Devrai: Translating Sacred Indian Forests for Global Landscapes
We brought the Indian concept of 'Devrai'—a sacred forest where nature is family—to France's International Garden Festival, showcasing how traditional ecology bridges diverse climates.
A view of our completed 'Devrai' garden in France, showing the harmony between the stone pathway, lush groundcover, and the tranquil water body. The design invites visitors to walk through a curated natural environment.
A wooden bridge crosses the 'kund', or pond, leading to a stone bench. This journey across water is a key experiential element, allowing for a moment of transition and discovery within the garden.
A solitary tree is planted as a sculptural element near the water's edge, its form reflected in the still surface of the pond. This composition of stone, water, and plant life creates a focal point of serene beauty.
Six weeks after completion, the spring growth begins to fill in the garden. The young trees are establishing their roots, and the groundcover is spreading, demonstrating the steady, resilient evolution of the landscape.
The garden seen from a slightly different angle, showcasing the layers of planting. Low groundcover gives way to taller grasses and shrubs, with a backdrop of established trees, creating a sense of depth and enclosure.
The dark, reflective surface of the pond mirrors the bright blue sky and surrounding trees. Water is a central element in our designs, bringing life, reflection, and a sense of calm to the landscape.
The design of the garden is an expression of four key identities: Blue (water), Green (plants), People (experience), and Biodiversity (habitat). This image captures the interplay of these elements.
A cascade of weeping willow leaves frames the view towards the pond and bridge. The careful selection of plant species with different forms and textures is essential to creating a rich, multi-sensory experience.
The pathway curves gently, guiding the visitor's journey through the garden. The use of natural stone and red bark mulch adds texture and color, complementing the green foliage.
A stone bench provides a destination and a place for rest, overlooking the pond. We believe in creating spaces within the landscape that encourage people to pause and connect with their surroundings.
About Devrai: A Sacred Forest in France
Executing this project in France required a synthesis of Indian ecological wisdom and local craft. Beyond the aesthetics, we had to navigate language barriers and varying soil conditions to create a functional 'kund' (pond) and rain garden. This space was built on four pillars—Blue, Green, People, and Biodiversity—demonstrating that even in a foreign context, water-sensitive design and native planting can create a resilient, living habitat.
The Devrai Philosophy
Our concept of 'Devrai' is not merely an aesthetic choice but a rigorous engagement with environmental stewardship. In India, these sacred groves represent a community agreement to take only what nature provides in excess. For the International Garden Festival in France, we translated this philosophy into a climate-resilient space. We prioritized the restoration of water cycles through rain gardens and the creation of habitats that support local fauna.
Construction and Collaboration
The build process was an exercise in cross-cultural cooperation. Working with French craftspeople, we had to adapt our typical techniques—such as earthwork grading and stone-laying—to the specific topography and materials available on-site. This taught us that sustainability is a universal language; whether we are working in Mumbai or France, the principles of soil stabilization with native grasses, manual excavation for root protection, and creating water-positive 'kunds' remain consistent.
Applying These Principles to Your Land
We bring this same rigour to every project, whether for private estates or public institutional campuses:
- Site Reconnaissance: We map your land's natural contours and sun paths before a single drawing is made.
- Water Management: We design bioswales, rain gardens, and contour trenches to ensure your landscape is water-positive.
- Native Planting: We move away from decorative, thirsty lawns, selecting indigenous trees and Vetiver grasses that thrive in your specific micro-climate.
- Material Integrity: From granite to mud-brick, we source materials that age gracefully and respect the site's history.
Our approach is grounded in patience. We work with the land rather than against it, ensuring that each space we build grows more resilient with every passing season.
Sejpal and Parekh Associates
At SAPA, we view design as an act of environmental stewardship, not just decoration. We treat landscapes as living ecosystems, blending traditional mud-brick techniques, heritage restoration, and indigenous planting to build spaces that carry a soul.
Explore our other landscape design projects
See how we apply our 'Devrai' philosophy to private estates and public spaces.
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