By Savitha Hira
Photography: Courtesy
Ar. Kakoli Sikder
Bijolai Palace |
The
Water Habitat Retreat at Jodhpur is a laudable exercise in traditional rainwater
harvesting, and landscaping this heritage property has effectively brought it
into the limelight…
Socially
responsible architecture is quietly being practiced by many an architect in
various pockets of the globe. Thanks to socially responsive patrons, who make an
unwavering commitment in tandem with the architects. Ar. Kakoli Sikder is a landscape architect
from Delhi, who has creditably been a significant team member of the Bijolai
Palace conservation at Jodhpur.
The Complex at dusk |
Bijolai Palace Lake |
Water
Habitat Retreat was once the famous Bijolai Palace at Jodhpur. It was conserved
and restored to house a boutique hospitality venture under the aegis of the Jal
Bhagirathi Foundation. It is said that the scenic, sprawling summer palace built in the
early 19th century is
nestled between the Aravalli Hills surrounded by lakes as an oasis in the
desert. With the civil work being completed as far back as 2008, Ar. Kakoli
Sikder stepped in to make her valuable contribution to the expansive landscape.
Jharokhas - framing views |
Courtyards |
Beginning from the entrance
paths – there were two distinct ones – both over a culvert; one towards private
quarters and the other towards the admin and hospitality facilities; Kakoli
worked on a well-manicured garden, arched jharokhas
to frame panoramic views, square paved plazas, lush green palms, circular planters with shade-giving trees and diligently
selected native species of ‘Jaal Peelu’ , ‘Rohina’ and ‘Babool’as the focal planting
among other things.
Courtyards |
Largely, there are three
courtyards within the living quarters, which have been designed tastefully as
trellised spaces for outdoor seating and occasional dining. As in any landscaping project, the material
palette and the selection of flora and fauna have been methodically determined.
With the project tabling water as an exemplary rainwater oasis, where it is not
only supposed to be entirely self-sufficient of its water needs, but is also
said to use 100% recycled rainwater and provide water for the drinking-water
needs of severely water-distressed local communities, care has been taken to
use plants that require less water, absorbent soil, and loosely laid Jodhpur
stone pavers that together aid in recharging the natural water table.
The front water body– before restoration The front water body– after restoration
|
The office block – before restoration
The office block – after restoration
|
The walls, toe walls,
retaining walls, etc. are all made of locally available Jodhpur dark stone in
random masonry. The paths are made of loose stone chips. The planter coping,
plazas, steps, amphitheatre seats and stage are made of polished Jodhpur stone.
And as far as the lighting is concerned - wall lights, tree up-lighters and bollards
have been strategically used to enhance the mood of this place.
Palace entry - before Palace entry - after |
As Kakoli sums up, “The
challenge lay in accomplishing heightened aesthetics within a contextual
vocabulary, staying grounded in terms of giving back to the project and doing
all of this within the limitations of cost-effectiveness.”
Wow!!
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