EKAANTA: MINDVERSITY ON THE GANGES
Hospitality I Haridwar
AREA 18,000 SQFT LOCATION HARIDWAR, UTTARAKHAND PHOTOGRAPHY RONOJOY MITTRA
We worked on the Lagom philosophy of finding just the right amount of space for a person to stay. The result was single-person hexagonal pods with a tensile roof on the terrace. The space is just right for one person, so that they feel completely at ease and relaxed because of the scale of the space. Even the in-between spaces are “just enough.” Yet to the occupants, it feels like they are closer to nature as the terrace offers peaceful and undisturbed views of the Ganga.
It is a heritage building, the structural intervention was kept to a minimum. Yet the intention was to refresh the existing facade by adding a mass that acts as a connection between old and new. The design features arched openings, which is the most basic and traditional form of making an opening.
By playing with their proportions, we have made an attempt to create a contemporary facade that sits well in its surroundings. The facade will be an ever-evolving canvas for various artists to showcase their work.
A large hall where lectures are held has one wall that is completely transparent, so that the river is visible in all of its glory. Next to the large academic hall, we also have a small sunken seating area (emulating an amphitheater) where indoor informal sessions and music sessions are held.
Taking cues from the traditional ghats, we created the stepped riverfront, which acts as an interactive sitting space where multiple activities can take place, from yoga to evening music events. To keep the materiality the same as that of the ghats and to continue the neutral palette of natural materials used in interiors, Jaisalmer stone was used for cladding the steps.
The ground floor also contains the cafe/restaurant, so the guests can sit by the river and enjoy their meals.
