visitors’ inquisitiveness urges them to experience something unique and unexplored step by step.

The undisturbed, uncut mango trees proudly stand between the buildings which become an inseparable and important part of the architectural vocabulary. Inbuilt sit outs from sand stone below mango tree allow for an intimate interface with the outdoors where you actually wouldn’t need a book.

Stone walls using locally available sand stone in its naked form gives the entire resort a very natural feel. Clay roofing tile and exposed stone surfaces will gradually get covered with radiant moss; nature will fight its way back. Living in a forest is all about witnessing this war.

When such simplicity and human craftsmanship is given the highest value, it is then that the architect’s idea of design comes to life and a resort like Gir Vihar starts to blossom to its ultimate potential.

By Naser Nader Ibrahim

• Hospitality Architecture
• Hospitality
• Indian Architect
• Inclined Studio
• Gir Vihar - Eco Resort
• d6thD Design Studio
• Himanshu Patel
• Bhojde Village
• Gir lion Sanctuary
• Triangular Cottages

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Kondan the retreat - by pma madhushala.

Architecture

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. 

Malegaon,Pune,Maharashtra,India

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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