Client Name: Sri Shanti Developers
Project Title: Redevelopment of Sri Shanti Resorts into Palmyra Weekend Retreat
Project Description: The existing 20-room resort, located inland on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, will be transformed into a weekend home/villas resort. The new development aims to offer a unique experience that attracts and retains visitors despite the distance from the beach.
Primary Objectives:
-Redevelop the resort into a distinct weekend home/villas resort.
-Establish a unique selling proposition that draws visitors seeking a different type of retreat.
-Build a strong brand presence in the weekend getaway market.
-Exceptional on-site facilities designed for a unique and memorable stay.
-An inland retreat providing an oasis of tranquility, away from the coastal crowds.
1. Understanding the Brief
Client’s Objective: Incorporate diverse world architecture styles in a subtle, cohesive manner.
Design Challenge: Integrate these styles without overwhelming the design or creating a visual cacophony.
2. Design Philosophy
Subtle Integration: Use architectural styles from around the world as inspiration rather than direct replication. Aim for a harmonious blend that adds depth without overshadowing the overall aesthetic.
Modern Reinterpretation: Infuse contemporary elements and materials into traditional styles, creating a fresh, updated look.
3. Design Approach
Element Selection: Choose key architectural elements from various styles—such as Japanese simplicity, Mediterranean openness, Scandinavian functionality, and Colonial detailing—but use them sparingly and thoughtfully.
Harmonious Composition: Ensure that these elements are integrated in a way that they complement rather than compete with each other.
The vision for the resort’s redevelopment is bold yet thoughtful: Inspired by global architectural movements, the design celebrates the intersection of diverse styles, drawing influences from traditional Japanese, Mediterranean, Scandinavian, and Colonial elements.
At the heart of the design philosophy is the belief that architecture can transcend borders and time, creating spaces that are as visually stunning as they are functional. This retreat is for those seeking a rare experience that combines the world’s architectural splendour with the serenity of an inland retreat.
One of the 5 Villas designed for Phase 01 development is the 'Nadu Kolam Nivasam'-A Poetic Fusion of Timeless South Asian Tradition and Modern Elegance"
Nadu Kolam Nivasam: A Harmonious Convergence of South Asian Tradition and Contemporary Architectural Elegance
Situated in the tranquil outskirts off Visakhapatnam, Nadu Kolam Nivasam redefines the intersection of South Asian architectural heritage and modern design principles. The villa draws its inspiration from the ancient courtyard typology, where the interplay of indoor and outdoor spaces creates a seamless dialogue between the built environment and nature. This reimagined form offers a bold yet subtle fusion of tradition and contemporary luxury.
At the heart of the design lies the central pool court—an axial space that organises the villa’s layout and becomes the core of its experience. Inspired by the traditional South Asian courtyard, this open-air atrium serves as both a visual anchor and a spatial connector, where the elements of water, light, and greenery converge. The courtyard is not merely a design feature but an embodiment of cultural continuity, offering a serene retreat that fosters both personal reflection and communal gathering.
The architectural composition is marked by expansive verandahs that wrap around the central court, extending the interior spaces into the landscape and facilitating a harmonious flow between the built environment and the natural surroundings. The living verandah’s thatched roof, a nod to rural South Asian vernacular, is treated with meticulous craftsmanship, transforming a humble material into a sculptural element that softens the geometric rigour of the villa’s modern form.
The material palette is deeply rooted in the region's cultural context. Bamboo and palmyra wood, integral to the local building tradition, are employed throughout the design, grounding the villa in its environmental and cultural landscape. These materials, in their refined application, create a tactile connection to the earth while evoking a sense of timelessness. The juxtaposition of natural materials with sleek modern finishes speaks to the villa’s dual identity—anchored in tradition yet unambiguously contemporary.
Spatially, Nadu Kolam Nivasam balances openness and intimacy with careful consideration. The open-plan living and dining areas are designed to encourage fluidity and connection, both internally and with the surrounding environment. The ground floor is organised around the central courtyard, where three bedrooms are strategically positioned to offer privacy while maintaining visual and spatial coherence with the communal zones. The upper level, featuring two additional bedrooms, enhances the sense of seclusion, offering elevated views of the lush landscape.
This spatial organisation creates a clear hierarchy of spaces—communal, semi-public, and private—each contributing to the overall narrative of the villa. The interplay of expansive, open areas with more intimate, secluded zones encourages a dynamic experience of both shared and solitary moments, further enhancing the sense of retreat.
In essence, Nadu Kolam Nivasam is an architectural meditation—a space where cultural heritage and contemporary design principles coexist in thoughtful equilibrium. The villa becomes a vessel for both spatial and emotional experience, offering a profound connection to the past while embracing the possibilities of the future. Here, architecture transcends form, creating a sanctuary where design, nature, and tradition are in perpetual dialogue.