6. Nov-Dec 2010

Architecture
Two strong axial spines act as ordering devices to tie the resort
‘pieces’ together into the landscape. The main axis starts at
the Entry gazebo at the car park, and ends at the great tree
over the spring; with ‘precious stones’ of the “wishing well” and
the “gazebo where paths cross” placed in between. This main
approach axis coincides with a natural existing drainage channel
of the plateau above. Designed by nature, the berms on either
side provide a screen which ends in an element of surprise. “Khoi
tha? Yan-tha chaina rai cha tha hou?” (Where is it then, it is not
here?), new-comers have been heard to remark as they step out
of their vehicles onto the plateau above. The restaurant and the
river remain hidden until the restaurant suddenly unfolds in front
of you at the “gazebo where paths cross”.
Protection from the hot sun was needed to work an idea that
was an inspiration into reality! With three masons, six helpers,
twenty labour, many cases of chilled beer, we pushed, pulled,
rotated, lifted, lowered and formed a rock slide ending in a feature
pool. Twenty-one days later the water was allowed to flow, and
the bamboo wand tapped out it first echoes at the RSR. The berm
on the opposite side of the steps was planned for a cascade of
roses - ‘Rocks and Roses’. The graceful curve of the final stair run
added a truly graceful touch to the composition; which had not
been planned but was a result of close site work, staying vigilant
for opportunities during the construction for that “extra mile” that
were not conceived at the drawing boards.
The secondary axis starts from Cabin No 1 and ends at the tree
at the far side of the Trisuli River as it passes through the centre
of the restaurant building. It leads down the ‘grand stair’, over
the rock pool, past the reception, across the small court, down
the dragon steps, onto the Palm Court, to the railing edge and
‘vois la’, a full panorama of the magnificent wide, river and the
landscaped, island pool greet. The weather vane on the central
lantern came from London and some of the locals call it “Bhalay
Kothi”. (Rooster mansion)
The entry steps were planned as a straight decent. While
dressing its foundations, the workers came across huge boulders
that they proceeded to break up just as I happened on site.
These were God sent “nuggets” which I immediately stopped
them from breaking up, as my friend Navin Kakshapati (RIP)
the builder arranged a huge canvas sail over the site on request.
The outdoor seating at the restaurant with gushing waters of
the Trishuli river as background music.
The secondary axis starting from Cabin No 1 leads down the ‘grand stair’, over the rock pool, past the
reception, across the small court, down the dragon steps, onto the Palm Court, to the railing edge and
‘vois la’, a full panorama of the magnificent wide, river and the landscaped, island pool.
November-December 2010
49
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