With the holiday season front of mind, staying in a luxury hotel in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India would certainly satisfy the desire to travel to an exotic location and rest in beautiful surrounds. However, the Sawai Man Mahal is not just a fabulous hospitality destination. As an adaptive reuse project with high sustainability credentials, it meets and exceeds expectations on every level to become a must-stay hotel in Jaipur.

This exemplar retreat is situated in the heart of Jaipur adjoining the lush gardens of the 19^th-century Rambagh Palace, close to the old walled city. Formerly under the patronage of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, the last ruler of Jaipur, the hotel has undergone many conversions over the years. What was once a modest four-room pavilion and royal residence has now been sensitively renovated and the grandeur brought back to life to become a heritage hotel of note.

The brief was particular, and key to the success of the project was to find balance between heritage and modern while providing exceptional luxury for guests.

In answer to the brief, Principal Architect, IDEAS, Gyanendra Shekhawat, lead on the project alongside his team of Sanjay Goyal and Navpreet Kaur, introduced deliberate spatial planning and design interventions that promote a sense of openness and result in expansive and inviting areas to enhance the guest experience.

As an adaptive reuse project, IDEAS has retained the very best architectural features and incorporated contemporary inclusions that seamlessly meld as one. The site features a strategically positioned alfresco area at the entrance plaza that provides an intimate introduction to the hotel.

Within the 930 square metres of the built area, guest suites have been crafted from Ambaji White Marble and each suite contains a courtyard that serves as an outdoor private space in which to relax.

Integral to the facilities on offer is a traditionally designed, temperature-controlled swimming pool and jacuzzi with a hand-painted wall as backdrop. Original trees were preserved and complement the overall experience of the Rajputana character of the built spaces.

Local crafts and techniques such as araish (a traditional lime plastering technique) and thikrimirror work feature throughout the interior, along with traditionally carved archways in the hallways and rooms.

The corridors and pathways are constructed with locally sourced materials, including Yellow Jaisalmer sandstone, Ambaji White marble, and Red Mandana stone from Jodhpur. The pathways follow a distinctive pattern crafted from local sandstone, which is known for its durability and natural beauty.

The colour palette of white, cream and caramels is informed by the materiality and the finishing touch is the incorporation of muted shades of gerua (Hindu for saffron). There are antique brass elements, decorative lights and richly embroidered fabrics that all combine to create an opulent aesthetic. Through a careful selection of materials and finishes the interior is authentic and culturally at home, harmonising with the historical roots of the hotel.

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The project is focused on sustainability and building performance. Water is conserved through an on-site sewage treatment plant and is reused for irrigation of the landscape. Rainwater harvesting systems reduce reliance on external water sources, while the installation of solar panels emphasises the project’s commitment to renewable energy.

Strategically placed windows and skylights help maximise natural light, reducing dependency on non-renewable power sources. Green spaces and vertical gardens improve the air quality and provide natural cooling to the property and smart thermostats optimise heating and cooling systems, ensuring that energy is not wasted. Moreover, the project commitment to sustainability extends to the use of solar hot water systems and zero plastic waste.

Today the Sawai Man Mahal is cognisant of providing a responsible and desirable hospitality offering for its guests. Renewed with a sensitive touch by IDEAS and fit for the new technological age, this hotel is the total package for the weary traveller. Old becomes new again? Perhaps a term used too frequently but as the way in the future, it can’t be spoken about enough.

IDEAS is a leading design practice that specialises in architecture, urban planning, interior design and project management. The approach of the studio is that successful living spaces begin with a philosophy of community along with a deep understanding of the environment and cultural needs.

Ideas Jaipur
ideasjaipur.com

Photography
Jaideep Oberoi

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