Interior Architecture of a Resort Residence in the middle of a lake with a holistic approach to design and building healthy environments with cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials. Keeping the comfort, luxury and elegance alive in the Interior while boosting water and energy efficiency with modern expressions of vernacular architecture and design.
Project Name: Resort Residence – Island Getaway in Rajasthan
Studio Name: Red Brick Design Studio
Location: Rajasthan, India
The remote location of the site surrounded by rocky terrain and heavy contours, is on an island in the middle of a lake. A 20-minute boat ride from the main jetty of Jaisamand, the site has a sloping terrain leading to landslides during heavy rains. The contrasting temperatures of the region require sustainable construction material. The isolated location required a maintenance-free and self-sustaining program. Coupled with the luxury of the end-user in mind, a sensitive design intervention was necessary.
Extensive use of stone available around the site for the stairs leading to the building. The idyllic natural surroundings offered a clear design dynamic of experiential indoor and outdoor spaces to be created with sustainable, efficient and rich reflection. Maximising the inflow of natural light while maintaining heat load. Creating a building balanced in utmost luxury and ease of use while being as energy efficient as possible.
Generation of electricity by Solar panel installation, development of the landscape, the revival of water channels preventing landslides during rains, mixed with a private getaway for promoting tourism. All material was procured from a 100km radius from the site thereby reducing cost and maintenance. Since the only way to get to the site was by boat, there was minimal resource consumption and environmental impact during construction.
The design development was heavily influenced by the orientation and function of the building. The Villa is a luxury resort residence rented out on short term home rental platforms. It provides a private getaway for large groups by having many clusters of seating areas as well as an open plan living area to promote family time. The concept was simple, based on a natural material palette to complement the context of the site and blend in naturally with the surroundings. Optimum usage of space to satisfy the client brief and the ever-changing user profile of the resort residence.
Green Practices on-site include an open plan that fosters good natural lighting and ventilation. Maximum glazing on the Northwestern side of the building which avoids excessive heating. The installation of water tanks up on the mountain to create natural water pressure. Fly ash bricks used in civil construction. Biofuel, bioethanol used for the Fireplace.
Antique artefacts and handicrafts procured from nearby areas exude a sense of traditional folk value. Examples include a 70-year-old solid wood reclaimed door upcycled as a serving window during parties at the poolside.
Every space inside the house has a view of the lake and the mountains beyond. A custom made wall sculpture of an airplane propeller adorns the dining area wall. A larger than life sculpture in the middle of the foyer depicts a human being slowly fading away in the wilderness, reminding you to lose yourself. Both sculptures were made by Red Brick Design Studio.
