Chittoor Kottaram

Winning a nomination for the Aga Khan Architecture Award in 2010, Chittoor Kottaram is an adaptive restoration of the four hundred year old summer palace of the Maharaja of Kochi to a 'single key' exclusive hotel operated by the CGH Earth Experience Hotels.

In 2017-2018, Inspiration coordinated the second round of adaptive restoration when the Palace was taken over by Lady Helen Hamlyn on lease.   Along with Ar Minakshi Jain and with the very active participation and support of Lady Hamlyn herself, this involved some extremely sensitive structural adaptations to open up the Ground floor rooms towards the western side verandas to enhance the view towards the backwaters and garden.  

In keeping with the minimalistic life style of the Kochi Royal family, the furniture, the finishes, the decor - all tread a fine line between refined grandeur and comfort.

PROJECT DATA

Scope: Design+Build

Location: Kochi, Kerala

Timeline: 2006, 2017-18

Size: 7000 sq.ft

Client: Suresh Krishnan Namboodiripad; Lady Helen Hamlyn

Collaborators: Ar. Minakshi Jain; V.S Venkitachalam