The Wetland Resort in Vengurla aims to revitalise the ecosystem of the site by creating a waterscape with interconnected ponds and waterbodies. The site is located near a small fishers village behind Vengurla beach. A creek surrounds the site on the North and East, and on the southern side it is flanked by palm plantations.

Colonial history

The creek was once the landing place for the Dutch where they restocked their ships in their battles with the Portuguese. A 17th century warehouse stands witness to the Dutch activities.

The development of the 6 hectares site on the southern bank of the creek includes the ecological restoration of an existing lake. Five proposed waterbodies accommodate 16 holiday homes and a boat house. The homes are clustered as stilted pavilions; sometimes on the land and sometimes on water. The site is understood as a landscape in flux, changing over the centuries, eventually destined to become an ideal spot for eco-tourism. Renewing the strength of the wetlands surrounding the creek and its diversity as a living ecosystem will promote riparian habitat for migrating birds and endangered wildlife. Additionally it will enrich the experience of a lush and rich landscape as a retreat from a busy urban life.

Villas

Each villa in the wetland resort enjoys slightly different configurations, in order to create unique qualities to each property. However courtyard walls in each villa plot divide the land into smaller pockets. The courtyards define an experiential sequence of spaces. This creates a sense of intimacy where needed. However it also leaves parts of the site completely open and connected with the waterbodies. This strategy “borrows” the surrounding landscape, making the property feel larger than it actually is.

Each villa consists of multiple pavilions. Placing these pavilions on the side or over these courtyard walls, establishes a direct relationship between the enclosed and open spaces. The stilted pavilions sit light on the landscape in contrast the laterite courtyard walls, which tie these pavilions into the land.

Because of the high water table and wet ground strata, the structures are designed in a lightweight structural system. Therefore the structure is made of prefabricated steel columns and beams. These columns are supported on a line foundation. 

Environment

The stilted pavilions bring the ability to experience water close to daily life.  To cut out glare and sun gain, all pavilions enjoy a wrap around verandah covered with a wooden screen. The circulation and staircases spiral around the interior spaces in this in between space. The pavilions open to the water bodies on the ground floor, with sliding shutters opening up the living spaces completely.

Speculative representation of a landscape in flux over the centuries.

Location plan

the Vengurla Creek

In the masterplan, individual villas around several water bodies form an interconnected eco system with the recreational lake and creek

Stilted pavilions on the edge of a pond

View of the entrance courtyard. A concrete finished boardwalk leads to the Living Room Pavilion

the living room pavilion floats on top of the laterite masonry wall

The Massage Pavilion and Bedroom Pavilion are stilted pavilions situated partly on land, partly on water

View of the dining room overlooking the pool

Interior view of the living room by the pool

The Family Room overlooks the surrounding landscape from the first floor level behind openable slatted screens

Master Bedroom

the Master Bathroom opens up into a private courtyard

at night the pavilions are subtly lit up, appearing as floating lanterns

Plan

Section AA

Section BB

Exploded Axonometric