maayaa retreat in south india reflects tropical modern aesthetic

maayaa retreat in south india reflects tropical modern aesthetic

MAAYAA tropical retreat draws from Balinese architecture

 

Architectural studio aslam sham architects constructs MAAYAA, a Balinese-themed getaway nestled within a lush palm plantation. Located just an hour’s drive from Coimbatore, at the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the retreat showcases earthy tones and textures, instilling a sense of calm. The spaces are designed to evoke an eye-soothing serenity, as pathways adorned with verdant foliage exude tranquility and elegance.

 

Aiming to encapsulate Bali’s essence, MAAYAA’s design forms around tropical modernism. Perched in Anakkatti and embraced by the converging Siruvani and Bhavani Rivers, the building is set atop a cliff with river vistas. The resort’s core design objective is to amplify and preserve the surrounding scenery.

maayaa retreat in south india reflects tropical modern aesthetic
all images by Ishi Sitwala

 

 

fluid transition between the built and the land

 

With most of the construction situated below the entrance level, visitors descend to these spaces, greeted by shallow, expansive water bodies integrated into the roof slabs. This fluid transition through the entrance passage leads to the restaurant, where panoramic views of the river and distant mountains unfold.

 

The lower floors house banquet halls, conference rooms, and offices, while the lowest level boasts an infinity pool seamlessly blending with the landscape. The design team achieves a harmonious fusion between architecture and nature, creating an environment where boundaries blur between built and natural elements. The resort consists of two types of accommodations; standard rooms with river-view balconies, and independent cottages featuring plunge pools that overlook both the river and the hinterland. These structures follow the natural contours of the land, interconnected by passages and bridges at various levels, conveniently linked to the clubhouse and communal amenities. Drawing from Balinese architecture, the chosen materials and design vocabulary mirror the tropical retreat concept, paying homage to the region’s aesthetic.

maayaa retreat in south india reflects tropical modern aesthetic
the Balinese-themed getaway nestled within a lush palm plantation

maayaa retreat in south india reflects tropical modern aesthetic
MAAYAA’s design forms around the concept of tropical modernism

maayaa-aslam-sham-architects-south-india-designboom-1800-2

shallow, expansive water bodies are integrated into the roof slabs

maayaa retreat in south india reflects tropical modern aesthetic
the structure frames panoramic views of the river and distant mountains

maayaa-aslam-sham-architects-south-india-designboom-1800-3

the design achieves a harmonious fusion between architecture and nature

maayaa retreat in south india reflects tropical modern aesthetic
passages and bridges interconnect the various spaces and levels of the retreat

 

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project info:

 

name: MAAYAA
architect: aslam sham architects | @aslamsham_architects
location: Coimbatore, India

photography: Ishi Sitwala | @ishifishy

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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