Kondan Retreat offers a serene escape from the hustle-bustle of city life, nestled on a sloping terrain engulfed by verdure and a tranquil lake as a backdrop. It is situated in the Maval region, on a mountain range that separates Pune and Mumbai.
Project name: Kondan Retreat Resort
Architect: PMA Madhushala
Area: 5600 Sq.M.
Year: 2017
Location: Pune, India
Typology: Hospitality
Design Team: Prasanna Morey, Gaurav Bhangre, Sanjay Verma
Kondan Retreat Resort’s vision goes beyond just providing hospitality. By integrating sustainable practices into the project, it thoughtfully addresses social, regional, and environmental concerns. Resort facilities occupy only 16% of the land while dedicating 10% to rainwater harvesting and power generation and 23% is reserved for reforestation. Thus, only 30-acre land has been developed with specific land allocations ensuring minimal environmental impact.
The Maval is a remote region lacking basic facilities and where the primary source of income is small-scale paddy and dairy farms. Hence, the client aimed to stimulate the livelihoods of the local community with the help of a business model. The further goal was to provide comfort to urban visitors in a built form that blends with the context and the neighbours.
Crafting Spaces Inspired by Tradition and Nature
The design of the retreat draws inspiration from the historical citadel where the fortified walls not only divide the space but also encourage socio-economic activities. In the same way, the Kondan Retreat with the help of intersecting walls, interplay with public and private zones. The thoughtful spatial planning of the building footprints adapts to the natural terrain, existing trees and water bodies. It also creates functional zones which emphasize connectivity while blending into the natural contours.
The site is sub-divided by eight intersecting walls each with increasing privacy and unique character specific to its purpose. Interweaving series of enclosed, semi-open and closed spaces cater to a diverse variety of activities, creating an environment that fosters interaction among the visitors and local community. The spatial planning thoughtfully blends functionality with aesthetic appeal.
The walled resort promotes socio-economic activities through traditional elements positioned within the periphery. At the core of these activities is a kund (stepped reservoir), a traditional water reservoir serving as a gathering point and celebrating local events for the community. Besides Kund stands a local bazaar offering an opportunity for the local artisans to showcase their work. The bazaar acts as a space for not just shopping but an opportunity to exchange culture. The communal aspect further extends to the moha orchard, a venue for a weekly farmer’s market. Additionally, a multipurpose hall is designed to host conferences and informal gatherings, a hub for social and cultural activities thus further enhancing the sense of community.
The access road to the entrance of the site runs parallel to the kund. The entrance gate of Pramukh Dwar guides visitors to the reception deck. An elevated narrow passage further leads to the restaurant waiting to unfold the stunning view of Thokarwadi Dam. The pathway creates a transition from public to private space.
On the other hand, the residential zone: Amrai and Tarangan is divided into distinct zones where Amrai engulfed by the serene mango orchard offers multi-level suites. The design incorporates inward-looking courtyards amidst nature providing people with an immersive experience. While, Tarangan comprises six cantilevered cottages facing the serene view of a grove which is at times illuminated by fireflies, thus framing a magical atmosphere
Additionally, it offers a health club and a spa that opens up into a surrounding forest along with a swimming pool, which frames a serene view. It meanders through a cluster of trees before converging into an infinite edge on the eastern side.
A significant portion of the building materials used in the construction of the Kondan Retreat Resort was sourced locally. The stone found during the excavation for water bodies and foundations was repurposed extensively thus reducing environmental impact. Using vernacular techniques for construction, the stones were used from dry pack to dressed masonry to composite boulder concrete.
Apart from materials, objects such as stone light fittings were sourced from local artisans, additionally, the local labourers from nearby villages were trained in vocational skills and masonry ensuring their employment as a part of the resort’s maintenance staff. This holistic approach binds sustainable practices, cultural preservation and community development.
References:
- www.pmamadhushala.com/kondan
- volzero.com
- www.archdaily.com
- Stirworld.com
