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Waterfront Hospitality and Restaurant Design

bySDM ArchitectsTakes projects across India; Visit office in Bandra West, MumbaiStarts from₹2,500 per sq. ft. of carpet areaView full gallery

Waterfront sites and floating venues present unique structural constraints that require more than just surface-level design. We specialize in transforming challenging environments into functional, high-end hospitality spaces through technical precision and material authenticity.

The upper deck of the Queensline Sea Yah at twilight, showing the relationship between the bar, lounge seating, and the open deck. The layout was planned to provide patrons with uninterrupted views of the water and the city, making the location the main attraction.

A frontal view of the illuminated bar on the upper deck of the floating restaurant. The bar's base is clad in teak with brass inlays, and its form is inspired by traditional boat building techniques, reinforcing the project's maritime theme.

The comfortable lounge seating on the deck of the Queensline Sea Yah, positioned to offer prime views of the Mumbai skyline. We used durable, high-quality materials to withstand the marine environment while providing a luxurious experience for diners.

The interior of the main dining level, showcasing the intricate, curved teak wood elements that define the space. The design balances sophisticated aesthetics with practical restaurant functionality, including integrated service stations and varied seating arrangements.

The restaurant's interior bar and dining area at night. The lighting design was critical, using concealed sources and warm tones to create an intimate and inviting atmosphere that contrasts with the dark water and bright city lights outside.

About Hospitality Design: Waterfront Venues

Adaptive reuse is rarely about just the surface. For floating venues like the Queensline Sea Yah, we had to solve for low ceilings by developing tree-like teak wood elements that blur the lines between wall and roof. This specific structural intervention added visual volume to the space without needing to alter the existing shell.

Award-winning adaptive reuse projects in Mumbai — Approved by the tribe
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SDM Architects

Takes projects across India; Visit office in Bandra West, MumbaiStarts from ₹2,500 per sq. ft. of carpet area

We are SDM Architects, a Mumbai-based practice that believes architecture is about the dialogue between space and function. Samir and our team approach hospitality design by first listening to the context, whether it is a ship on the water or a restaurant on the shore. We do not just design for looks; we build for the experience.

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The dining space at FIORI, Lonavala, is designed to connect with its serene, verdant surroundings. A glass roof and walls create an al fresco feel, while the material palette of stone and wood-finished aluminum ensures durability and aligns with our sustainable practices.26
The evening ambiance at FIORI, where warm, low-level lighting from table lamps creates an intimate and cozy atmosphere. The design ensures that the space feels just as magical at night, with the glass structure reflecting the interior glow.
A long, live-edge wooden table provides a communal dining option at FIORI. This element, paired with comfortable high-chairs, adds a rustic yet sophisticated touch that complements the restaurant's nature-inspired theme.

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The entrance to Otra restaurant in Mumbai's historic Kala Ghoda district. The deep green facade and custom-designed wooden door create an intriguing first impression, hinting at the unique dining experience that lies within.10
The powder room at Otra, where we used a rich, earthy red plaster on the walls and a hand-carved stone sink. The custom mirror and bespoke light fixtures add to the moody, dramatic atmosphere of the space.
A table set for two at Otra. The dark wood of the furniture and partitions, combined with the soft, focused lighting, creates an intimate and sophisticated dining environment.
Another view of the dining area at Otra. The combination of dark wood, green leather banquettes, and textured walls creates a rich, layered interior that feels both modern and timeless.

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An aerial view of the Atmanya boutique resort in Goa at dusk, a design that harmonizes with its lush, waterfront landscape to create a tranquil and immersive natural retreat.
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This corridor is designed to be more than a passageway; it's a spatial narrative in motion. The disciplined rhythm of the columns and the contrast between raw industrial ceiling elements and curated art invites both reflection and interaction.11
A daytime view of ISSA Goa, a riverside retreat we designed. The space blends Mediterranean and Modern European design with local Goan charm, featuring a hay-thatched roof and an open upper deck with stunning views of the Chapora River.

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The entrance to Dubki in Goa was designed to feel like discovering a hidden cave. The fluid, ferro-cement walls and warm, low-level lighting guide you through a tunnel that opens up to the expansive view of the ocean, creating a dramatic sense of arrival.28
The organic, cave-like forms at Dubki were crafted from ferro-cement, with muted, earthy tones to create a warm and grounded atmosphere. The design seamlessly blends the built environment with the natural cliffside setting.
Detail of the staircase at Dubki, where we used rope as a transparent, textural railing. This detail continues the restaurant's theme of using natural, earthy materials while maintaining an open and airy feel.
Another view of the staircase and cave-like corridor at Dubki. The organic shapes and textured walls were designed to create a unique sensory experience, making the journey through the space as important as the destination.

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The Aqua Pool & Spa at twilight, where custom V-shaped lights illuminate the parametric ferrocement roof and cast dramatic reflections on the water, creating an enchanting atmosphere.38
A daytime view of the Aqua Pool & Spa, where the undulating roof creates a shaded, open-air lounge that seamlessly merges with the pool and the natural landscape beyond.
The structure of the Aqua Pool & Spa provides a covered poolside lounge and bar area, with large openings that frame the surrounding trees and hills.
From inside the Aqua spa, the unique shape of the roof forms a natural archway, perfectly framing the view of the distant mountains and making nature a central element of the design.

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