PROJECT: Arunyam, Kondiwade, Pune; ARCHITECTS: IMK Architects
Arunyam is a 95-acre second home development project by IMK Architects located in Kondiwade, at an hour’s drive away from Pune. Located at an altitude of 2185 metres, Arunyam is nestled in the lap of nature surrounded by forests, hills, and a lake.
Arunyam, derived from a Sanskrit word that translates to ‘forests’ is designed to offer an experience of an urban retreat in a rustic setting with modern comforts, offering a connection to nature. The ‘designing with nature’ approach focuses on building alongside the site’s natural elements.
The entry to Arunyam is through a large, inviting gate inspired by nature. Phase one of the project comprises 68 villas, a community clubhouse with a swimming pool, lakeside activities and a forest trail. The 1.5-kilometer-long lakefront features a promenade, camping area, and jetty – allowing direct access to the lake waters.
The villas enjoy views of the lake and lush forests, maintaining the connection with nature even from indoors. Curved, meandering pathways connect these villas and other amenities in the development, to create a forestlike experience. The biophilic approach to design intends to truly connect residents with nature.
Arunyam offers villas that combine a rustic aesthetic with urban conveniences. There are five different villa configurations ranging in size from 2,600 sq. ft to 4,000 sq. ft. These villas are planned along the natural slopes of the site.
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Architecture + Design.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Architecture + Design.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A GRECIAN RETREAT
Shimona Bhansali imbues a subtle touch of opulence to this home in Mumbai
A BOLD STATEMENT
Dhampur Sugar Mills Limited's workspace in New Delhi designed and built by Officebanao adopts an industrial narrative
A BREATH OF FRAGRANT DESIGN IN DELHI'S HEART
An office that smells like perfumery; that is the vision that TWI brought to life in this office space designed for an acclaimed perfume company in India
MASTER OF ALL TRADES
The ethos of forward-thinking and ingenuity finds its architectural counterpart within the walls of Nikhil Kamath and Abhijeet Pai's office-a vision of organic design infused with the essence of India
A TOUCH OF OPULENCE
Designed by Aparna Kaushik, this Delhi office displays an interesting balance of classic aesthetics and contemporary sensibilities
THE WOODEN WONDERLAND
Priyanka and Piyush Mehra envision a stunning experience centre for Vikas Plywood
THE HUB: BUILDING COMMUNITIES
Studio Lotus designs a dynamic mixed-use community hub that activates Chennai's largest IT Park
THE WINNER'S PERCH
Baldiwala Edge designs a Singapore-based ship broker's office as a torch collector's paradise, offering a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the Mumbai skyline
THE DIRECTOR'S CABIN
Designed by Envisage, this office gives a new definition to the traditional notion of biophilia
Designing Corporate India
From weaving the magic of a Star Trek-themed command centre to crafting bespoke block-printed workstations, Vijaya Bhargav and Arnab Ghosh-the trailblazing co-founders of Ostraca-have astonishingly transformed a staggering 29 million square feet of office space for India's tech giants and global enterprises-all while maintaining a flat hierarchical company culture-fuelling a master class in corporate design