Deva Dhare Resort by Play Architecture selected for Dezeen Awards 2022

The Dezeen Awards this year has an Indian entry from the IT capital of India, Karnataka. Designed by Bangalore based Play Architecture the lakeside Deva Dhare Resort has been shortlisted in the hospitality building category of the Dezeen awards 2022. The roof of this resort responds to the surrounding forest effortlessly and aiding this seamlessness is its wavy form, formed by intersecting catenary vaults. The dining area is situated in a highly environmentally sensitive zone, where one needs to touch the earth lightly, according to the studio. Play Architecture attempted to design a form that would weave and integrate effortlessly into the terrain. The building method and material selection take into account the local climate, ground conditions, flora, and labour pool when using a bottom-up design approach. A striking, unreinforced catenary vaulted roof spanning 16 meters was constructed utilising five layers of regionally common 15-millimeter clay tiles in order to exclude columns from the inside. This roof is supported by a framework of skinny, green-painted steel columns beneath and is accessed through two stone staircases on either side. It is perched over a granite and steel deck slab. Views in all directions are provided by four arched arches on either side of the restaurant that are completely filled with full-height windows and framed in black steel. Glass doors on the east and west sides open up to two terraces with views of the lake and stream, while a short corridor on the north side leads to a separate bathroom block. The Indian entry will be competing with other projects which include a copper-clad shelter for a teahouse in China by Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, and a boutique hotel in Mexico by Alberto Kalach topped by barrel vault roofs.