Padmanabhapuram Palace in the rains - Part 1 by Sujith.G.S

Padmanabhapuram palace complex is the quintessential example of the vernacular architecture of Kerala and was the abode of the Travancore Royal Family, before Maharajah Marthanda Varma shifted the capital to Trivandrum. The palace complex is a masterpiece - an intriguing play of volumes, scale, spatial planning & courtyards, all of which have a strong underlying cohesiveness. The spaces move from the public spaces on the periphery to the more private spaces as one moves towards the core, reflected through variations in scale & proportion, producing very interesting spaces

I had the good fortune of visiting the Palace complex last week and was greeted by ominous dark grey clouds in the background. I didnt want it to rain, but the skies soon opened up as we were exploring the complex.

And it turned out to be quite an unexpected spectacle. The whole space transforms in the rains. The results are most evident in the spectacular courtyards, where it is a literal waterfall. The sound and feel of the rain transforms the space, adding an additional dimension. Do check out the below pictures. Will come back with much more in Part 2 

 

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ARIA VILLAS IN UBUD, BALI

Came across these wonderful villas in Ubud, Bali. Simple, contemporary design, well detailed.

SUJITH.G.S is a practising architect and writer, with a passion for travelling, experiencing cultures, studying vernacular architecture as well as contemporary currents, which form the basis for his writing and blogging. He has been recently selected as part of the iGen 2017, the 50 most promising upcoming young architects in India.

The Bali Bible for Architects - Alila Uluwatu

By SUJTIH.G.S

The Alila property in Uluwatu is one of the definitive designs in the field of hospitality architecture. Designed by WOHA, the uniqueness of the design evolves from the conceptual gesture of merging all the built interventions into the existing landscape. Thus, spaces seamlessly blend into the surroundings, which are further aided by the luxurious landscaping.

The sloping topography of the site is resolved into a series of levels around which various spaces are organized. A design language which stresses on the rusticity of materials, especially those on the exterior, contrasts beautifully with the sleek finishes inside. The gradual weathering of the materials, especially the exposed ironwood, further helps it to merge seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Explore more of Bali here

The public areas are defined by a series of covered flat roofed spaces, which are interspersed with water bodies and greenery, inviting one to move out into the exteriors. Each individual villa is again meticulously planned – arriving at a beautifully minimalist and clean layout, which is made vibrant by bringing in the landscaping to the interiors. A small lush open to sky courtyard defines the head of the bed, creating a feeling of sleeping amidst greenery. The ample day bed in the front further opens out directly into the pristine pool, which extends out to the open cabana on the edge. All of these are then tied together by the luxuriant all prevalent green and beautiful black lava stones

Alila Uluwatu is one property that should be in all architect’s bucket list, to really experience the power of great design and of course, to take back tons of inspiration!

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