Urbnarc Designs Luxury Resort To Camouflage Into The Kerala Natural Landscape

11/3/2019 urbnarc designs luxury resort to camouflage into the kerala natural landscape
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urbnarc designs luxury resort to camouflage into the

kerala natural landscape
196 121 95
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urbnarc’s design for adira resorts originates from the existing landscape environment unique to
its site in kerala, india (https://www.designboom.com/tag/architecture-in-india/). located on an
island in freshwater lake vembanad, the resort (https://www.designboom.com/tag/spas-and-
resorts/) is planned around the theme of the backwaters and its unique lush and tropical
surrounding landscape. the original island was made of dykes and levees for rice cultivation and
eventully it became a system of land strips alternating with water channels overgrown with local
flora. the environment inspired the architects to crate a resort with the island’s natural character
while designing a luxurious property.
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/urbanarc-adira-resorts-kerala-india-05-09-2019/ 1/15
aerial view of the resort – designed to maintain and reinforce the natural character of the
property
taking inspiration from a painting by roberto burle marx, a brazilian landscape designer, the
urbnarc (https://www.urbnarc.com/) team conceived the master plan for the bespoke
destination. the entire resort is designed to be accessible by water, keeping the existing
waterway framework of the property. the architects formed new water channels and different
types of water bodies that provide varying visual, functional and recreational uses. the arrival
experience involves guests riding customized traditional kerala houseboats enabling them to
come in close contact with the local fishing culture and the magical water landscape.
while the entire architectural language for the resort is envisioned as low impact, elegant and
timeless, select buildings such as the welcome centre are placed as dramatic pieces in the
landscape
the system of water channels within the resort further enhances the backwater experience in
the region and allows for water based connectivity. the strategy for the resort is to maintain and
reinforce the natural character of the property by creating a sustainable native landscape. the
natural palette is composed of the very same elements of water, native grasses and ground
covers, palms, and trees. the natural landscape creates a unique sense of place for the resort, and
at the same time is responsible towards the delicate ecosystem of the kerala backwaters. the
resort is also designed to conserve, protect and celebrate the local flora and fauna.
the wellness village set in a 7,000 sqm land area includes a unique spa set within a water garden
the resort is meant to be experienced as an organic landscape that looks like it has been there
for a long time with buildings subtlety inserted amongst nature. while the entire architectural
language for the resort is envisioned as low impact, elegant and timeless, select buildings such as
the welcome centre are placed as dramatic pieces within the landscape. yet all of the structures
are built with ecologically sustainable materials and modern technology.
a bespoke arrival experience involves each guest arriving on customized traditional kerala
houseboats while getting a flavor of the local fishing culture and the magical back-water
landscape
the resort includes public facilities, such as the welcome center and a large 750 square meter
swimming pool. the facilities are designed as a series of levels with strategically placed feature
trees and stepped terraces leading to the lake. once of the terraces include a platform/bar that is
intended to be floated out every evening into the lake for sunset cocktails. the pool terrace and
restaurant are located at the edge of vembanad lake providing a with dramatic backdrop.
concept design sketch inspired by the landscape paintings of burle marx
the main swimming pool which is 50m long is located on the upper terrace adjacent to the
restaurant. the side of the pool facing the lake is a continuous infinity edge that dramatically
drops off and visually merges with the lake. below the main pool terrace is a smaller lower terrace
with a jacuzzi pool and subsequent terraces fading out into the lake. the jacuzzi is shaded by a
feature plumeria tree, and surrounded by coconut palms scattered on the lawn. surrounding trees
are used as natural structures from which the pool terrace can be lit up. this effectively eliminates
the need for lighting devices such as lamp posts or bollards. the lakefront pool terrace is paved
with natural timber decking, reinforcing the natural character of the landscape. the timber deck
also minimizes heat gain and glare creating a comfortable environment.
masterplan
a wellness village set in a 7,000 sqm land area includes a unique spa set within a water garden
and connected to a library, yoga pavilion, fitness centre and individual spa villas. the wellness
village also has an organic restaurant that is planned around a series of aromatic and herb
gardens along with ornamental reflection pools to provide a true escape and envelop the guest in
a relaxing environment. the spa garden is conceived as a natural, healing garden, complementing
the holistic wellness experience provided by the spa. the intimate gardens are surrounded by
natural ponds with water plants and soothing bubbler jets to enhance the tranquil atmosphere
and ambience of the spa. gardens within the spa will be planted with natural herbs, spices, and
fragrant flowering plants that could be used for treatment purposes, as well as the preparation of
herbal teas and massage oils.
elements of the masterplan
the guest villas are envisioned as a series of contemporary eco pavilions set within a large water
garden. each villa is envisioned to be designed using locally sourced materials and constructed by
local craftsmen in a contemporary architectural style. the luxurious interiors include recycled
wood, stone columns, doors and windows, recalling kerala vernacular structures. the villas are
clustered in different configurations, with one of the typical clusters centered around a courtyard
with water features connecting it to the main water channel.
water use diagram
the water courtyards are intended as semi-private gardens that can be used as informal spaces
for afternoon teas, cocktails, informal functions/dinners, art classes or just relaxing and
lounging. the courtyards are designed to have an ornamental pool of water as a focal point with a
selection of local species of water plants. perched above this pool are pavilions, and timber
terraces shaded by pergolas, feature trees and palms.
landscape facilities
the character of each courtyard will vary depending on the architectural style of the
surrounding villa cluster. all villas are designed to be accessed by land or water. on the land side,
a provision for electric carts to ferry the residents is provided as well as a bicycle for each guest.
each villa also comes with a canoe and can be accessed via the resort’s main water channel. every
villa offers the option for residents to jump from their own private pool to the larger recreational
water body that is planned to look and feel like a natural river. guests also have the option to
swim to each of the amenities across the resort.
landscape zones
accommodation in the villas includes master bedroom suites, guest suites, dining, seating and
relaxation areas enclosed in a private garden and centered around a private swimming pool. the
design proposes a unique resort that creates an experience unmatched by other local resorts. the
environmentally conscious approach and the sustainable, vernacular architecture all combined
with the natural and man-made water landscape strategies, place the adira resort as a benchmark
development for the future.
wellness village plan
designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions

(https://www.designboom.com/readers-submit)‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to
submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
(https://www.designboom.com/readers/)
edited by: cristina gomez | designboom
URBNarc
196 121 95
  
nice it´s like Tenoch tlan!…

Jose Olivero may 21, 2019
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Urbnarc Designs Luxury Resort To Camouflage Into The Kerala Natural Landscape

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11/3/2019 urbnarc designs luxury resort to camouflage into the kerala natural landscape

urbnarc designs luxury resort to camouﬂage into the

concept design sketch inspired by the landscape paintings of burle marx

elements of the masterplan

water use diagram

wellness village plan

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions

edited by: cristina gomez | designboom

nice it´s like Tenoch tlan!…

readers radar explores how rural housing in india integrates nature

connected to the ground, the sloping roofs of these co ages in india

spas and resorts (h ps://www.designboom.com/tag/spas-and-

alexis dornier expresses tropical mber structure at uluwatu surf

this holis c, beachfront retreat in the bahamas is designed for guests

PRODUCT LIBRARY (/product-library)

the house can be designed and windows.

a thatched roof tops sergey peter marino creates giant

all architecture news

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