The SAIL Center in Surat, Gujarat, is a global hub dedicated to the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, spanning over 1 hectare (2.5 acres) within the 47 hectare (120 acres) Earthspace campus. Developed by an Indian hotelier and disciple of the gurus, Earthspace includes AURO University, where integral education blends health, spirituality, science, and consciousness. The center serves as a sanctuary for introspection, contemplation, and inner growth. The Studio Naqshbandi was asked to design this project in 2010, and finally, the execution started in 2019 due to multiple changes in the location within the 120-acre campus, as well as prioritising of funding allotment by the management for the growing campus.
Editor’s Note: “Surrounded by the goodness of exposed brick and concrete, Sail Center emerges as a reflection of inner self. Bridging the seen and the unseen, this space is where earth, air, and light converse with an enduring sense of purpose. Here, every detail speaks in a language close to the soul, offering resilience and grace.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
SAIL Center in Surat is a Sanctuary of Inner Growth and Integral Education | Studio Naqshbandi
Using our studio’s expertise in creating natural landscapes to advantage, one of the first decisions was to convert the low-lying site to a rainwater catchment, creating a natural pond. Concurrently, it avoided an ecological disaster somewhere else to carry 60-70 truckloads of soil to the site.
The 2950 sq mt Bio Pond is designed as a perennial self-maintaining water body, then overflows into this natural low-lying landscaped area to create a water body in the monsoon, attracting special birds and local water species.
Metaphorically, the water body defines the separation between the outer and inner world. The Bridge invites one to transcend this separation and enter a realm of peace and play of light and shadow.
Visitors traverse this entrance bridge and engage with the center’s carefully curated spaces, evoking exploration and inner discovery. The three courtyards within the building allow one access to nature, wind, and light throughout the center.
Key features include a Zen Garden, Sensorium Court, small meditation petal pods, and Dhyanshala, a meditative space floating above the bio-pond.
The four petal-shaped meditation chambers are inspired by the four attributes of The Mother, and the serene interiors reflect a spiritual ethos akin to Auroville’s spiritual center, Matrimandir.
The Sensorium has several musical instruments that allow one to enter the world of sound and space. The Center thus lends itself to exploration with all five senses in a peaceful and serene ambience.
The design integrates nature’s five elements, creating sensory narratives with courtyards, bio-ponds, and a blend of exposed brick, concrete, and glass.
Sustainable practices, including rainwater harvesting and landscaping with indigenous flora, ensure harmony with the low-lying site.
Holding on to the original concept was a huge constraint. Over the 10 years of incubation, many changes and challenges emerged; yet, despite it all, the core vision remained intact.
Redesigning the almost-finished structure from a half-underground to a fully above-ground form became necessary due to changes in the byelaws and the client’s constantly evolving brief. Despite these shifts, patience and ongoing negotiations helped overcome the challenges.
Another major challenge was working from a long distance to achieve the level of detailing and finishing in architecture, interiors, and landscaping.
Fact File
Designed by: Studio Naqshbandi
Project Type: Educational Architecture & Community Center Design
Project Name: SAIL Center
Location: Surat, Gujarat, India
Year Built: 2023
Built-up Area: 30138.95 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Mona Doctor-Pingel
Photograph Courtesy: Ishi Sitwala
Team: Mona Doctor-Pingel, Ojas Vyas, Alma Anna Bakhlina, Roshita Sudhir, Mihir Desai
Client: HP Rama – Auro University, Surat, India
Structure: NPC Builders, Pondicherry
Contractor: Bhoomi Constructions, Ahmedabad + M/S DH Patel, Surat
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: Studio Naqshbandi
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio Naqshbandi
For Similar Project>> This Sustainable School Fosters Independence and Self-reliance
The site is located in Ahilyanagar town of Maharashtra, with a design brief of 7,000 sq feet, while the house had to be designed for the hot and dry climate, which responds carefully to extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and low humidity. The design focuses on reducing heat gain, improving natural ventilation, and creating comfortable indoor spaces with […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
SapanoUday is a contemporary residence that balances material rawness with layered textures and crafted detail, aligning modern living with cultural and spatial sensibilities. Designed by Hundreddesigns, the home responds closely to the client’s routines and artistic inclinations while thoughtfully integrating Vastu principles. HundredDesigns The designers defined the architecture through a minimal palette, using exposed concrete […]
KRIPA is a residence that reflects the personality and lifestyle of its homeowner — calm, open, and rooted in nature. The project focuses on creating light-filled, green spaces with minimal private zones, encouraging openness and connection. In a time when spaces are shrinking but expectations are rising, architecture becomes the medium to bridge this gap […]
The Sculpted Sanctuary is a masterclass in modern minimalist design. The project focuses on “Quiet Luxury”. It is the idea that a space doesn’t need bright colors or flashy decor to feel expensive. Instead, it uses raw natural materials, rich textures, and sharp architectural lines. This Home Is A Masterclass In Modern Minimalist Design | […]
SIDHARTHA, is a four-bedroom modern house which is functional and aesthetic driven by the specific needs of the client. The location of the site is in a dense neighbourhood in Bengaluru, India. The contemporary urban dwelling frequently negotiates competing demands. It balances generous daylight and visual connection to the street with privacy, dust control, and […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]