AKSH Architects revives abandoned structures in India into nature-infused guest retreat
Mud-plastered transformation in Pune showcases architecture's cultural and environmental sustainability potential.
1Giving derelict buildings new purpose
AKSH Architects repurposed four disused site offices and storage units in Pune into a 557-square-meter boutique guest retreat. Preserving the original steel and timber structures, the studio demonstrated how 'forgotten infrastructure' can gain cultural value using natural materials like mud and lime plaster. Studio founder Akash Shingvi states, 'We intentionally made radical design interventions to challenge perceptions.'
2Fluid spatial experience
Sculptural forms, earthen surfaces, and organic spatial planning fundamentally altered each space. Consistent design language flows from arched openings to built-in benches and oval bathtubs. Shingvi explains, 'We wanted architecture perceived through texture and light rather than ornamentation.' Partially open bathrooms feature bamboo canopies for natural ventilation while maintaining privacy.
3Climate-responsive materiality
The project deliberately utilized locally abundant materials like bamboo, lime, and regional timber. 'Highly refined materials felt disconnected from this tropical context,' notes Shingvi. Exterior rough plaster finishes and deep bamboo overhangs provide sun protection while creating visual cohesion across the four symmetrical blocks surrounding a central pool courtyard.
4Community space design
The layout organizes four blocks - each containing two guesthouses - around a stone-paved communal patio. Earth-toned color palette of beige and dark green enhances connection with nature, while arched passages create visual continuity. Bedrooms feature curved built-in furnishings that double as bedside tables, exemplifying the holistic design approach.
5Roots in vernacular traditions
This project represents a contemporary interpretation of India's resurgent interest in earth architecture, seen in recent projects like Aurva Illam near Hyderabad and Winterfell House in Tamil Nadu. These designs reinterpret regional identity through modern needs, with The Earthen Retreat specifically drawing from Deccan Plateau's geological character.
6Experience-driven philosophy
By replacing rigid partitions with curved forms, AKSH promotes 'intuitive movement' through spaces. Users are encouraged to experience architecture through tactile surfaces and changing light patterns. The semi-open bathroom design maintains privacy while fostering physical connection with nature - a signature element of the studio's approach.
7Environmental sustainability
The project reduces construction waste through adaptive reuse while employing low-carbon materials. Bamboo overhangs enable passive cooling, and lime plaster naturally regulates humidity in tropical conditions. Though not LEED-certified, the retreat achieves comparable performance through context-sensitive, low-tech solutions that respect Pune's ecosystem.
8Architecture as sensory medium
The Earthen Retreat elevates sustainability from technical requirement to emotional experience. Tactile surfaces, shadow play, and spatial flow create what Shingvi calls 'a timeless quality.' Here, architecture serves as 'a mediator reconnecting people with nature' - achieved not through grand gestures but thoughtful material choices and sensory richness.