A TRANQUIL RETREAT FROM CITY-LIFE

Incorporating a biophilic approach, the Elevate Experience Centre and Show Apartment immerse the visitor in nature and serenity, while showcasing a contemporary living space

Project: Elevate Experience Center & Show Apartment, Gurugram;

Architects: Rachna Agarwal; Studio IAAD

Located in the plush suburbs of Gurugram in NCR, Elevate is a co-venture housing project marking the collaboration of Hines and Conscient, two major league developers in the Indian real estate sector. Spread across an area of about 10,000 sq ft, the design scope comprised architecture, interiors, landscaping and FFE. The holistic design brief allowed for a versatile and flexible intervention— the idea was to ‘elevate’ the person entering the condominiums from the chaotic world’s frantic pace to a quieter, peaceful space where they can relax and take a breath of fresh air. The biophilic approach, a signature of Studio IAAD’s brand, nurtures an intimate connection of the user with nature without foregoing modern comforts, whilst employing greenery as a buffer to mute the clangor of the cosmopolitan city, thus enabling well-being.

Nestled in a forest-like setting, the approach to the house evokes tranquility. The visitor is greeted with a narrow pathway on entry, wrapped in an enclosing thicket of overarching trees. It trails up to a circular courtyard with a sculpture at its nucleus, that embodies the aesthetics of grace, harmony and serenity. This courtyard connects to the building through a dynamic walkway peppered with abundant tropical trees and blossoming petunia flower beds on either side, activating the pedestrian experience and crafting a blissful forest-like environment. Encompassed within green canopies, the building seems to emerge from the verdant landscape, akin to the trees that surround it.