Architect Ishwar Gehi delivers a housing scheme that successfully dilutes the boundaries between a residence and a resort to ensure leisure on a daily basis for its occupants.
A rolling stone gathers no moss. Neither does an architect who reinvents the design wheel each time he faces a creative challenge. In his latest endeavour, architect Ishwar Gehi goes both Oriental and adventurous and clearly demonstrates that he can pull off surprises even where a tired and overdone cliché would have served just as well.
35 kms from Surat, Bardoli is home to a large number of non-resident Indians. It was precisely to quench the demands of people of this rapidly growing town that Avadh developers came up with a unique scheme that cleverly combines the concepts of a personal leisure retreat and a holiday resort. They decided to provide a comfortable residence, albeit spiced with a resort like feel.
The sprawling site area of 22 acres houses 3 major types of residences. All three of which are primarily constituted of de rigeur spaces such as a living, dining, kitchen and bedrooms. The variations in each unit are reflected in the carpet area and added facilities like a personal swimming pool and a garden.
What makes the project priceless is the sensitive and progressive steps taken by the developers. The site is located adjacent to a lake that was found deteriorating, unused and dried up at the beginning of the project. To add value to the lifestyle of the future residents, the developers generously revitalised the lake as a common public amenity for the city.
With its central man-made isle, the lake is open for boating now; its boundary too is fenced and enhanced with a walkway lined with seats. This gesture has not only enriched the views of the homes but also infused a whole new life into the city.
A gurgling water body marks the entrance to the site. The heart of the scheme is the gorgeous clubhouse that vitalises and throbs with a certain zeal and vigour. Centrally located with a triangular garden, the clubhouse is easily accessible from all the internal roads.
Open only for the occupants, the opulent club house has a unique diamond shaped plan and occupies an area of approximately 42,000 sq. ft. The double storey structure is proportioned to exude simplicity wrapped in elegance. Flanked by water-bodies the entrance path is embellished with custom-made two metre high clay pots, with an enormous Buddha sculpture acting as a point of focus.
The contrast of the soothing hues of the flooring and furniture with a fiery
orange gives the reception zone a robust feel.
A beautiful mélange of materials fusing the soft and hard landscape leads one to the reception and waiting zone. The splash of warm orange colour energises the aura. Contrasted with a Kota stone flooring and neutral furniture, the space is comfortable and inviting. A display of paintings related to rare vintage cars captures the interest of the guests.
The reception flows into an open-to-sky courtyard adorned with a fascinating swimming pool. Always picky about the choice of trees and plants on the site, Ishwar Gehi says, “With their graphical branches and foliage, trees add a definitive charm to the overall composition.” Date palms, Dwarf Champas and Ficuses fill the courtyard with allure. One may sit, relax and rejuvenate enjoying a ‘holiday mood’ every single day!
To ensure the privacy and ease of the residents, the clubhouse smartly makes arrangements for accommodating personal guests. Stunning high-end guest rooms find their place on the first floor of the clubhouse.
This not only makes the guests feel special but also makes for relaxed hosts. The guest rooms make a style statement with their swanky yet muted décor with the added charm of a balcony facing the courtyard. With a pleasing view of the outside from each space, the ambience is forever light and refreshing.
Text By Kruti Choksi
Photographs Nirmal Masurekar
Contact
email: ishwar.gehi@gmail.com
