Being naturally pampered by Architecture

February 11, 2021
4:26 am

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS

Project Name: Anaha Spa at SHREYAS RETREAT

Project Type: Wellness Centre

Program: SPA BLOCK (insert) in an existing Yoga Retreat

Location: Bengaluru

Site Area (original): 26 Acres

Built up area: 20,000 Sqft

Year of Completion: 2016

Architecture, Interiors & Landscape Firm: The Purple Ink Studio

Design Team: Akshay Heranjal, Aditi Pai, Jaikumar, Nishita Bhatia, Priyanka Bankapur

Client: INNER CHALLENGES PVT LTD

Photography Credits: Shamanth Patil J

Inserted in the midst of a densely tree covered yoga retreat, is a hidden Architectural escapade that shuts its doors to the chaos of city life. Designed to instil calm and revitalise its patrons, this piece of Architecture namely ‘Anaha’, delivers sustainable spaces that are closest to nature in every possible way. Touching upon the essence of yogic practices, the building embraces simplicity, texture-rich spaces in the raw state to accelerate the meditative realm that city folks eagerly yearn to embark upon.

The 2-storey architecture conceives a facade that is strongly anchored into the earth, largely submerged below ground level to create a lesser constructed visual. It’s elevation instils a nature-inspired invitation, manifesting brushed-exposed cement surfaces with vertical greens scaling its heights, and white washed pergolas hinting at the great outdoors. Steering a clear sense of “approach” into the building are the buttress-like fins and the terracing staircases that either ascend or descend the height of the Architecture. Setting quite an entrancing entrade for those who seek to vanish into a realm of calm and much needed pampering.

In layout the intervention lays great emphasis on the pre-existing site conditions which was largely tree covered. As opposed to most construction approaches, this piece of building atypically incorporates most trees onsite. Steering the design into a consistent transitioning pattern within its anatomy, from semi-open to open-to-sky spaces.

The architectural program comprises a primary block and a cluster of miniature secondary blocks that branch away from the primary block in a splayed-like fashion. An imitation of the human hand profile.

The primary block caters to private, communal facilities and an infusion of open-to-sky courts in between, that wrap themselves on either side of its ‘L’ shaped circulation spine. The circulation spine reflects in the first floor plan as well, accommodating meditation spaces for group meditation sessions as well as private.

The secondary blocks accommodate private spaces for an array of therapeutic revitalizing treatments across their ground and first floor layouts. A change in the material palette infuses a warmer ambience as brick jaali walls delicately veil each of the spa blocks, catering to one’s privacy yet all the while setting an idyllic vantage of the grounds beyond. This approach continues to reinforce the connect between man and nature.

The aesthetic ambience retains a pristine atmosphere with a neutral and minimalistic palette in the primary block, making a sudden shift to the vibrance of terracotta red bricks seen in the secondary blocks.

Throughout the intervention natural elements are brought to the fore, like polished natural kota stone, accented timber finishes, raw brushed cement walls or polished cement floors, greenery, the meditative reflections of water features in sunkissed courts. The building paints different pictures of each space through the course of the day as ample daylight enriches every nook and cranny. Textures and patterns come alive instilling a certain drama in its dynamism.

Essentially enabling nature to be the narrative of Anaha’s story.

A haven where nature indeed does all the talking.

the end

Project drawings, specifications & Photography provided by the respective design Firm

Analysis & Article written by Architect Rohini Gomez Braganza