Discussing the Design: The Principal Architects of Webe Design Lab Speak on the Anora Beach Resort in India

BRS Sreenag
Project TItle
Anora Beach Resort
Location
Kovathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Site Area
7730 sqm
Built Up Area
2500 sqm
Architects
Webe Design Lab
Design Team
Udhaya Rajan, Sathish Kumar, Karthi (Site Engineer)
Structural
Bhavani Foundation, Archetype Design
Civil
Shakthi Foundation
MEP
Sumanam Engineering
Photography
BRS Sreenag

In this video courtesy Buildofy, Udhaya Rajan and Sathish Kumar, Principal architects of Webe Design Lab, narrate and illustrates the entire design process and experience from conception to completion of the Anora Beach resort, a 24 suite resort located in Kovathur, Chennai, between Mahabalipuram and Puducherry, India.

As described on volzero, the design process adopted by the architects is broadly classified into a four stage process-

  • First Stage: Obtaining and analysing project brief and data pertaining to the site and the context.
  • Second Stage: Spatial zoning and Conceptualization based on data in first stage
  • Third Stage: Massing studies to develop a form for the resort based on site conditions and requirements
  • Fourth Stage: Detailing of the final design and preparation of comprehensive working drawings.

The brief provided by the client included 24 suites, a leisure pool, a conference room and a restaurant. The next step was to numerically quantify these spaces facilitating volumetric studies and analysis. The linear block collectively represented the different spaces with corresponding area and volume. The mass was interpreted as a radial block. Though the site has a coastal location, it offered no physical or visual connectivity to the sea. The onus was on the architects to recreate the experience of a beach on site to boost the environmental quality of the site. This experience was achieved by creating private decks for each of the suites overlooking the central expanse of water, thus echoing the experience of viewing the sea from the beached catamarans.

The 24 suites are arranged in 6 blocks around the water body, the largest block towards the entrance houses the reception and administration facilities. The leisure pool being a part of the main reception block, enables effective grouping of the functions which results in efficient management of the building services.

The uniqueness in the design of the suites can be experienced through the light and fluid spaces which are weaved together with a harmonic transition. The luxury factor of the suites is pushed up several notches as the suites are well-equipped with a private plunge pool, or a jacuzzi or an open-to-sky bathroom. The design of the suites is such that it imbibes the experiential qualities of calm and cozy.

The architects experimented with the material palette for this particular project resulting in the use of locally available stone in the form of random rubble masonry which not only increased the aesthetic appeal of the structures but also enabled passive cooling of the spaces within due to the thermal mass of the stone. The design of the Anora Beach resort skillfully captures the essence of the coast. Carefully tucked in the midst of towering palm trees, this calm and pristine resort qualifies as the perfect weekend getaway.

PROJECT DETAILS

  • Location: Kovathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
  • Year of Completion: October, 2015
  • Plot Area: 1.91 acres
  • Built-up Area: 2500 sq.m
  • Architectural Firm: Webe Design Lab
  • Design Team: Udhaya Rajan, Sathish Kumar, Karthi (Site Engineer)
  • Structural: Bhavani Foundation, Archetype Design
  • Civil: Shakthi Foundation
  • MEP: Sumanam Engineering
  • Photography: BRS Sreenag
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