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Photography: Ar. Prasanth Mohan

Noida-based Myspace Architects has designed the Nest Inn in Dehradun, an assisted elderly’s facility spread over 16,000 sq. ft. Surrounded by dense mango and litchi orchards, the residence is set opposite a bungalow dating back to the colonial period. The client wanted a design that would respect the natural heritage and environment of the site, despite its presence in an urban landscape. This instilled safety due to the site’s proximity to city facilities, while enjoying the foliage. The bungalow had to be incorporated into the design, while retaining the trees as afar as possible.

Fortunately, an empty patch of land was located opposite the bungalow. However, three trees stood in the middle forming a triangle. They were taken as extent points and a circular spine was envisioned, which terminals at the two laterally-standing trees. The façade has perforated clay-tile screens and V-shaped tubular pipe sections, which add show effects to the corridor. This forms a plaza, an open-air theatre and a stage area overlooking the space. White with earthy tones set the colour palette, which invites the user to achieve solace.

The circular layout of the complex resonates with the concept of ‘circle of life’, consisting of multipurpose hall, dining and kitchen area, meditation hall and bedrooms. All these spaces are connected through a curved corridor. All the spaces are seamlessly merged inside-out through the singly loaded curved corridor that links them all. All the private areas are zoned towards the back of the building, which is opening out into the thick green orchards.

At the mid-point of the arc, lies a skewed meditation hall inside the green orchard, where the residents connect with nature. Towards the other end, the bungalow stands as a reminiscent of past glory with its gabled roof. The curved corridor has intermittent façade openings, which encloses a central circular courtyard.