Project Name- On Da Rocks
Architect: Metarch Studios
Location- Rock Garden, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
Typology- Restaurant, Hospitality
Year of Completion- 2023
Area- 30,000 sq. ft.
On Da Rocks, in Ranchi, Jharkhand, sketched into creative existence by Metarch Studios in Ranchi, immerses visitors in hospitality with a panorama drizzled in warm sunset atop the viewpoint of Kanke Dam. Built as a testimony to its surrounding rockiness and a use of steel to its optimum flexibility, the design concept revolves around keeping its site context intact while adding an innovative touch with eclectic use of materials. The result of which now is a group of structures that provide seamless transition between nature and built form in each step of the hill.
Completed in 2023, this restaurant on the hilltop integrates lightweight materials and organic planning techniques into building a gravity defying stage, a suspended deck on the edge, and meandering path throughout its landscape, which mesmerizes patrons with the prospect of fluidity in architecture. The primary concept, which was to thoughtfully plan structures around the existing nature, evolved into a design of structures that give a sculptural sight and function well in the rocky terrain.
Whether it be the stage or the suspended deck, which were both designed to respond to the terrain, are now artistic elements that also fulfill their purpose. This 30,000 sq. ft. area of rocky hill is the perfect example of artistic expression in a hospitality sector built in an all-natural environment without any hindrance to both nature and function.
The site establishes three major built structures.
The Bar
A bar stands around an existing tree with its unique curve form mimicking the pre-existing rocks in the site. Covered with polycarbonate sheets standing on a customized MS framework, it is held up by visually striking columns having a column base diverging into six triangular MS arms above. This column framework provides a natural light setting as well as a faint shade all over the bar area. The bar stands as a testimony to the idea of folding nature’s form into a breathable built environment.
Stage and its performance
Another uniquely held and functional space is the stage that appears to defy gravity with its lightweight and flexible form all made with thoughtful craft. It represents the height of innovation in a rocky height as it attracts attention both as a stage and a statuary symbol. This structure held together with steel trusses rests daintily on the ground as it opens itself for entertainment to the visitors.
View striking suspended deck
A suspended deck that seems to delicately extend beyond the cliff of this rocky landscape particularly showcases the true blend of nature and craft. With two floors of uninterrupted sightseeing and with an access through a skywalk structure, it is the ultimate spot for the city panorama. The deck is yet again a product of lightweight and locally available materials like bamboo, steel, and RCC.
Landscape of and in design
Each built structure follows the same concept of form development, all customized from steel. Even though all the structures are built permanently, there is a certain flow to them. Seating spaces have a form that looks like churned out steel flowing against the permanency of rocks around them. Even the heavy looking structures show lightness and daintiness with their design materials.
As first of its kind in East India, On Da Rocks is a structural statement in terrain architecture for its design in a natural environment without doing little to no harm to its existence. Rather than an architectural project it’s a landscape design project that does its best to accommodate architecture and flawlessly fits contemporary design into nature. This is further proven by the meandering path that leads to little pouches of eatery in each step up. Wherever the visitors may be present, they can enjoy the bliss of nature and view that this rocky garden previously provided, now added with a grand hospitality and interaction to go with.
