Jalakara Boutique Hotel Architecture in the Andaman Islands

The private villa at Jalakara, featuring its own plunge pool and an open-air living room. The architecture uses pivoting teak slats and a strong indoor-outdoor connection, defining my approach to sustainable tropical design.

A view of the Jalakara hotel nestled within the dense, tropical landscape of Havelock Island. My goal was to create a building that felt like it had always been there, respecting the existing trees and contours of the land.

The entrance to the private villa, showcasing the woven teak wood panels that provide both privacy and natural ventilation. This handcrafted facade is a key element of the villa's eco-friendly and climate-responsive design.

The living area of the private villa opens up to the plunge pool and surrounding greenery. The use of polished concrete floors, a warm yellow accent wall, and natural wood furniture creates a space that is both rustic and refined.

The Sky Room at Jalakara, designed as an elevated pavilion to be at the tree canopy level. The seamless blue floor and large windows create a light-filled, airy retreat that immerses you in the surrounding nature.

The Tower Room is the highest point of the villa, offering a unique double-height space with a staircase leading to a private terrace. The design combines traditional elements like a canopy bed with modern comforts.

The Garden Suite at dusk, showing how the private courtyard becomes a tranquil, illuminated space. The design includes a separate garden daybed, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living.

The private courtyard of the Garden Suite features an outdoor bathtub and a lily pond. This space offers a private sanctuary for guests to connect with nature, a core principle of biophilic residential design.

A moment of movement along the corridor of the main villa, which wraps around a central lily pond. The design uses simple, powerful forms and materials like polished concrete to create a sense of calm and timelessness.