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
Redefining Indian temple architecture, the relocation of the existing shrine due to a new residential project presented an opportunity to design a space that seamlessly integrates tradition with contemporary needs. The given 400 sq. ft. site was envisioned not merely as a shrine to Lord Datta, a local deity, but as a vibrant community space, […]
Hotel Grand Shaurya is a landmark hospitality and a fine example of modern hotel design. The project envisioned and executed with a deep sensitivity toward spatial aesthetics, user comfort, and modern functionality. Rising elegantly across six levels (Ground + Five Floors), the building encapsulates a holistic approach to luxury, blending contemporary design with timeless sophistication. […]
This brutalist architectural style house perches along a scenic waterfront. ‘The House that Meets the River’ subtly emerges, blending into its verdant surroundings while gracing what could arguably be Thiruvalla’s most captivating locale. Embracing a brutalist architectural style, yet characterized by the elegance of simplicity in its choice of materials, this residence embodies a profound […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
This contemporary courtyard house is designed within constraints that often give rise to the most creative solutions. This residence, nestled in a landlocked plot flanked by development on three sides, represents a unique architectural intervention that turns limitation into opportunity. The client’s vision was both unusual and ambitious: to create a twin house under one […]
This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing a […]
In this modern luxury home, courtyards spill into living spaces, and the lines between inside and outside dissolve into a seamless whole. This 17,800 sq. ft. bungalow in Anand, by Hiren Patel Architects, blurs the boundaries between landscape, architecture, and interiors, creating a home where nature isn’t just the backdrop but an integral part of […]
Nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik range, the Himalayas is our latest project, Ekasham — a private residence refurbishment and redevelopment project, spread across an area of 2177 sqm. The monolithic home, through its volumes, composed of old and new structures, merges into a singular silhouette evoking the presence of a monolith from which […]
This single-story sustainable home in Ezhupunna blends traditional Kerala architecture with tropical, eco-friendly design. Inspired by the “kullakadavu” concept, a central pond encourages family interaction while enhancing the landscape. This Ezhupunna Home is Rooted in Eco-friendly Design | Judson Associates Architects & Interiors Despite being near lakes and beaches, adding a pond improves year-round moisture […]
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 […]