‘Measure, Minimize, and Mitigate’
ZED Lab, the Architecture and Interior studio based in Delhi encapsulates a wide array of energy-efficient design principles into this philosophy. This philosophy aims to optimize building design, to facilitate the development and finest of functioning. The studio’s designs incorporate sustainable principles, construction techniques, and material selections to create social and physical environments that stand resilient and unfazed by climate change. Such an endeavor is highlighted by one of their hospitality projects, the Corbett Solitaire Resort, nestled in the lush hills of Uttrakhand.
A Harmonious Blend
The Face
Sprawling over acres of land are the verdant forests, lush greens, serene lakes, and a tranquil environment amidst which nestles the Corbett Solitaire Resort. People who visit the resort describe it as an enchanting experience – perhaps because of the seamless blend of urban elements into the wilderness. The studio is well known for some of its key design features which include heightened spaces encapsulating the inhabitant, climate-sensitive designs that are contextually driven and responsible, and a cohesive indoor-outdoor integration.
The resort has a distinguished Architectural design, a harmonious blend of geometries and materials which somehow also manage to break the monotony of their design. While the color palette of the building is fairly neutral – it carries a sense of warmth as it incorporates earthy materials to it. The facade is adorned with geometric strips of stone and woodwork cladding in between the stucco walls. This material contrast adds a visual appeal to the facade and subtle additions make it distinguished in a very faint way. The resort also has a touch of symmetry, making the design coherent when looked at from afar. The resort exhibits a clean-lined geometric form, with many rectangular carvings and bulges in its design predominantly cubic in shape.
The Lush
The lush doesn’t leave you, even as you enter the resort. The strategic placement of greens welcomes and navigates you into the resort. The path leading to the entrance is hardscape with rectangular stone tiles with a raised planter edge which demarcates a boundary between the walkway and the garden whilst still being inviting and not too obvious. From hedges running along the property, potted plants along the pathway, and palm trees that stand tall enhancing privacy and adding a layer of height – the landscape not only beautifies the space around the resort but also adds an ecological component to the property. A serene, picturesque breath of fresh air.
The Inside
The interiors of the rooms carry the cohesive Indoor-Outdoor integration that ZED Lab thoroughly practices. The windows span from the floor to the ceiling which provides a breathtaking view of the hills and lush greens flooding the inside with ample natural light. The room radiates warmth, with a polished hardwood floor and the terracotta bricks in the bed back adding a touch of organic texture and warm colors to soft, neutral walls. Additionally, the rich, deep-colored draperies in the room add a splash of color. With decorative pillows and ambient lighting provided by wall-mounted lamps, the room carries comfort, far from home for its visitors but still a resemblance of it.
Measure, Minimize, and Mitigate
The principles of the studio’s design philosophy are deeply embedded in all of their works. The Corbett Solitaire Resort exhibits this philosophy in a faint yet potent way.
Measure
While it may not be as pronounced the Resort’s design measures its environmental footprint by integrating large windows for natural lighting, consequently decreasing the requirement of artificial lighting and consequently decreasing the energy consumption. The use of ample natural light in the rooms utilizes the solar resource efficiently. Additionally, the landscape is measured to fit the local ecosystem with native plants that require less maintenance and likely, conserving water resources as well.
Minimize
Even the smallest sustainable practices can have a huge impact over time. The building wears a flat roof that overhangs from it. This helps minimize heat gains and thus the need for air conditioning. The building’s orientation may also be optimized for passive solar gain and natural ventilation that flows through it.
Mitigate
The experiential comfort that the resort brings is almost home-like. The warmth that the local materials bring is unparalleled. And while the terracotta bricks may bring this warmth into the rooms in a metaphorical way, it may also contribute to thermal mass which mitigates temperature fluctuations, thus, maintaining an interior climate that feels comfortable.
In closing, ZED Lab’s philosophy is a testament to the harmonious coexistence buildings have with their environments. From strategic Architectural solutions that enhance energy efficiency, to carefully curated landscapes and interiors that ensure comfort – the resort not only serves as a peaceful retreat for its visitors but also stands as a precedent on how thoughtful design can craft a harmonious relationship between inside and outside and simultaneously reduce the ecological footprint.
Bibliography:
Cyj (no date) Corbett Solitaire Resort, Corbett Solitare Resort – Jim Corbett | Corporate Outing in Corbett. Available at: https://www.corbettresort.in/corbett-solitaire-resort (Accessed: 07 January 2024).
