The Black Bunny Club, situated in a vibrant area of Surat, emerges as a contemporary hospitality hub designed to cater to diverse age groups through a wide array of recreational activities. This multi-modal recreational arena integrates sports, fitness, and gaming zones within a singular, cohesive space, embodying a vision of seamless activity and vibrant community engagement.
Black Bunny in Surat is Envisions a Vibrant Community | i-con Architects & Urban Planners
The Black Bunny Club draws inspiration from creating a holistic space where fitness and recreation converge, fostering a lively atmosphere for social interaction. The design concept emphasizes temporal and flexible spaces, reflecting the dynamic nature of the activities hosted within the facility.
The selection of distinctive indoor sports—including taekwondo, badminton, shooting, swimming, and table tennis. Thus highlighting the ambition to provide a unique recreational experience. Complementing these are outdoor activities like a rope course, trampoline park, and arcade games, further enhancing the comprehensive offering.
The architectural language of Black Bunny in Surat was influenced by industrial aesthetics. It is seen in the use of exposed brick, metal structures, and colonial-style arched windows. Thus, creating a blend of raw and refined elements that resonate with the vibrant energy of the space.
The spatial configuration of the Black Bunny Club prioritises functionality and accessibility. The design divides the building into two primary zones: the club and the game zone, each featuring its own reception area.
This division is not only horizontal but also vertical, with double-height spaces strategically positioned to enhance visual connectivity and create a dynamic flow between different activity areas.
The cuboid structure, measuring 30 m x 53 m x 11.5 m, occupies only one-third of the site, leaving the remaining area for outdoor activities and essential services like parking and green spaces.
The placement of the building along the east façade maximizes visibility and interaction with the surrounding urban environment, while the uniform skin of exposed red brick and black colonial-style arched windows ties the diverse internal spaces together into a coherent whole.
Even the compound wall and the canopy over the semi-covered café, constructed from hollow clay blocks interwoven with metal rafters, exude a raw and rustic character. The interior design contrasts bright, vibrant colours with dark grey and charcoal tones. Thus, reinforcing the industrial aesthetic while creating an energetic and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
One of the primary challenges in the project was optimizing the use of the 7,700-square-meter site while addressing the constraints of land consumption and the need for large volumes for specific indoor activities.
Moreover, balancing the dual requirements of creating a striking, visually appealing façade along a busy road and preserving privacy for more intimate activities deeper within the plot demanded a nuanced approach to spatial planning.
Moreover, the decision to avoid using trusses for large spans, as advised by structural consultants, required innovative engineering solutions. This is to maintain structural integrity without compromising on the architectural vision.
Additionally, the construction of the Black Bunny Club utilised a combination of RCC frame structures for the fitness areas and metal (MS) structures for the gaming and recreational zones. Thus enhancing the building’s industrial character.
The metal framework, constructed with hot-rolled sections and I-beams, facilitated the creation of large, open spaces. Meanwhile, maintain the building’s aesthetic coherence. Moreover, an innovative approach was taken with the checker plate slab, which was designed to be open to the climate. It is also equipped with waterproofing and china mosaic on top to minimise dead loads on the MS structure below.
The gymnasium, with its 30-foot vaulted roof, features pre-cast arched MS rafters and purlins supporting a metal sheet roof. It is insulated internally with black XLPE sheets for thermal efficiency.
Fact File
Designed by: i-con Architects & Urban Planners
Project Type: Commercial Building
Project Name: Black Bunny Club
Location: Surat, India
Year Built: 2021
Plot Area: 82,882 Sq.ft
Built-up Area: 50,590 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. Jaymin Patel & Ar. Vijal Desai Patel
Team Design Credits: Rishika Dalal, Harshi Ajmeri & Harkishan Kumbhani
Photograph Courtesy: Depictions by Prachi Khasgiwala
Products / Materials / Vendors: Cladding – Fabulous stone / Equipments – Brunswick Bowling, USA / Lighting – Kothari Electricals / Bathroom fittings – American Standard / Windows – Shaan Glass / HVAC – Carrier / Audio Video System – LD systems, Germany
Consultants for the Project: MEP Consultant – Aadhar Projects / HVAC Consultant – Miracle cooling system / Structure Consultant – Arcon Consultants / Accoustics Consultant- Evenflow Eternal / Graphics Designer- Gemius Studios Pvt. Ltd. / Contractor – Shah Constructions
Firm’s Website Link: i-con Architects & Urban Planners
The Firm’s Instagram Link: i-con Architects & Urban Planners
Firm’s Facebook Link: I-con Architects & Urban Planners
For Similar Projects >> The Brief was to Contemporize Mid-Century Modern Architecture
Nestled amidst the scenic hillocks of Hosapete, Karnataka, the House of Terraces is a spacious 8,000 sq ft residence thoughtfully designed for a multigenerational family comprising grandparents, their two sons, and their respective families. Gentle hills dotted with windmills envelope the site, providing a picturesque backdrop that the design thoughtfully engages with. Situated on a […]
The client, a high-profile corporator from the Thane Municipal Corporation, desired a modern bungalow design that epitomizes class, quality, and luxury. The design requirements included 5 bedrooms, visitor and informal living areas, and amenities such as a spa and jacuzzi, all distributed within a G+1 structure covering approximately 10,000 sq. ft. His emphasis was clear […]
This elegant residence is constructed using locally available Jodhpur sandstone. The elevation is thoughtfully designed using stone to seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, creating a captivating combination of historical artistry and contemporary elegance. It showcases majestic, timeless stone architecture. The central arch stands tall in a concrete jungle as a focal point, harmoniously […]
When it comes to construction, two of the most common materials are concrete blocks and bricks. In architecture, choosing the right materials can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options available, how do you determine which is best for your project? Both materials have their unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Let’s dive deep […]
With sheer simplicity and understated elegance, the estate house intertwines harmoniously with the mountain on three distinct levels and blends seamlessly into the natural landscape. Staying true to our philosophy, the materials used are natural, with wooden flooring, random-rubble walls, cobblestone pathways, and log rafters. Estate Paathri is a Private Residence spread across a forested […]
The design of 2×2 has multiple meanings in this project but primarily signifies the “double duplex”, a concept that this house originates from. Today’s family in the Indian context is one that advocates for independent-living, yet the tradition of a joint-family is what makes our culture so closely-knit. Privacy yet togetherness – a key balance […]
In this Baroda house project, we bring together a blend of two seemingly different styles – contemporary and ethnic – to create a unique and visually stunning space bathed in understated luxury. Interior design is all about creating spaces that reflect the individuality and style of the homeowner. The client Yashwant bhai Shah came to […]
Having spent their childhood growing up in old colonial home in New Delhi, the clients wanted one that would reflect their fond memories and take them back to their roots. Since it was their first, they wanted to build a simple residence that allowed a lot of natural light in and felt open and inviting […]
This six bedroom house design stands as an embodiment of elegance and innovation. Meticulously designed, this six bedroom house design, complete with two living rooms and a state-of-the-art kitchen, epitomises sophisticated architecture and thoughtful planning. Every element of this residence tells a unique story, offering a living experience that is both refined and deeply personal. […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]