Perceptive Ideas Consulting Engineers has delivered the structural design for Aurika – Luxury by Lemon Tree, Udaipur, overcoming the complex topography and geology of the Aravalli hills. Appointed as Structural Design Consultant, the firm adopted a design-first approach to address steep gradients, undulating contours and variable subsoil conditions, while preserving the natural landscape.

Instead of extensive hill cutting, the project employed terraced structural planning to integrate the built form with the terrain, enhancing slope stability and architectural harmony. Given the presence of weathered rock, inconsistent safe bearing capacity and local shear zones, Perceptive Ideas developed a comprehensive piling strategy. This included deep piles, isolated and combined pile caps on steep slopes, rock-socketed piles, and detailed pile load and integrity testing to ensure uniform load transfer and long-term performance.

Hill stabilisation measures included engineered granular backfilling, touch piles, shear-key integrated retaining structures, geogrid-based soil confinement, counterfort RCC walls and soil nailing, supported by robust drainage systems to control hydrostatic pressure. Terrain-responsive design decisions such as optimised column spacing and minimal soil disturbance further enhanced constructability and safety.

The project sets a benchmark for hillside hospitality engineering, demonstrating how structural innovation can coexist with environmental sensitivity.