In the words of its founders, Raga Svara – the wellness centre focuses on therapeutic, aesthetic, philosophical and ecological wellbeing of oneself in conjunction with the surroundings. Raga’s logo “Pause” indicates all those who enter this green haven to consciously pause in time, reflect, listen to the body in synergy with nature and get rejuvenated in an educational way. With such a clear vision for Raga, the onus on the architects was to make minimal interventions in the existing landscape and have nature takes precedence.
The Wellness Center Focuses On Therapeutic, Aesthetic, Philosophical And Ecological Wellbeing Of Oneself | Shanmugam Associates
Visit : Shanmugam Associates
The linearity of the site, old trees with huge canopies, agricultural land, location adjacent to Rajkot– Bhavnagar highway and natural site terrain were primary factors that steered the architects to take a biophilic approach to design. Zoning was done with relevance to huge banyan and peepal trees at site.
Architectural language was delineated by exploring basic aspects of roof, wall and floors. Floors interweaved inside and outside with landscape; walls with maximum transparency to enjoy lush vegetation; and roof being simple, horizontal exposed concrete slabs.
The reception at the entry welcomes with a landscape extending to the roof, inviting one to take a walk and have a glimpse of the entire property. The entire roof is hidden with hanging curtain creepers which is literally a green curtain while entering the lobby, hoping to set the initial tone.
Gigantic trees encapsulate the restaurant, library and pool by defining a space of congregation. The library has been located right under the banyan (Ficus benghalensis) that is eponymous to learning.
Inspiration from stepped wells of Gujarat and requirement of sufficient shaded areas, aided in evolving the swimming pool area that has symmetrically punctured ceiling and granite steps.
Chamfered and cut roof slabs of the yoga centre was planned around existing mango trees (Mangifera Indica) offering space for reflection.
Heart of Raga Svara, the treatment rooms have been tucked in at the property’s rear end to provide seclusion.
An entry foyer and boutique with manila tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce) offering canopy, ravishing landscape filled restrooms and floating roofs allowing natural light to seep into large sized therapy rooms welcome Raga’s patrons.
The luxurious 20-key Raga residences, were built around a community garden and circumambulatory bridge, that frames a vista of the western sun behind Moringa cultivation. Cottages have their own private garden with pool and are tucked in behind the zen gardens. All restrooms are naturally ventilated with large private gardens.
An asymmetrical mandala pattern, that was created as a central aesthetic branding identity, is subtly blended in the look book, signage, exposed concrete ceiling patterns, wall murals and flooring.
Sourcing local material and executional challenges were integral part of construction for Raga that went through three pandemic waves. A rustic mood board created around four Indian Ragas, regionally sourced natural stones and customized furniture made from solid teak and rattan are characteristics of Raga’s interior design.
Meandering pathways amidst lush landscapes, delicious Gujarati cuisine with emphasis on wellbeing, blur between the built and green spaces, plethora of quiet corners to ruminate and customized meaningful retreats are some of the offerings by Raga Svara. Treading carefully with the landscape and existing bio-diversity of a 25-acre farm, the entire team worked in tandem to create Raga Svara that is best experienced than read.
Fact File
Designed by : Shanmugam Associates
Project Type : Wellness Center
Project Name : Raga Svara
Location : Rajkot, Gujarat
Year Built : 2022
Project Size : 75,000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects : Santhosh Shanmugam, Raja Krishnan D, Ramya Raman
Team Design Credits : Krishnah Priya, Ajith Kumar, Roshni Roy
Photograph Courtesy : Vinay Panjwani
Landscape Architects : Sandip Patil & Tapan Modi
Collaborators : Siddharth Kaneria & Art Collaborative
Clients : Denish Patel, Mohit Patel & Nirav Talaviya
Firm’s Website Link : Shanmugam Associates
Firm’s Instagram Link : Shanmugam Associates
Firm’s Facebook Link : Shanmugam Associates
For Similar Projects >> A Balance Of Contemporary Design And Traditional Elements Indulged In Hospitality
Few homes are celebrated for their iconic interiors, while some are celebrated for their open layouts. True to its unique context and subtleties, this home with a monochromatic palette, designed by Ar. Saumya Khanna & Ar. Sudhir Ambawata Co – founders & principle architects of SSDA Architects brings the essence of volumetric design and a […]
Adopting sustainable living today, both in design and daily life, is crucial for reducing our environmental footprint and preserving resources for future generations. In the design of this bamboo pavilion, this means using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and creating spaces that harmonize with natural surroundings. In daily living, sustainability involves mindful consumption, reducing waste, conserving […]
Tucked into the lush landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, Aashiyana is a residence that balances context, climate, and craft. Designed by architect Srijit Srinivas, this bungalow is conceived as more than a tropical retreat-it is a spatial journey where bold colour, filtered light, and thoughtful materials orchestrate a distinctive atmosphere. Nestled Amidst Lush Landscape Aashiyana Balances Craft […]
Situated on a compact 1200 sft south-west corner plot, this residence was conceived as an inward-looking sanctuary for a family of four — a home that balances privacy and openness, light and enclosure, within the dense urban fabric. This Residence Was Conceived As An Inward-Looking Sanctuary For A Family Of Four | The Insideout Studio […]
Project 1374 is located in one of the plotted developments in the north of Bangalore, characterized by well-demarcated plots, open spaces, spacious roads, and organized infrastructure. Trees flank the wide streets, dividing the plots with dense canopies offering shaded avenues. Abutting the plot stood a cluster of trees- a quiet presence. We borrowed these trees […]
‘Roots’ was an experiment to build sustainably but not confer to the design language typically associated with sustainable buildings. This residential project re-considers the expression of sustainable architecture through a minimalist and materially grounded lens. Located on a 4,000 sq.ft. plot, the designers conceived the house for a family of three and their pet, organizing […]
This project was planned in between lockdown when the client realized the importance of open space close to nature, aligning with a greenery house design that was required by the client’s aging parents and his young kids. Editor’s Note: Rooted in stillness and shaped by togetherness, this home flows gently between the indoors and nature […]
The Sanctum in Amritsar, designed by Renesa Architecture Design Interiors Studio, stands as a rare architectural experiment in India. It is an attempt to reinvent the domestic typology through geometry, material, and spatial narrative. Spread over 12,000 sq ft on a generous 3 acres plot, the house positions itself as a contemporary meditation on permanence and […]
Mishti’s House by KD ASSOCIATE is a striking example of contemporary residential architecture that blends modern aesthetics with mindful design. The facade features a harmonious mix of exposed red brick, smooth white plaster, and wooden-toned vertical fins, creating depth and visual balance. A unique geometric lattice screen with a Buddha motif serves as both a […]
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 […]