Architecture firm Mohsin Cooper are working with a prominent Indian landowner to create an organic farm and resort in an expansive plantation near Bangalore, Southern India.

The company’s design for the 9,450 sq m (101,700sq ft) Banyan Eco Resort – which is located 28km (17 miles) from the city – comprises a cluster of low rise entrance pavilion buildings surrounding an ancient Banyan tree. The buildings will contain a hotel, organic restaurant, villas and character retreat spa – featuring a hydrotherapy pool, Ayurvedic and Indian massage suites and a sauna.

The project’s lead architect, Abe Mohsin, told CLAD: “Our main source of inspiration was the sense of place, or ‘genus loci’ of the existing landscape, which is a heavily contoured, lush and beautiful organic farm with several lakes. We visited and stayed for several days – sketching, taking photos and working up our designs.

“Upon arrival, the main entrance pavilion to the hotel will frame an open view of the historic and beautiful tree. We felt it very important to retain the sense of nature and openness on the site. ‘Touching the ground lightly’ is an important aspect of our approach, both physically and metaphorically.”

British-based Mohsin Cooper were invited by Bangalore-based landowner Sreenivas Gupta to design the initial concept and masterplan for the development, which will cost around £18m (US$27.7m, €25.2m) to build.

Mohsin said that his firm feel a sense of responsibility to ensure the development does not damage its environment. He said: “We have tried to be innovative and sustainable through the separation of the various building types and functions. Any building should be respectful of and also enhance the sense of place. That’s especially true here, given the beauty of the setting.

“Of course, it is a challenge building such a scheme in a semi-rural location in India. This will need to be very carefully managed when the project proceeds.”

Investors developing property in India are increasingly viewing Bangalore as an appealing location for high-end hotel and resort developments.

The 397-bedroom Shangri-La Bengaluru opened in the city in September, featuring a traditional Indian design provided by Adarsh Design Studio.

Two years ago, the 227-bedroom Ritz-Carlton opened it first hotel in Bangalore, featuring a fitness club and an ESPA spa. Intricate Jaali design utilised natural foliage, fresh water and the elemental characteristics of fire and stone to evoke India’s vibrant landscape.

In 2013, Wyndham Worldwide, the holding company for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, signed a franchise agreement for the opening of the Wyndham Grand Bangalore Yelahanka in 2020. It will feature spa facilities, four restaurants, outdoor pool, two large conference and banquet halls in addition to a five-acre landscaped garden with a man-made lagoon.

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