The development was for second homes in the Alibag area of Maharashtra state, a popular ‘escape’ accessible in two hours by sea from the bustle of Mumbai.

The site comprises seven hectares of former rice paddi on the edge of an existing village and an FSI of 1 is allowed through much of the site, generating a project with a built up area of approximately 56,000m2.

The design draws its influences from ancient temple complexes found throughout India and features strong axial planning punctuated by landscaped courtyards. Rooftops are developedas terraces and gardens and routes constructed over and through the complex much as one might explore a (ruined) temple.

The project comprised approximately 350 residential units, most of which are designed as duplex type apartments with double height living areas. The accommodation is made up of a combination of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units, each benefiting from several layout options and having floor areas of (respectively) 65m2, 110m2 and 170m2. In addition 7 private villas of 250m2 were provided on land which falls outside the ‘gaothan’ and benefits from a lower FSI.

Naturally, aside from the accommodation, the project provides extensive clubhouse and leisure activities much as one might expect in a 5 star resort plus, in the greater landscape, a range of sporting and ‘adventure’ activities.