Earthy Articulation
Waterwoods Lodge and Resorts, Karnataka Mistry Architects, Bengaluru
Asustainable design approach, making the best use of natural sources and using locally available materials and manpower was the key intent of the brief. The water, the landscape and the sky inspired the architects.
The client envisioned a boutique resort facility amidst the deciduous forest which is completely unified with the existing buildings and landscape. The requirements were
SITE PLAN 1. ROAD
2. PARKING
3. MAIN ENTRY 4. SECURITY BLOCK 5. RECEPTION AND SHOP 6. KOI FISH POND/ WATER
BODY
7. 9 BEDROOM BLOCK 8. POOL
9. FILTER ROOM
10. KITCHEN
11. DINING DECK
12. 6 BEDROOM BLOCK
13. TANDOOR AREA
14. BACK WATERS
to design private rooms; common spaces– spa, library, gym, pool, bar and entertainment spaces; support spaces– kitchen, store rooms, utility, service yard, staff quarters, recreation spaces and outdoor experiences.
The programme was designed sensitive to the lay of the land, surrounding ecosystem, sight/ view lines and existing building footprint. A pedestrian entry from the north- east through a landscaped walkway leads to the reception and waiting area which is a semi- covered space.
Through a koi fish pond one walks into the nine- bedroom lodging facility, wherein all rooms overlook the pool and the
river beyond in the south and spills into the surrounding landscape with deep decks. Common spaces like the spa, library, bar, gym and outdoor terraces complement these rooms, for one to completely unwind. The terraces have natural stone flooring which is an anti- skid material.
High pitched steel roofs, floor to ceiling openings and double heights enhance volumes which invite the surrounding green and water indoors. Deep overhangs for all openings prevent the rains from lashing in the pool with an invisible edge accentuating the depth of the site along the waterfront.
A semi- covered dining deck is designed at the water edge; kitchen and secondary spaces are located centrally to all the rooms with separate external access for ease of service. The six- bedroom block along the west angles out into the water with high split level roofs with thatch, an underlay of bamboo filters the light and green into these spaces with large decks and terraces for star gazing nights. All toilets are finished with rustic materials, looking
out into the green with outdoor rain showers.
Nature inspired imprints ( animal foot prints, leaves, etc) adorn the floors, roof slab, light fixtures, etc. Use of solar power, effective water separation, recycle and reuse systems, turbo vents that run on wind energy and sun tubes are some of the green technologies that has been incorporated in the design. Adequate slopes and berms have been done to drain the surface runoff water.