Embracing Nature’s Setting
Manja Spa, nestled within the lush foliage of IBNII Resort, finds its place in a serene clearing where coffee estate workers’ quarters once stood. This tranquil setting amidst dense forests provided the perfect canvas for the spa complex, designed by PLAYGROUP Studio + AHCPL, to seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings.
Fragmented Blocks in Harmony
The design ethos of Manja Spa revolves around fragmented blocks floating within a central water body, interconnected by elevated walkways. This unique approach aims to forge a harmonious connection between distinct architectural spaces and natural elements – from the central court reaching for the sky to massage rooms embracing the pond and corridors merging with the forest.
The Unique Roof Design
A standout feature of Manja Spa is its steep 45-degree single lean-to roofs, almost touching the water’s surface below. These roofs, flanking the central courtyard, create a breathtaking visual spectacle, opening up the space to expansive skies rarely seen within the resort’s densely forested landscape.
Integrating Privacy and Natural Light
The innovative roof design not only frames picturesque views of the water body but also acts as a shield, offering privacy to spa users by obstructing views from the courtyard and corridors. Natural light floods the massage rooms through openings in the roofs, enhancing the spa experience amidst serene surroundings.
Thoughtful Placement of Functional Spaces
Carefully positioned cuboidal structures house essential spa amenities like sauna, toilets, changing rooms, and herbal baths. Their strategic placement ensures glimpses of the surrounding forest while maintaining privacy and internalizing natural elements within each space.
Harmonious Material Selection
The corridors boast a harmonious blend of local stones, including Jaisalmer, Chocolate Andhra, and Kadappa, complemented by in-situ white marble chip filling. The roofs are adorned with overlapped Himachal Slate Stones, adding a touch of rustic elegance to the architectural ensemble.
Immersive Experience and Transparency
Manja Spa’s central pavilion floor, crafted from structural glass, offers captivating views of water lilies and fish inhabiting the pond. This transparency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also fosters a deeper connection with nature, creating an immersive and rejuvenating spa experience.
Manja Spa stands as a testament to thoughtful design that celebrates the harmony between human intervention and the beauty of natural landscapes, offering guests a tranquil retreat in the heart of nature’s embrace.
