Hillside Sanctuaries: The Aqua Pool & Spa
Nestled within Nandi Hills, this project represents our philosophy of blurring boundaries. It is a modern cave designed to offer wellness through silence, light, and the raw beauty of the Karnataka landscape.
The Aqua Pool & Spa at twilight, where the architectural form becomes a softly lit sculpture. The custom V-shaped lights are reflected in the pool, doubling the visual impact and enhancing the serene, immersive quality of this wellness retreat.
The Aqua Pool & Spa at twilight, where the architectural form becomes a softly lit sculpture. The custom V-shaped lights are reflected in the pool, doubling the visual impact and enhancing the serene, immersive quality of this wellness retreat.
A closer view of the pool and covered lounge area at night. The subtle under-ledge lighting and warm interior lights create an inviting glow, ensuring the space feels intimate and connected to the tranquil water even after sunset.
The reflection of the undulating ferrocement roof in the pool on a clear day. This shot captures the essence of the design, where the structure itself mimics the organic curves of the surrounding natural environment.
An expansive view of the infinity pool that seems to merge with the distant hills. We designed the space to prioritize the view, with the architecture acting as a frame for the natural beauty of the Karnataka landscape.
The spa building's unique dome-like structure, crafted from ferrocement, rises from the landscape. The design is partially nestled into the earth, with stone steps leading up, minimizing its visual impact and integrating it with the site's natural slope.
An aerial perspective showing how the Aqua Pool & Spa is situated within the wider landscape. The design is carefully placed among the trees, creating a private retreat that feels completely enveloped by nature.
From inside the semi-open lounge, the curved roof elegantly frames the pool and the trees. The support columns are designed to resemble branching trees, reinforcing the connection between the architectural elements and the natural world.
From inside the semi-open lounge, the curved roof elegantly frames the pool and the trees. The support columns are designed to resemble branching trees, reinforcing the connection between the architectural elements and the natural world.
A detail of the tree-like structural columns supporting the sweeping parametric roof. This perspective highlights how the architecture frames a perfect, uninterrupted view of the pool and the lush green hills in the distance.
About Hillside Sanctuaries: The Aqua Pool & Spa
Our design for Aqua centers on the parametric ferrocement roof, which provides shelter while remaining entirely open to the landscape. Unlike traditional masonry, this technique allows us to achieve fluid, organic forms that mirror the surrounding hills, ensuring the spa feels like a natural extension of the terrain rather than an imposition.
Architecture should not sit on the land; it should emerge from it. For the Aqua Pool and Spa, we approached the 14000 sq. ft. site by first listening to the topography. Our goal was to create a wellness space that honors the silence of the Nandi Hills, which is why we utilized a parametric roof structure crafted from ferrocement. This material allowed us to create sweeping, curved forms that would be difficult to achieve with standard concrete or steel.
By elevating the pool and keeping the ancillary spaces at ground level, we maximized the interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. We designed the structural columns to resemble branching trees, which visually dissolves the barrier between the indoor lounge and the lush exterior. The use of glass and open planning ensures that the breathtaking views are never obstructed, effectively turning the surrounding nature into the primary interior design element.
Sustainability is not just a concept here, but a functional reality. By keeping the building open, we eliminate the need for artificial cooling, relying instead on natural cross-ventilation. This project is a testament to our commitment to locally sourced materials and site-responsive design, proving that modern architecture can be both bold and humble.
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