Bangalore City, IN
There are places where time stops for a while, allowing you to breath and enjoy the little things in life. Those places that seem blessed and privileged, where people are blissful and relaxed, where the sun is your friend and the serene evenings spread a sweet and light scent of summer, those are the places where you absolutely forget about the urban hectic life, press pause to all your problems, set your spirit free and you embrace life. In the enchanting region of Shillong, there is one ; a complete gateway known as the THE MUGUET located onto the foot hills of Barapani Lake surrounded by lush green mountains and undoubtedly with time on their side, the future beckons with open arms for an unforgettable experience.
The landscape surrounding the building is to a high degree being brought back to nature, the building will be visible from a distance but will never dominate the dimensions of a landscape, in this context the building is going to be defined as a part of the landscape. Further to justify the challenge imposed by the site given the extreme contoured condition, the building was designed in a stepped format creating terraces opening to all guest rooms, reception lobby, private cabins and suites above, furthermore the idea is strengthen more through the choice of shape and materials, for both the exteriors and interiors likewise.
With the environmental aspect as a premise, the consequence is a stepped rise building with a small foot print, short distances and easy access to daylight from all sides. The stepped terraces adjoining to all rooms and amenities , the bar, the infinity plunge pool with access to leisure's like spa and sauna and last but not the least the "sky bridge" all adds up to an experience of a lifetime.
According to the architects, “the layout of each floors or each step as we fondly call them; was designed to take advantage of the breathtaking panoramic views, the lake and adjoining hills have to offer. Interiors were achieved through locally sourced materials inspired by the natural surroundings – stone, wood, glass. It was important that all rooms receive their individual identity while preserving the character of the whole building”. Inside the building the human aspect is being cultivated, intimacy and security is to be found in a simple organisation of the different levels.
Lastly, to sum it up, whether it is the sky bridge welcoming the guests in the ground floor reception lobby or the rooms catering the guests with covered balcony and open to the sky terraces all in one time, only one thing has been kept in mind, to conceptualize and realize the client's vision and wish to make the hotel a definite " larger than life" experience for its guest's.
Status: Under Construction
Location: Shillong, IN
Firm Role: design
Additional Credits: prashanta kr ghosh, prakash kr sharma