Karnataka: The subtle architecture of this safari lodge is in contrast to the wild setting.
Everything about wilderness is meditative. Walking in the large open woods helps relax the senses, and the mind, body, and soul are therapeutic. One of the shops offering in the tranquil Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka is Kaav Safari Lodge planned by Staci. This tastefully built lodge provides four guest rooms and two luxury tents for those looking for a quiet stay. Located on the edge of the woods, it offers a quiet environment, full of the pleasant sounds of the national park.
The Entrance
Instead, a fine path leads to a semi-covered passage of a two-story house, rather than a large entrance. It provides an overview of the remote swimming area under a banian tree canopy. “The entry sequence sets tone for space experience, reveals senior architect Sujith GS. It is a porous perimeter which defines this shop property and forms the background of the design that the lodge is seeking to tackle.”
Design Journey
On the property, there was an undescribed structure, based on stellar forming the prototype from which the design developed. “The decision was made to adjust and alter structure in deliberate way that would suit a completely new form and functionality of the space—an adaptive reuse exercise. This of course led to the design approach aiming at minimizing the terrain footprint, which leads to a very compact organization of spaces,” Sujith said.
Dining Area
An easy, relaxed space on the floor doubles as the restaurant and the principal space for social interaction. The enclosure is defined by a roof plane on top, sporadic columns on one side, and a rubble wall on the other. There is also an open kitchen and island chairs within which guests can take part in the cooking process and create an immersive dining experience.
Vocal for Local
The building was supplied with locally available materials. The Kaav pavilion has wild grass-roofed bamboo. The creative hanging light over the open sleeve includes red circles, a regional handicraft of Channapatna toys, which takes place in constructed vocabulary. The decor is also used for bamboo crafts from neighboring regions. In some cases, the partition walls are made of blocks with local scrap.
Guest Rooms
The minimalist interiors of the rooms are vivid with rich textures. Showed wood, polished concrete floors, wired glass doors, and white walls create a sturdy, yet refined, atmosphere. The room ceilings are made of bison board with stainless steel exposed. Carefully crafted mirrors and light fixtures with an exquisite color palette give the room an aura of elegance.
Luxury Tents
The two tents open to private decks and give a comfortable stay. These tents do not leave a stone untouched from the bath to the study desk and charge points to the mood lamp. They make you feel relaxed yet enjoy living in a park. The wood flooring is warm enough, although the trees are blowing in the wind near the open deck.
Swimming Pool
The open-air swimming pool is surrounded on the rustic granite deck by a banya tree and hanging root formations. Loungers are strategically positioned in the shade of the oak. “We have ended up in a cement within the pool that lets the water capture the different shades of the sky, creating untouched azure shades during the daylight that create a calming atmosphere in combination with the surrounding forest and grand banana,” adds Sujith.
Staying Sustainable
The architectural interventions in Kaav are intentionally restricted in order to establish spaces to enjoy the jungle. The business kept on the property all the trees remaining. Rainwater collection, land recruitment by small water systems, waste disposal and fuel conversion, and the use of solar power make the lodge sustainable inherently.
COVID Precautionary Action
In view of all the risks and safety issues of its visitors and employees, Kaav took additional measures to ensure a vacation with low risk. The thermal scanning of all employees and visitors will not be permitted inside the hotel without prior reservations. They also have sanitation stations built at regular intervals and clean communal areas and premises during the day.
The restaurant operates by social isolation and other hygiene precautions. After each use, the safari cars and rooms are disinfected. At check-in, the guest’s luggage is disinfected.
Guests are often asked to uphold good standards of hygiene, maintain social distance, and wear their own masks and sanitation items.
