Essar Guest House At Kodaikanal
The site located in Kodaikanal had an existing structure that did not have any merits by the way of heritage or artistic value. Since the building bye-laws were very restrictive the only way forward was to build on the existing footprint with the result that the house design evolved from this parameter. Since the client used this in the season for family gatherings of friends and relatives, the main living area was designed as a large hall with a double-height volume. Keeping within the existing foundation this main hall had multiple seating areas formed by three roof structures cascading from the central double-height roof. Subsequently, the roofs were staggered in varying heights from the main cathedral-like roof providing for skylights in between. Two water courts here formed on either side with one becoming a koi pond and the other as a heated pool with a glass roof. A grand staircase leads from the main hall to the upper level which housed the main bedroom and en-suite bathroom. The exterior was clad with a golden colour rough-cut granite, which set off the grey lead-colored tiled roof.
- Date : August 6, 2020