Master Planning for Wellness & Yoga Retreats
We shape spaces where built environments meet the stillness of nature. From understanding site topography to material integration, we build retreats that breathe.
An aerial view of the 14-acre site for the Kaivalyam Yoga Ashram in Belagavi. The master plan is carefully laid out to respect the 120-foot slope and maximize views of the Western Ghats.
The pool pavilion at the yoga resort nearing completion. Built with local laterite stone, it is tucked under a stage pavilion to create a private yet open space for relaxation.
The swimming pool and stage area for the Kaivalyam Yoga retreat under construction. The design uses the site's slope to create two distinct levels for privacy and public functions.
A view of the steel roof structure being erected for the yoga retreat's stage pavilion. In the foreground is a physical model used to explain the complex design to the site team.
The physical model was an essential tool for communicating the complex 50-foot span steel truss design for the yoga retreat's main stage.
A close-up of the physical model for the yoga retreat's stage and pool area, showing the stepped seating and the lightweight roof structure.
Collaboration is key. Here, my team is working with structural engineers from Space Structures, using physical and digital models to refine the roof design for the Kaivalyam reception block.
A render of the reception block at Kaivalyam, designed with a large cantilevered roof and extensive glazing to capture the panoramic views of the surrounding nature.
This visualization shows the arrival experience at the Kaivalyam reception block, with landscaped steps and seating areas creating a welcoming, informal atmosphere.
The reception block is elevated on stilts, a design choice informed by the steep slope. This minimizes the building's impact on the ground and enhances the feeling of floating in the landscape.
About Wellness & Retreat Spaces
When designing the 14-acre Kaivalyam Yoga Ashram in Belagavi, the most critical decision was how to work with the site's 120-foot slope. Rather than flattening the land, we tucked private zones like the swimming pool beneath public stages. This approach preserved the natural landscape and created distinct levels for privacy and communal activity, using the terrain to define the experience instead of fighting against it.
Architecture for wellness requires more than just aesthetics. It demands a dialogue with the ground itself. At our studio, we believe a retreat should feel like an extension of the local geography.
The Structural Philosophy Our process begins by mapping the soul of the site. For the Belagavi project, we utilized physical models to understand how a 50-foot span steel truss could sit lightly on the land. By collaborating with structural experts like Space Structures, we achieved wide cantilevers that maximize panoramic views of the Western Ghats without heavy concrete foundations. This keeps the building footprint minimal and respects the natural drainage patterns.
Materiality and Craft We prioritize materials that age gracefully with the environment. Using local laterite stone connects the built form to the region's history, providing thermal comfort and a distinct visual character. Our team focuses on passive cooling techniques, ensuring that the yoga hall and guest areas remain comfortable throughout the year without relying solely on mechanical systems.
Collaborative Development We do not work with pre-determined plans. Master planning, in our view, is an interactive exercise. Whether we are planning for a spiritual sanctuary or a campus, we work closely with you to understand the end-user journey. We integrate functional requirements, like efficient vehicular and pedestrian flow, with the intangible needs of a retreat, such as quiet corners and meditative pathways.
If you have a site with challenging contours or a specific vision for a wellness destination, we invite you to discuss how we might approach the master plan together.
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