SwaSwara, Gokarna
Recognised as one among the best spas world over, designing and building SwaSwara, Gokarna, has been our quest to discover how truth in spatial design can evoke positive energies. Created in hues of earth, in harmony with the land that nurtures her, celebrating simplicity and purity, saluting the local ethos and cultural heritage—SwaSwara celebrates organic architecture in totality.
Predominant use of laterite as building material is what strikes one’s eye everywhere. Crafted aesthetics take priority here. Thus we have the majestic nubian entrance vault in laterite, the free flow of polished red oxide from floors to walls to pillars, regular cut and irregular random laterite masonry with arches, corbels, niches and domes, the embellishments with handmade terracotta mural tiles, the coconut leaves thatch roofs and the traditional wooden pillars to name a few.
Besides the architecture, the most important contribution to ecology sensitive design in SwaSwara is perhaps the integration of the concept of Total Water Management. 4 lakes with a total capacity of 50 million liters capture and store every drop of rainwater that fall on the land during the 3-4 months of annual monsoons and store the water for the rest of the year. They make the property self sufficient in the water needs not only for the use of the guests buut for farming their own produce. Besides, the black and grey water undergo in situ treatment through a DEWATS system and are reused for irrigating the lush gardens within the 26 acres property.
Awards and Nominations:
2021 IBA Award for Best Wellness Retreat
2021 Conde Nast Traveller Best Spa in India for Inner Calm
2018-19 Outlook Traveller Boutique Hotel Awards - Best Wellness Experience
2007-08 Green Globe Award
Among 100 Best Spas in the World by Quintessentially Pure
PROJECT DATA
Scope: Design + Build
Location: Om Beach, Gokarna, Karnataka
Timeline: 2005-2007
Size: 68000 sq.ft
Client: CGH Earth Experience Hotels
Collaborators: Vilas Gore; M Thomas (MEP Consultant); Stuba Engineering Consultancy Pvt Ltd