Gir Vihar – Nature, Beauty and Preservation
Gir Vihar designed by d6thD” design studio is a testimony to the fact that sustainability is rooted in climate, as also, the economic and cultural context of the space. Spread across 1600 sq.mt this project exhibits that vernacular architecture that never goes out of style.
The concern for climate as well as economic and cultural sustainability must be incorporated into design without which sustainability may not work in the Indian context. Rather than spending millions on the best technology to create the greenest of green buildings very few Indians can associate with and even fewer can afford, this architect has come up with simple, established and honest practises offered by vernacular architecture.
Old construction techniques like rubble stone packed foundation, load-bearing walls, arches, dome and pitched roofs are used in the construction of this resort along with locally available materials like sandstones, bricks and terracotta tiles. These not only serve to be economical but also attempt to someday instil a feeling of pride and belongingness among the visitors.
The site of the resort was actually a mango farm with trees at a 30 feet interval in grid. Considering the huge foliage of mango trees, it was very challenging to build cottages without chopping the trees and this constraint of the site became the source of creativity and ingenuity. The architect came up with the triangular shaped cottages which took up space around mango trees effortlessly. The shape of the cottages was kept triangular also keeping in mind that they are located in an earthquake prone zone. Moreover the entire structure is built with load bearing walls designed using locally sourced sand stone in order to minimise the use of cement concrete.
As one enters the site, one is welcomed with an eye pleasing view of various plays of geometries and volumes in the distance but ambiguity and uncertainty hold one’s hand until one walks to the more distinguished reception which is a domed area and vibrant with the rays of light from the skylight above.
The project accommodates 20 cottages all of which are north south oriented in order to bring in diffused north light in balconies where people can spend time enjoying a panoramic view of the adjoining forest. What acts as a foyer for the ground floor becomes the balcony for upper floors when the triangles are stacked systematically. A certain flavour of awe and possibility takes birth when one views the vastness of life from the converging triangular balconies. The L shaped staircases leading to the upper floors add playfulness and offer various perspectives to enjoy the beauty of solid stone mass created due to bathroom walls in the south.
The centrally placed restaurant block on the site is designed to be flexible and comfortable to all. The central spiral stone pillar supporting the hexagonal roof acts as a pivot for the entire site wherein all activities smoothly flow in and out. The large brick arches of the dining hall interestingly frame the scenes of the exteriors and the extended outdoor seating sensitively blurs the boundaries of open and built.
The free-flowing spaces and the uninterrupted movements all minutely add up to create a drama wherein visitors’ inquisitiveness urges them to experience something unique and unexplored.
The undisturbed, uncut mango trees stand proudly between the buildings; the built-in sit outs beneath the mango tree made using sandstone encourage you to offer you your undivided attention to the beauty which surrounds the space. Stone walls using locally available sandstone in its naked form gives the entire resort a very natural feel. Clay roofing tile and exposed stone surfaces will gradually cover themselves with radiant moss as nature starts making inroads in these man made surroundings again.
