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Photography: Ar. Nakul Jain

Jalandhar-based Paras Sareen and Associates has designed Aamram, which is a commercial property spanning 38,250 sq. ft. in Hoshiarpur. Located at the foothills of the Shivalik range, Aamram derives its name from mangoes and is inspired by the native landscape of the seasonal water stream, rocks, pebble beds, and wild grass. The site has existing mango trees that are retained in the planning of the landscape. Due to the additional soil readily accessible from the excavation, the firm created the space in levels and mounds. A six-foot level difference between the entrance road on the south and the abutting wall on the north provides a natural gradient in the terrain.

The lowermost level of the terrain acts as a natural reservoir of water, traditionally called a choe, and carries runoff rainwater during monsoons and is connected to the rainwater harvesting chamber. The choe is shaded by an avenue of trees, and horsetail reeds line its sunken bottom. A bridge connects the pathway with the entrance steps of the building.

The entrance remains open with a minimalistic water feature that provides a clear view of the office building, and the hardscape is paved with cobblestones serving as directional guides for pedestrian and vehicular movement. Corten steel strips edge the triangular mounds in the lawn creating points of interest.  Due to the existing level difference of the site, the plinth is raised and accessed through a flight of steps. Stepped decks provide working professionals with recreational space, doubling as informal meeting spaces as well.

Old jamun and guava trees shade the space for sub-tropical plants to grow, including plantation beds with Dracaena rosea, Syngonium, Rhapis, areca palms, Rhoeo bicolor, and Wedelia. The steps leading down from the plinth act as informal seating with a view of the intricately designed zig-zag pathway around the avenue of trees that leads to the main terraced area.

Since the office does not function in the evening, minimal lighting has been provided in the landscape. The signature light poles placed along the pathways were fabricated on-site, inspired by the building’s contemporary and sleek form. Flowering rain lilies, mango tree groves, ornamental fountain grasses, native plants with seasonal colors, cobblestone, and corten steel planters create visual natural textures.