Biodiversity Research and Training Institute
Location Year Site Area Total Area
: Gangtok , Sikkim Semester 10 Graduation Project : 2019 : 35 Acres : 29000 SQM ( Institute area-17000 SQM , Residential area-12000 SQM )
The Project is to design a Research and Training Institute in bringing the significance of Biodiversity and to integrate research, Training, conservation and public participatory to an institute without affecting nature.
THE PROJECT Sikkim is an Indian state in the Himalaya’s in between Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. The state is known for its rich and diverse flora and fauna. The landscape varies from dense green forests to the high snow-covered mountains in the North. The biodiversity hot-spot of the North Indian state of Sikkim is under serious threat. The Government of Sikkim introduced a green mission to emphasize and cherish the magnificent nature called as the Sikkim Biodiversity Action plan. The Sikkimese respect their environment and are developing and studying strategies on how to keep economic growth and increase of tourism in a harmonic relationship with nature.
BIODIVERSITY India is recognized as one of the 12 mega diversity centres of the world. Out of the 18 Biodiversity hot-spots in the world, India owns 2, namely the Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas. Sikkim covering just 0.2 % of the geographical area of the country has tremendous biodiversity and has been identified as one of the HOTSPOT in the Eastern Himalayas. Nature has been particularly generous to the state of Sikkim. Luxuriant forest, abound in all part of state and variety of medicinal plants, herbs, shrubs, bamboos and trees growing in the state is truly rich. In the forest, there is number of plants whose medicinal values have been well recognized by local people as well as by different pharmaceutical, insecticidal and perfumery sectors.
The lowest point grass land vegetation. Relatively flat area.
Pine forest with grass cover. Low density Bamboo forest Forest area with medium-density Sal forest. Medium density Bamboo forest
Forest area with high-density Sal and oak forest
The drain is from the highest portion the southern point to lower portion of site towards the valley. This can be collected at the lowest point.
Huge oak forest with thick vegetation.
Pine forest
Forest area with high-density Sal and oak forest
VIEW OF KANCHENJUNGA
SERVICE Public Parking
AUDITORIUM STAFF ACCOMMODATION
PUBLIC
TRAINING
ADMIN
Landscaping done with am-phi act as gathering space
Single 8m wide road connects entire institute.
TEACHING LIBRARY DEPARTMENTS
VIEW OF KANCHENJUNGA
Landscaped spaces connects to residential areas
HOSTELS MESS
CONSERVATION DEPT
Botanical garden
VIEWING POINT Butterfly garden
VIEW OF FOREST
Sikkim architecture style. Sikkim is a mountainous state in India surrounded by Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. Originally the Lepcha ethnic tribe lived here and later a Tibetan tribe migrated in the 17th century. Thus the architecture of Sikkim mirrors mainly the traditions of these two tribes. The noteworthy buildings mostly comprise Buddhist gompas(monasteries) because the state has cultural links with Ladakh and Tibetan Buddhism timber design and modern timber architecture.
TIBETAN ARCHITECTURE
Tibetan architecture is one of the simplest, colourful and splendid form of art. Its simplicity brings out the character and lifestyle of the people. Tibetan Buddhist architecture is highly influenced by the architecture of china and India. The houses and monasteries are typically built on elevated sunny sites facing souths. Rocks, woods, cement and earth the primary material. And multiple windows are constructed to let in sunlight. The symbolic importance of the timber frame structure is reinforced is prevalent in Tibetan Buddhist teaching, in the design of structures
MONASTERIES
These are nearly two hundred monasteries in nyimgmapa sector the kargyupa sector. Rumtek monastery was started in the 11th century. The monastery situated It is endowed with rich unique architecture style. The key structure of the monastery is sternly according to the conventional architectural designs of the Tibetan monasteries. This monastery was the first monastery built in India in the conventional style and became an example for several other monasteries built later throughout the country. The planning is done so that living space is covered by verandah so that the heat is conserved. This will create an air column around space. The housing also follows certain planning. The northern side is covered by verandah so that cold is prevented and the southern side is exposed to the sun for heat.
SIKKIM CONSTRUCTION STYLE
Tile roofing with attic space
Wooden false ceiling Timber rafter frame
60 cm thick wall , northern wall more denser than other side. Clay mixed with paddy seed flooring
Straw layer for insulation
Timber beams Stone foundation which is thicker than wall
EXPLODED VIEW OF SIKKIM HOUSE Timber rafter
Cement Blocks
Wooden member Ramped Earth
Stone wall
Timber flooring for verandah
SECTIONAL DETAILS OF SIKKIM HOUSE
Wooden Column Mud plastering Floor slab for insulation Random rubble wall
SITE LAYOUT DEVELOPMENT
Three principal points on three levels along an axis is taken. The Institute buildings are oriented in the south-east north-west axis and are tilted at an angle 30 degree, such that the fenestrations face the early morning sun, assisting in keeping the institute warm.
Planning process of Tibetan Monastery is adopted as the basic layout of the institute. The monastery has a planning principle which is based on the level of 3 existence. By Tibetan Buddhist philosophy as well as the triad of the Buddhist religious order. The Dharma (teaching) The Sangha (community) and The Buddha (teacher).
Each building is placed so that each building gets the northern side view of the mount. Kanchenjunga. Also, the buildings placed in the slope so that, the direct sunlight received by each building is maximized that normal. This will automatically heat the building than normal. Each building will minimize their shadow on each other.
The building massing is done so that the longest side faces the North-south axis. Which increase the exposed surface area. The orientation also in such a way that the surface area of the side facing the cold winds from the northeast Himalayan pass is minimized. The placement and facade character of monasteries of Sikkim is adopted in the design which is intended to bring their character. The facade elements of timber frame is a combination of traditional Sikkim timber design and modern timber architecture.
Positioning of Building according to Sun Angle
Conceptual ideas The Institute concept is derived from the concept of monastery planning in Sikkim. The monastery was first designed by the tribes of the forest in order to worship nature. Thus the concept of Revival of lost Natural designing of the monastery in the institute. The design mainly follows the designing principles of the Sikkim vernacular architecture mixed with the monastery. The placement and facade character of monasteries of Sikkim is adopted in the design which is intended to bring their character. The facade elements of timber frame is a combination of traditional Sikkim timber design and modern timber architecture.
The rectangle with longer side on length
Due to slope the form is divided into two levels
Verandah is limited to a certain height. The verandah is made different by wooden frame structure and living space by a stone structure.
Front side facing north is covered with verandah
The front facade is tilted to an obtuse angle to limit the wind from the Himalayas. The roof is made into a sloping pitch roof along with the form.
The facade is designed with wooden slanting column which then connects to the rafter of the roof. Which directly attach to ground as slits. This helps in preserving the biodiversity inland and reduce the impact on the ground. The roof garden on the roof of the first level. The roof garden railed by the planter.
Typical Form
LEGEND
1.Museum Block 2.Auditorium 3.Extension And Training Block 4.Administration Block 5.Teaching Block 6.Forest and Wildlife Health Management Block 7.Wood Technology Block 8.Library Block 9.Entomology Block 10.Genetics and Molecular Block 11.Pathology Block 12.Habitat Ecology and Climate Change, Ornithology Block 13.Forensic , Forest and Wildlife Biology block 14.RS and GIS,Forest and wildlife Ecology block 15.Academic , ENVIS,Environment Impact And Biodiversity cell Block. 16.Conservation Block 17.Viewing Deck 18.Botanical Garden 19.Butterfly Garden 20.Hostel Block 21.International Guest House 22.Staff Quarters 23.Rainwater 24.Plant Room 25.STP 26.Electrical Substation 27.Mess
02
0
Entry
01
Pine Forest
03
04
Nature Trail
06 07 08
B g
11 12 13 18 16 17
Site Layout
05 09 10
Butter garden
27 26 24 23 Type S quarters Landscaped park
22
Type A quarters
27 Type B quarters
fly
21
Reserve Forest
20 15 14 19
Plan at +275cm Lvl
Plan at +595cm Lvl
Plan at +915cm Lvl
Public Block
Seed yard Seed store Souvenir
The public block includes the Museum, seed Centre, cafeteria and Training block. This space is considered to be a public gathering and interactive space comparing the rest of the building where public interference is limited. The Building facade is inspired by the traditional Sikkim architecture style blend with modern material preference. The construction style of the building is adapted from the traditional Sikkim architecture where maximum heat is preserved in the building.
The public circulation from the public block leads to the nature trail, which is a natural experience of the Service lift biodiversity and natural harmony of Stair Seed Centre the great Kanchenjunga national Seed Exhibits park. The public block also acts as an iconic and welcoming building which show the bio-sensitive and EcoToilet friendly building style. The Public Toilet block is linked with training block thus enhancing the importance of biodiversity in people. Dispensary
Toilet public 5d globe room 3d theatre hall Exhibits Lobby Kiosks Tickets Staff Panel room
Section AA
Key Plan
Conservation Block The conservation block is placed in the conservation zone with spaces linked for research of conservation. The block has for scientist rooms, research lab, and the important part of the wildlife museum and herbarium. The natural trail ends at the wildlife museum and herbarium. These spaces are designed in such a way that exhibits are places in Centre and periphery with central circulation. The butterfly garden is placed above the conservation block. The design element mainly follows the typical building style of blending Sikkim traditional to modern materials.
Section AA
Plan at +5870c
Plan at +6190c
cm Lvl
cm Lvl
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS Shingle Roofing Insulation layer of corrugated metal sheet and paddy hay Ridge plate Rafter 15cm x 20cm Tie Beam Ceiling joist Tile 3cm thick 2 layer mud floor 5cm thick each Paddy hay layer as insulation 10cm thick Wooden panel 5cm thick Wooden beam Wall plate Stone beam above door High density wall with insulation Timber paneling Wooden panel flooring Wooden floor beam Glass facade
SECTIONAL VIEW OF TYPICAL BLOCK WITH TIMBER ROOFING
Green roof substrate Filter layer Drainage layer Protection Mat Waterproof membrane Insulation Vapour control layer Wooden beam of 20cm depth Wood panel
SECTIONAL VIEW OF TYPICAL BLOCK WITH GREEN ROOF Green roof substrate Filter layer Drainage layer Protection Mat Waterproof membrane Insulation Vapour control layer Wooden beam of 20cm depth Wood panel
SECTION OF GREEN ROOF
Slanting column above Fixed Glass panel Slanting wooden column Verandah
SECTION OF FACADE
Research Department Block The research department block is typical blocks of 4 buildings connected by corridors. The building is placed in a 10m contour interval with three levels to minimize the excavation. The major laboratory is placed as a central unit which can be accessed easily. The Research department circulation is minimized to authorized personals only.
PLAN AT +3650CM LVL
PLAN AT +4190CM LVL
PLAN AT +4570CM LVL
SECTIONS
FRONT ELEVATION
PLAN AT +5910CM LVL
PLAN AT +2210CM LVL
Teaching and Department Block The teaching block is placed with maximum light and cross ventilation but preserving the heat to the building. The teaching block has two levels with a classroom on the top level. The department block health management is placed on the other side with a central amphitheatre. The department blocks are typical planning in two levels, with the second level will have a rooftop garden for recreation. The long verandah on the northern side will act as an air cavity to reduce heat. The construction techniques help in the reduction of heat to a greater extend. The land is graded in a minimum amount with retaining wall of 1.5m height.
SECTION AA
LAWNS The entrance portion is landscaped with grass lawns and centrally placed tree. The entrance is bordered by pine trees. PINE FOREST The existing pine forest preserved and landscaped with landscaped lawns. This act as leisure space for both public and institute.
MEDICINAL PLANTS The area is made in to medicinal plant garden with local herbs and foreign medicinal plants.
BAMBOO FOREST The bamboo is placed near the road. An open air theatre is placed inside the Bamboo forest. BOTANICAL GARDEN The preserved forest is made into a botanical garden. The nature trail is set in the botanical garden. The garden has small shrubs to large trees. BUTTERFLY GARDEN Open butterfly garden is landscaped with flowering plants along with existing plants. The nature trail goes through the butterfly garden.
RESERVE FOR The conservatio the existing for which act as a
INVENTORY OF TREES
Magnolia Campelli
Rhododendron
Sikkim Fir
Seasonal trees which provides variety.
Flowering trees on road side
Fir trees for fences and demarcating boundaries.
Abies densa
Hedge separ
AMP-HI THEATRE The central space of institute is made in to garden amp-hi theatre. It is shaded by existing trees. This acts as the public zone of institute. GARDEN PARK The area is made into a garden space with pedestrian pathways and children playing area also a ct as private park for the residential quarters.
Landscape Layout The hardscape and softscape elements in the institute are specified in the landscape layout. The main landscape principle used is the preservation of existing site Biodiversity. The Vehicular access road is tarred. The pedestrian pathways are pawed by stone. Special landscaping is done in a recreation area in between laboratory space and office spaces. The Roof garden in front of office space has green grass flooring and seating. The Recreation space in between the building and retaining as seating and green space.
Central amphi - theatre
Roof Garden
DEPT. GARDEN The garden space in between two dept. is landscaped with seating provided acts a hangout space for scientists.
REST on zone is protected , which preserves rest and additional trees are planted buffer to the institute and forest.,
(Gobrey salla)
es for ration
Cephalostachyum intermedia (Tita Nigalo) Bamboo as boundary markers on either side of the road.
Butterfly Garden
Brachiaria reptans
Euonymus microphyllus
Herb used as the green wall in interior, exterior and on retaining walls.
Plant is used as bushes in planter box in variety of locations.
Urban Design
Location Year
: Palakkad , Kerala : 2018
Semester 09 Urban Design
AIM
Re-imagine the historical urban core of Palakkad and evolve design interventions for the municipality of Palakkad.
OBJECTIVE To have an understanding about the historical, morphological, residential and infrastructure factors of Palakkad. To collect and compile data about the same and analyze them to have a proper understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the urban core and evolve guidelines for the future. To study a prefecture of the municipality in detail and make proposals for the same.
METHODOLOGY
Learning from history, tracing out the path of evolution through ages to have an understanding about various influences that have moulded present-day Palakkad. Studying the ecological diversity and features making it a unique piece of land. Morphological and functional structure of the precinct is analyzed to acquire an understanding of the activities. The settlement patterns and its unique typologies are documented and their relation with the available open spaces are analyzed. Obtaining a detailed understanding of the transportation and physical infrastructure of Palakkad. Evaluating these factors to evolve possible future interventions.
SCOPE AND LIMITATION This urban design initiative has been done on a large scale with an extended area of 26.6 sq. km. With the widest length along the north-south direction in 6.8 km and in the east-west direction in 5.1km.This project intends to map out the historical, ecological, morphological, housing, transportation and infrastructural characteristics of the precinct and how it can be utilized for the revitalization of the region. • This design project was allotted a time-frame of four months to be completed. The availability of time and resources was a major constraint forth in-depth study of the extended precinct on such a large scale • Certain limitations are present in the qualitative data analyzed through socioeconomic surveys which might mean that the findings cannot be generalized to the larger population. This is especially true when the definition of the population is broad. •Palakkad is a growing urban region. Considering the pace of development it is difficult to anticipate, now in the preparation of this Urban Design Proposal, the technological changes due to innovations and major impact making investments that may happen within the planning area and in the immediate region.
Geological Terrain of Palakkad are of 5 types: 1.Low Land Region in west 2.Migmatite Region in the east 3.Khondalite Region as linear bodies in the north-eastern hill region 4.Highland Region as high hills in the north 5.Penisular Gneissic Region complex in the north of Bharathapuzha
WATERSHED AND ECO-REGIONS
According to the study, we have classified the existing water bodies into 3 categories 1. RIVERS AND CANALS Rivers There are two rivers, Kalpathy and Kannadi flowing along North and South boundary of town but only one portion of the Kalpathy river is flowing within the town. 2. TEMPLE PONDS Temple ponds These are water bodies associated with a temple to perform their religious rituals and later on many settlements started developing around the ponds. 3. PRIVATE PONDS Private ponds These are owned privately which is either located in high a density residential zone or isolated stands.
SITE CONTEXT AND URBAN LINKAGE LEGEND NATIONAL HIGHWAY STATE HIGHWAY ARTERIAL ROAD SUB-ARTERIAL ROAD COLLECTOR ROAD BYPASS ROAD
Urban Design Palakkad study map
Temporary extens made to sell out th Brahmin’s food ite made by the agrah inhabitants.
TEMPLE COMPLEX
TEMPLE COMPLEX CULTURAL CENTRE
The cultural Centre is located so as to serve as a common gathering space to celebrate.
VIEWING PAVILION The souvenir shops helps visitors to take back palakkad with them.
Rejuvenation of the Kalpathy River by adding river screens and a sewage treatment plan , keeping in mind the slope of the riverbank. The southern side has been zoned for local uses, like ritual, community space and cattle grazing area. A vertical barrier in the form of mango trees and bamboo screens are erected to separate this area from the riverbank, which has cycling and pedestrian pathways. The other side of the river has a green buffer and viewing balconies. The entire area will be landscaped to provide seating areas, and plenty of shade. Built intervention is minimum, and at the end of this walk is a parking space and area for vendors. Visitors can also cross the river by raft as well as a bridge located near the NH.
CONCEPTUAL INFRA-STRUCTURES
The opposite structures of the river is connected by a bamboo raft which bring back the culture of the river crossing that was once used in Kalpathy river
The landscape steps used as the gathering and viewing platform, enhances activities and also inspired from traditional agraharam steps.
The day breeze flowing from the river is enriched with the fragrance of jasmine flowers grown as margins flows to the residential area and improve the ambiance.
PROPOSAL
sions he typical ems haram
At every turning point there are structures that marks the node and acts as a signage to take the next intended direction.
HERITAGE WALK & RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT KALPATHY
AGRAHARAMS The entrance is marked by an abstract gateway that invites people inside to experience the heritage inside.
SOUVENIR PAVILION
VISITORS PARKING START OF HERITAGE WALK
The visual resemblance for both the shores are made by providing similar temporary shed like shading structure on the both sides.
VIEWING PAVILION AND RIVER FRONT
Family Health Centre
Location Year Site Area Total Area
: Malappuram , Kerala : 2018 : 0.8 Acres : 879 SQM
Govt of Kerala Project with SOA, GECT
THE PROJECT The existing Local health Centre at Up Hill of Malappuram town was greatly damaged due to flood and landslide. Being one of the most depended health care facility, a solution for the damage had to be the prime concern. For this the Government of Kerala came with a timely proposal - “Revitalization of Family Health Centre”. The project aims at developing a “Family Health Centre” - a concept that makes health care facilities available to every citizen of the state. This new concept that utilizes the best of the facilities and advanced technologies replaces the otherwise inactive health Centre that have always been poorly maintained due to lack of proper infrastructure technology and design. This project is done along with fellow student architects of School of Architecture, Government Engineering College under Government of Kerala in collaboration with Civil Engineering dept of IIT Madras The funding is done by NGO organization. The construction was started in 2019 and is under progress.
THE SITE The site is in Malappuram. The site has an access road of 5m on the North - East direction. The site gently slops towards South - West direction. The south west area is occupied by paddy fields. The site was zoned to 2 according to the accessibility and slope. The primary zone near the access is assigned to the Family Health Centre and secondary site farther from access as future development.
Family Health Centre The project privileges an integrated approach to interactions between built space and climatic-environmental conditions, based on considerations of sustainability, appropriateness. The design is based on precise considerations of accessibility and strategic flows separation to avoid cross-contamination between outpatients, inpatients, mothers and visitors. The design also follows the design concept that the flooding that may happen in the future. The programs are arranged in vertical zoning on 3 floors. The ground floor hosts reception and waiting areas, pre checkup, dot room. The first-floor hosts consultation, doctors cabin, dental clinic, lab and observation. The zoning is done so that in case of emergency the ground floor spaces can be shifted to upper floors. The Second floor has the administration and health department. Landscaping and seating areas are blended with the green filter space between. Cross ventilation and interior day-lighting are addressed through the use of trellis, shading devices, green patios, and skylights.
NORTH - EAST ELEVATION
NORTH - WEST ELEVATION
SOUTH - EAST ELEVATION
+11.80 LVL +8.20 LVL
+4.60 LVL
+0.00 LVL
SECTION AA
Boston Fern plant Roof Garden for vegetable Galvanized steel members
Catsclaw plant Bolted connection Curtain creeper
Facade Details The facade is treated with galvanized steel members and curtain creeper creates health Centre with its characterized by green facade named “Green-curtain”, a pleasant greencurtain which attract both from interior and exterior. The green facade and the roof garden function together to reduce energy consumption. The roof garden was created to grow well sustainable vegetables, which was used for the health Centre. This system of green facade and roof is prototypical and applicable to all buildings in tropical climates.
Soil Geo-textile filter Drainage layer Water proofing RCC slab
Cement jalli block Name board
Calathea lutia plant Rhapis Palm plant Tandoor hardscape
Elephant Rehabilitation Centre
Location Year Site Area Total Area
: Trivandrum , Kerala : 2017 : 176 Hectares : 11500 SQM
Internship HABITAT TECHNOLOGY GROUP
Elephant Rehabilitation Centre, Kottoor situated in Trivandrum, Kerala is an existing facility for elephant rescue, rehabilitation and release. The project focus on the renovation of the existing facility. The site planning focus on the individual enclosure for the elephants and to incorporates tourism to an existing site.
EXISTING FACILITIES - Ticket counter. - ERE Canteen. - Children’s Park. - Dormitory. - Open Umbrella. - Store and Kitchen.
- Cottages , Houses for mahouts and staff. - Orchid Cafeteria. - Toilet blocks. - Range officer, police offices. - Elephant Enclosures.
SITE HISTORY Cradled in the arms of the Agasthyakoodam hill range in the Western Ghats is the exotic destination Kottur. Covered with forests, this area is home to rare flora and fauna. The area is marked with tall forest tree species and numerous rivulets and streams. The site was exclusively dedicated to elephant’s rehabilitation only, rich with thick forest and plenty of water from Neyyar reservoir is an ideal habitat for the animals.
Site Plan CLIMATIC CONDITION
Tropical Climate: The mean summer temperature is 35 degree Celsius. The winter being around 16 degree Celsius. Precipitation: Average rainfall from the South West monsoon between May and July and the North West monsoon between October and November is about 2800 mm. Wind Direction: South West to North East Local winds from the Neyyar Reservoir . Sun Path: East to West via South Soil: clay soil, loam, gravelly clay, gravelly loam Topography: altitude ranging from 90 to 1500m (Neyyar sanctuary) Vegetation: tropical evergreen, mixed deciduous forest
EXISTING FACILITIES CONDITIONS AND INFERENCE
- Good condition, can be retained, add a information Centre and a store near to the ticket counter Satisfactory, need to increase the seating capacity and kitchen area. - Now placed near to elephant feeding area, which is really dangerous, need to relocate with more safety and more interesting. - Very conjusted, need to relocate, current building can be adaptive reused to a kitchen and store Very poor condition, need to replace with more facilities. - Need to increase the number of units and add more cottages near to forest or water body with more privacy and views - Dilapidated condition, need to built a new amenity Centre Insufficient no. Of units. - Good condition, but only shade in that area, need to add more like that as landscape elements. - Current office is a converted cottage , need a proper building with more rooms. - Not sufficient , Individual units can be retained and need to add group enclosures and separate enclosure for baby elephant.
“LET THE ELEPHANTS
At once playful and serio menagerie provides both animals inside and an excit . The tendency for bull elep the herd suggested a pla enclosures. These enclos to minimize the building’s The circulation path is des roam at their habitat and vi ensuring safety to the visi From the entrance square ramps, bridges etc with v way. The endpoint of this ro landscape, water body and
SITE PLAN
Conceptual development
BE FREE AT THEIR COMFORT“
ous, open and solid, this mordem high-quality living conditions for the ting and interactive visitor experience phants in the wild to roam away from an organized around two separate sures are dug into the sloping site s physical impact in the landscape. signed as such elephants are free to isitors in a designated path therefore itors and freedom to the elephants. e, visitors enter the path including views into the enclosures along the oute offers splendid views across the d elephant bathing area.
VIEW OF ELEPHANT ENCLOSURE
PLAN OF ELEPHANT ENCLOSURE
SECTION OF ELEPHANT ENCLOSURE
Master Plan
Circulation
Shivkumar Residence Erode
Location Year Site Area Total Area
: Shivkumar Residence, Erode, Tamil Nadu : 2019 : 2 Acres : 2000 SQM
Professional STAPATI ARCHITECTS
The landscape of Shivkumar residence is mainly based of tropical landscape design principles. The site is located in dry area, The landscape design aimed to complement the project’s tropical architectural approach, which is transforming the housing project into a resort. The entire goal was to develop a lush tropical resort with building blocks nestled away in nature to create the ideal tropical retreat atmosphere. The planting is tropical and lush, with a lot of colour massing and seasonal change.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN The landscape design incorporates a tropical lush forest that creates a buffer all the way around the site, isolating the home from its neighbours. The nearby plot is being used as a lawn with rich landscaping. The three interior courtyards provide a comfortable, well-lit atmosphere with free-flowing air circulation. Each patio has an organic water feature. The central landscaping pooja court is designed to look like a tropical forest shrine. There are six water features on the property, with one serving as a koi pond with a Gazebo and fish feeding deck. The Koi pond is accompanied by a plunge pool and a tropical open shower. The other organic water body is close to each living and sleeping area.
TROPICAL RESIDEN
Landscape feel of sh
NTIAL LANDSCAPE
hivkumar residence
TROPICAL RESIDEN
Landscape feel of sh
NTIAL LANDSCAPE
hivkumar residence
Tree Planting Plan The trees are placed as marginal buffers all around the site and around the lawn. The tree types mainly follows the tropical arid forest varities.
Trees planted at the site
Trees planted at the site
Indian cork tree
Bakul / Spanish Cherry
Ficus benjamina
Champak
Indian Rosewood
Shrub planting Plan The shrub planting follows organic planting pattern, which creates a lush foresty feel. The plants used are tropical and list are follows :
Planting under progress
Planting under progress Planting under progress
Proposed planting style
The hardscape material follows natural stone as paving. The water features are made of black granite. The hardscape layout and typology can be seen from the plan.
Hardscape Plan
The Lighting system is autonomous which runs in 2 loops around the project. By utilising lighting as an intelligent tool, the lighting design comes to life at night. Uplight is used all around to highlight the shrubs and planting. The tree moon light highlights the trees.
K-Lite Nebula uplight Luminaires
K-Lite Recessed pool LED Luminaires
K-
-Lite Surface mounted LED spot light
Lighting Plan
K-Lite Sudo-Grid Frame Luminaires
Waterbody Details The main waterbody in site act as the main water reservoir. The RCC cast waterbody is segregated into Plunge pool accesed from the Gazebo and Organic Koi pond with planterebox around. The Gazebo is a tropical sloping roof design with wooden deck. The entire gazebo is surrounded by lush tropical planting. The open shower near waterbody is typical design in heliconia forest.
Proposed water body and gazebo
Waterbody and gazebo under construction
Gazebo Details The Gazebo design follows sloping roof with wooden rafters. The columns used are prefabricated stone pillars. The plunge pool is on ly asseced from the gazebo.
Proposed plunge pool and gazebo
Proposed plunge pool and gazebo
plunge pool and gazebo under construction
ികഗേ്പഗപേ്Outdoor Bridge Details The bridge is designed as connection over organic water body. The bridge design is a truss work with wooden patterning. The bridge connectes the landscaped open space to jogging track around the lawn. The bridge structural connection is on each end sides and full weight is suspented via truss. The surrounding landscape follows the water plants like umbrella plant and thalia. Proposed bridge design
Landscape bridge under construction
Stone Pillar Trellis Wall Details The stone trellis wall is part of the design element of the residence. The wall act as a seperation between the public and private zones. The external stone trellis wall is prefabricated stone pillar with concrete moulds around it. The trellis wall is curved around the water body near to the living creating an alternate entry through the arch pathway to the landscape yard. Stone pillar trellis wall under construction
Stone pillar trellis wall under construction
Proposed Stone pillar trellis wall
Skava Resort at Banasura
Location Year Site Area Total Area
: Banasura , Kerala : 2018 : 7 Acres : 6500 SQM
Professional STAPATI ARCHITECTS
Skava - An ashram of wellbeing is an Ayurveda Retreat focused on curative care. A wholesome ayurveda experience set in a naturally rich surroundings of Banasura dam, Wayanad Kerala. Upon arrival the main block design in open spacial arrangement with blending landscape gives a warm welcome. The standard room is connected to the main block which also encloses a meditation lawn. The club house and swimming pool is positioned in such a way so to get an open-air scenery of the dam together with the mountain range.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN The enchanting and relaxing vibe of surrounding banasura nature inspires a design concept of ‘Ayurvedic Forest’ which is a blend of tropical lush nature, and an accent of ayurvedic medicinal garden, resulting in an tranquil experience in a mysterious, stunning and wonderful magical land. The project has different Zones, each zone narrates a chapter of a lush ayurvedic through a unique conceptual feature of the project with tropical landscaping mainly concentrates on ginger varieties. MIYAWAKI FOREST ENTRY The entrance road cuts through natural scenery and leads to the project that has no border structure and seamlessly connects with surrounding nature. The parking in placed in a miyawaki forest which intensionally hides the resort to gives a oblique entry and enchanting feel. OPEN MEDITATION LAWN In the 2nd zone, The open meditation area, a open lawn with high lush planting and lush trees covering the sides. The groups of standard rooms encloses the zone and the private patios are opens to the lush high planting of the zone. The area is approached by winding natural trails through the lush high planting. CENTRAL INFINITE FOREST In the 3rd zone, The central infinite forest, two pathway with high tropical planting on both sides cutting through the groups of villas and standard rooms which is also used by buggy. The tropical forest will amaze visitors and offer them experience of discovering a secret place amongst a deep mysterious forest. PRESERVED FOREST The preserved forest zone is retained forest which slopes directly towards the banasura dam. The swimming pool and club house are placed on top of the zone for creating a refreshing experience with blend of forest and water body.
02
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LEGEND 1.Main Entry 2.Staff Accommodation 3.Service Yard 4.Parking 5.Main Block 6.Open Meditation lawn 7.Standard Rooms 8.Presidential Villa 9.Private Villa 10.Club House 11.Swimming Pool 12.Viewing Deck 13.Banasura Dam
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Site Layout 05
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Views and Site sections
PLANTING
ROAD ADJACENT PLOT PLANTING
DRIVEWAY
PLAN
NTING
SECTION 1 PLANTING
PARKING
PLANTING DRIVEWAY PLANTING
MEDITATION LAWN
PLANTING
SECTION 2 PARKING
PLANTING PORCH
WATER BODY
RECEPTION
WATER BODY
DRIVEWAY
Cobblestone Paving Edge on PCC BED for a driveway at the entrance. The edge of the driveway is thickly planted using ground cover varieties like Boston fern, spider lily and shrub varieties like Heliconia, torch ginger. The drain used along the sloping is natural swale.
Tandoor Stone Paving is given for pathway used by people and buggy. The ground cover planting used along the pathway is ribbon grass, spider lily and Boston fern. The shrub used is ginger varieties like red ginger and turmeric.
Landscape details PLANTING PALETTE - GROUND COVER
Red Ginger
Shell Ginger
Red Ginger
Shell Ginger
Lemon Grass
Fishtail Ginger
PLANTING PALETTE - GINGER AND TURMERIC VARIETIES
PARKING
Red Ginger
Shell Ginger
Alpinia
Arrowroot
Turmeric
Torch Ginger
PLANTING PALETTE - HELICONIA VARIETIES Cobblestone Paving Edge on PCC BED for parking. The planting island around parking is thickly planted using ground cover verities like Boston fern, spider lily and shrub verities like Heliconia, torch ginger. The area is planted to miyawaki forest.
MEDITATION LAWN
PRIVATE GAR
Buffalo grass as ground cover in open meditation area. The Private Garden: Tumbled finish Tandoor Stone paving on meditation area is separated using high planting of shrub varieties garden gives an isolated space. The shrubs used are arro such as heliconia, ginger and turmeric types. The ground cover The ground cover used are spider lily, peace lily and fisht used are Boston fern.
RDEN
VILLA BLOCK
n stabilized soil. The private Pathway in front of villa block- tumbled finish Tandoor stone paving. The one side has a retaining owroot, Heliconia varieties. wall of 1.5m height in a rough texture. Creeper type such as catsclaw is planted on top of retaining tail fern. which droops down. The top of retaining is planted with thick planting which creates privacy for the villas. The planting used are shell ginger, Heliconia, arrowroot and the ground cover are spider lily and Boston fern.