Showing posts with label Gujarat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gujarat. Show all posts

Friday 15 June 2007

Mallika Sarabhai's Country Retreat.

When I saw this on the cover of Inside Outside Magazine few years back I just wanted to be there on the swing...
This country retreat is designed by Nimesh Patel & Parul Zaveri of Abhikram, for their friend Mallika Sarabhai a famous Indian dancer, activist & environmentalist.
This is a traditional Gujrati Hitchkar (swing) which can be moved either way to face inwards or outwards.
A place in a natural setting where one can rejuvenate and escape from the stressful city life.
A series of wood sculptures of birds & serpents are scattered around the place.
The walls of the house are plastered with mud to provide natural insulation against heat. The wall has mud patterns with small mirrors fixed on them. ( Lovely!)
Her living space reflects her beliefs of conserving natural resources & importance of indigenous traditions. The sofas are made of natural materials like cane, jute & handloom.


Mallika's love for traditional crafts of Kutch can be seen in the hand embroidered covers and quilted bedcovers in her rooms.

( images from Inside Outside Magazine, June 2003 issue)

Wednesday 14 February 2007

Shaam-e-Sarhad- A Rural Resort.

Shaam-e-Sarhad translated means 'sunset at the border'. This resort is a joint venture between Ministry of Tourism India and the United Nations.

Using the material available in plenty in this region- MUD, the artisans from the village of Hodka (Bhuj, Gujarat) have created this beautiful ecological & aesthetic architectural splendor.

The public sitting area in different levels is highlighted with various earthy colours.
This region is famous for it's 'Leeppan Kaam'-Mud-Mirror murals and 'Chittar Kaam'-Mud paintings. These have been used extensively in all the circular huts called the 'Bhungas'

Bright coloured fabric on the deck chairs.
Inside view of the 'Bhungas'. (Check out the floor to ceiling headboard in mud.)

A combination of traditional mirror work and modern bathroom fittings.

A canopy of brightly coloured fabrics form the ceiling and monochromatic earth colours form the dining area below.

(Images from Better Interiors- Feb2007)