Alibaug | Design Essentia Magazine

RJ House / ARA Designs

Design Essentia Magazine — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 11:19:52 +0000

A magnificent home, ensconced amidst Alibaug’s tropical foliage with earthy elements and colors.

Project Name : RJ House
Project Location : Alibaug, India
Architect/Interior Designer : ARA Designs
Principal Architect : Amey Dahanukar

Interior Design : Esha Pandya of Studio Flamingo and Isprava

Photography credits : Isprava

Text description by the architects.

Epitomizing luxury, RJ House is a magnificent home, ensconced amidst Alibaug’s tropical foliage. Earthy elements and colors create a soothing impact to make you feel close to nature while rustic textures and patterned floors strike a harmonious visual balance. Striking contemporary fixtures define the stunning living and dining space which opens onto a laidback poolside area. Recreationally, there’s plenty to help you relax—take a dip in the pool, unwind in the jacuzzi, sip on chilled cocktails at the bar, play pool & table tennis or curl up with a book in the den. Comfort awaits you in the five cozy bedrooms. What’s more, the fifth bedroom can be converted into a lounge where you can enjoy a movie marathon with loved ones. The terrace offers views of the entire property and is perfect for your morning cuppa or those breezy evening sundowners.

What was the brief from the client?

Amey : The RJ House project commenced as a friendly design competition, centered around the creation of a tropical modern-style residence in the picturesque locale of Alibaug. Spanning a generous one-acre expanse, our overarching objective was to seamlessly integrate the structure with the local surroundings, drawing inspiration from the iconic tropical modernist architect Geoffrey Bawa, While the property enjoys a prime location along the main road, our unique concept revolves around creating a distinctive boundary. We achieved this by introducing a striking double wall that not only separates the house from the main compound but also serves as a captivating entrance installation. This innovative design choice was pivotal in aligning the house with its natural environment. Upon entering the property, visitors are greeted by an internal courtyard, serving as a transitional space that sets the tone for what lies beyond. As one proceeds through the entrance, a narrow corridor emerges, reminiscent of a journey through a lush forest. Towering trees on either side of this corridor effectively isolate it from the main living spaces, enhancing the sense of immersion in nature and creating a tranquil passage to the heart of the house.

If you had to name the design style used, what would it be?

Tropical Modern

What were the inspirations and key concepts for the development of the project?

Firstly, we drew inspiration from the visionary architect Geoffrey Bawa, who famously integrated internal courtyards into his designs. We incorporated this concept by strategically placing an internal courtyard within the living space. This central oasis not only brings a touch of nature indoors but also serves as a focal point for the entire design.

Secondly, our approach involved reorienting the house’s perspective. Instead of focusing outward toward the surroundings, we intentionally designed the house to look inward. The internal courtyard took center stage in this regard, becoming the heart of the entire composition. This inward focus created a sense of sanctuary and tranquility within the property.

Lastly, we introduced a dual-roof concept, dividing the structure into two distinct blocks. This architectural choice added visual interest and served functional purposes, providing a unique character to each part of the house while maintaining a cohesive design language.

What were the difficulties, or first setbacks encountered?

The project encountered a notable challenge from the land’s composition, which contained a substantial amount of bedrock or core material. This presented a significant obstacle, as excavating through the rock proved to be a labor-intensive and time-consuming process.

Explain the use of colors and or other details to add value to the design.

Our design philosophy for this project was rooted in simplicity and a commitment to the fundamentals. We embraced the elegance of white as a timeless expression of purity and minimalism. To enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the space, we incorporated wooden strings as a sunshade element along specific sections of the corridor. This not only served a practical purpose but also added a warm, natural texture to the design, creating a harmonious blend of modernity and nature.

Furthermore, the color palette was purposefully restrained, with green being the primary hue chosen for the landscape. This verdant choice for the outdoor environment was a deliberate nod to the lush tropical surroundings, contributing to a seamless integration of the structure with its natural setting.

What is your favorite element of the design?

I find the entrance courtyard particularly captivating as it effectively transforms the journey from the drop-off point to the main house. This courtyard serves as a symbolic bridge, creating a deliberate separation between the house and its external surroundings.

What do you think is the USP of the project?

The true essence of this design lies in its seamless interconnection of spaces, all nestled harmoniously under one roof. A paramount consideration was the meticulous orchestration of spaces, adhering to a well-considered hierarchy that ensures each area serves its distinct purpose while contributing to the overall unity of the residence.

One of the most compelling aspects of this project is the strategic use of natural light, which bathes the entire house in its luminous embrace. In particular, the living room stands out as a prime example of this design philosophy, as it is bathed in abundant natural light streaming in from all sides. This thoughtful integration of light not only enhances the aesthetics but also creates an inviting and dynamic living environment.

Project Name : RJ House
Project Location : Alibaug, India
Architect/Interior Designer : ARA Designs
Principal Architect : Amey Dahanukar

Interior Design : Esha Pandya of Studio Flamingo and Isprava

Photography credits : Isprava

The post RJ House / ARA Designs appeared first on Design Essentia Magazine.

JSW Hospital Art transformation / Baaya Design

Design Essentia Magazine — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 12:20:53 +0000

The Healing Power of Art. Transformation of a premier hospital with an artful intervention.

Project Name : JSW Hospital (Art Renovation)
Project Location : Alibaug, Maharashtra, India

Architects/Designer : Baaya Design in collaboration with SJK Architects
Principal Designer: Shibani Jain

Photograph courtesy : Baaya Design

Text description by the architects.

While modern medicine has evolved, the meaningful difference art makes to those ailing is indisputable. To combine the best of both worlds, we arrived at the scene at Alibaug’s leading hospital, Sanjeevani by JSW, to harness the essence of art. Our chief inspiration was nature itself. As the hospital sits amid a lush and vibrant mangrove, we used imagery that nourishes the soul. From swans to peacocks to fish, we drew strength from all. The project was done in collaboration with SJK Architects.

At Baaya, we lead with storytelling. And as Grecian mythology reminds us, names have great power. That’s why one of our headlining murals is the Sanjeevani wall, a namesake to the hospital itself, where we’ve depicted Hanuman’s quest to fetch the herb. As the story goes in Hindu myth, Hanuman was called upon to fetch the herb from the mount Dronagiri. But upon his arrival, he grew confused. So instead, he transported the whole mountain instead. And we’ve now captured its essence with Tholu Bommalata. While Tholu means leather in Telugu, Bommalu means dolls. This Andhra art’s leather puppets are a hallmark of Southern Indian crafts. Its repute comes from its widespread use, now rarefied, and origins in 200 BC during the rule of the Satavahana dynasty.

When one enters the hospital, they’re met with Ashtavinayak in his many forms. Each idol has been handcrafted in terracotta for durability. The eight minimalist idols are arranged in rows under an interplay of bell-like lights. Made with a copper finish, each shines down on the Ganeshas, meeting every entrant with a positive, healing vibe.

A slew of art crafted in Gond has been placed across the halls of the hospital. Gond hails from Madhya Pradesh but its fame has traveled the world. With vibrant colours and intricate lines, Gond lends a movement to art, making it seem as if the still images are in motion. With Gond, we’ve created a stunning interplay of Winged Art with sculpted birds that hang gladly in the cafeteria. Meanwhile, an unmissable wall in the cafeteria is our ode to the mangroves. The sprawling mural depicts scenes in the mangroves with its variety of characters interacting at leisure. The wall brings the natural essence of the landscape inside the walls of the hospitals.

Other Gond murals such as a lively orange-toned dance of nature where fish and turtles emerge in an interplay have been featured as well. An array of portraits that feature inside wards help emit a positive, soothing vibe for those ailing. We’ve used bright colours everywhere to awaken a mood of strength and grit that comes with positivity. Accompanied by images of peacocks in dance and different specimens of nature at play, our brush strokes have added touches of the artful everywhere. The halls now gleam with a sober positivity, making it a project we’re truly proud of. The project was done in collaboration with SJK Architects.

Ashtavinayak wall: Healing Heritage.

Designed for the state-of-the-art JSW Multi-Speciality Sanjeevani Hospital in Alibaug is a serene landscape of healing through art. As you enter the edifice, you’re met with Ashtavinayak, in his many forms and each idol has been handcrafted in terracotta for durability. The eight minimalist idols are arranged in rows under an interplay of bell-like lights. Made with a copper finish, each shines down on the Ganeshas, meeting every entrant with a positive, healing vibe.

Sanjeevani wall: Transporting Sanjeevani to Alibaug.

In Hindu mythology, the mystical herb of Sanjeevani is regarded as a powerful cure for serious nervous system problems. The story goes that when Hanuman was called upon with the task to seek & retrieve the medicinal herb from mount Dronagiri, he wasn’t sure which one was the sanjeevani booti, so he brought the whole mountain instead. This act was a show of faith & reverence. And we’ve now transported this essence to the JSW Multi-Speciality Hospital in Alibaug. Made in the craft style of Tholu Bommalata, the image of Sanjeevani booti and Hanuman emanates a soothing vibe of trust & positivity. While Tholu means leather in Telugu, Bommalu means dolls and its leather puppets are the hallmarks of Andhra Pradesh art and crafts, having originated in 200 BC during the rule of the Satavahana dynasty.

Birds in Gond art: A Vibrant Flock.

Pooled together in a colourful flock is our Winged Art installation at JSW Multi-Speciality Hospital. The hospital’s waiting room section craved a glimpse of motion, a hint of colour, and a touch of craft, and we achieved this balance through the masterful stroke of Gond which ties it all together. The rare craft form that hails from Madhya Pradesh became the chief art theme used in this location and the birds not only paid homage to nature itself, but also the lush mangroves that surround the hospital.

Purple Mangrove Cafeteria wall
An Ode to the Mangroves.

JSW Multi-Speciality hospital is set amidst a treasure trove of marvellous mangroves in Dolvi village, Alibaug. The area is lush with nature’s specimens – from swans to trees to the aquatic wildlife around. To capture its essence on the cafeteria wall, we painted with Gond art, a craft often described as ‘on line work’. where lines are used to convey a sense of movement to still images. The mural pays a stunning homage to the setting the hospital is in. Through vibrant colours and an expressive muse. We’ve topped the piece with stunning cane lights that exude a subtle & natural glow in this space.

Orange wall artwork: High-Spirited Tones, Deep-under the sea.

Made to depict underwater life, we’ve added this colourful, sweeping mural to the JSW Multi-Speciality Hospital in Alibaug. As the imagery suggests, it’s a melding of fish and turtle, in a dance deep below the sea, and are painted in Gond style. The rare artwork hails from Madhya Pradesh and its unique style with lines allows images a kind of rare movement. As if the forms are alive. That’s what makes it a perfect mural for this space.

Individual peacock artwork: The Essential Element of Healing – Art.

Designed for the JSW Multi-Speciality Hospital, this edifice of healing in Alibaug features a classic Baaya touch. An artfully designed Gond mural that displays a colourful peacock welcoming all stands tall and warm. Why Gond? The craft’s playful nuance and intricate lines give each piece a salient feature – of storytelling. Even as this lone peacock gives way, its eyes and body evoke expression and quirk.

Green artwork individual: Swans at Sea.

Our artful intervention at Alibaug’s premiere hospital entails a wide variety of stories. Of these, is this illustration of birds in Gond style. Made with bright colours, Gond comes to us from Madhya Pradesh, and makes its presence known with intricate lines. The birds have been designed to reflect their habitat. As JSW sits amid a Mangrove landscape, we took inspiration from the nature around us to pour our artful intentions for those who visit.

Cane Lamps: Made with nature’s evocative love letter to all materials, cane, this selection of lamps is an eco-friendly installation. The natural hues cast a beautiful light in the dark, with stunning geometric shadows that make for a picturesque scene. As part of the JSW project in Alibaug, we especially crafted this lights display for the green-thumbed lover of all things artisanal and poetic

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