This Temple of Steps is made out of Black Limestone Ziggurats in Nandyal | sP+a
sP+a, the mumbai-based firm led by sameep padora, has completed a temple for the residents of villages around the indian city of nandyal. the project comprises two shrines to balaji and varahaswamy in the form of black limestone ziggurats. meanwhile, the same material has been used for a separate structure that contains the priest’s quarters and a prasad counter for offerings. a tank, referred to as a ‘pushkarini’, surrounds the temple with a shallow body of water.
Visit : Sameep Padora & Associates ( sP+a )
as the project is located in a particularity dry region, the architects say that the ecological strategy for the project began with the importance of bringing groundwater to the site. ‘in the dry terrain of nandyal, the main concern was to provide a space which would marry the socio-cultural expectations of a temple with the ecological framework and dynamics of and around the site,’ explains sP+a. ‘the immediate context of cotton and chilli farms in the region were fed by a natural canal system which had dried up.’
therefore, water overflow from nearby limestone quarries was led to a low-lying recharge pit or ‘kund’. the design team then imagined the banks of this setting as a social space, similar to that of a traditional ‘ghat’ — a flight of steps leading down to a body of water. ‘this negotiation of land and water with steps is a significant part of india’s architectural heritage as is seen in the ghats of the ancient city of benaras (varanasi)’, the architects continue.
sP+a says that the planning of the balaji temple, also known as the ‘temple of steps’, was based on a 10th century design for the same deity in the city of tirupati, which includes the same shrines. the construction process uses locally available black limestone slabs to form the main body of the temple. meanwhile, soil and planting has been incorporated in the lower half of the structures to provide protection against heat.
Project Info:
name: balaji temple (temple of steps)client: JSWlocation: nandyal, andhra pradesh, indiaarea: 2.5 acresarchitects: sameep padora & associatesdesign team: sanjana purohit, vami sheth, aparna dhareshwar, kunal sharmamaterial: limestonephotography: edmund sumner
Located in Udaipur– Rajasthan, this residential project enjoys a unique setting with panoramic views of Roop Sagar on one side and surrounding hills on the remaining three sides. The design brief focused on creating a modern and minimalist residence that exudes serenity and understated luxury. “The designers thoughtfully planned the house to include premium lifestyle […]
In a landscape where aspiration quietly waits, Granthalay emerges as a circular building and sanctuary for learning—gathering people, knowledge, and place into a shared civic moment. Granthalay is conceived as a civic institution that extends beyond the conventional idea of a library, responding to the acute lack of educational and community infrastructure in the district […]
This residence is a sincere exploration of how architecture can remain simple, climate sensitive, cost-effective, and emotionally grounded, without compromising on spatial quality or design intent. Conceived as a 3BHK modest home for a small family, the project stands as a testament to what is possible when thoughtful planning, craft-oriented construction, and material intelligence come […]
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 […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
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 […]
Inclusivity, inequality, gender bias, and pay gaps—are just a few of the challenges women continue to face. In a country where goddesses are worshipped, the question remains: when will true equality become a reality? When will society embrace inclusivity for all? To spark these conversations and drive change, The Architect’s Diary presents a groundbreaking list […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]
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 […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]