Architect Brio Designed A Set Of Interconnected Alibag Pavilions Which Serve As A Retreat For artists.

A fascinating intersection of the Other Side Studio, situated in a lower level coconut palm farm. On the one hand, the rural coastal environment of the retreat of the artist is removed from the Mumbai routine, in order to favour a deliberate return to nature without having to travel either far enough or for too long. The rising level of the sea on the other hand often questions the very existence of the island.

“We had to consider building grounds that might not be present in the near future, given the maritime nature of this site,” says Verrijt who worked with Balwani on a partner kit inspired by Bali’s ‘mobile homes.’ “We have created something that is sustainable and that can be fully dismantled and moved without waste,” he adds. The type includes the ambalama, a Sri Lankan type of elevated shelter which is frequently built on columns or rock. The Other Side Studio is based on a similar structure.

It can therefore be used as both a showroom and the venue, if necessary, for one or more workshops. Solar-panelled skylights flatten these two tops of the rooftop to give them a frosty shape and allow “the light [to] fall into the centre of the room, which for the works of artists is very important.” The material range of the studio that combines organic and inorganic elements is dominated by steel, teak, cement and bamboo.

“As architects, we learn how to work with stainless steel and concrete, which seem to be the norm,” adds Verrijt with the aim of changing minds on the widespread use of bamboo in India.

The Other Side Studio offers a meditation pavilion and a water pond as well as the studio.

Not only does the latter fill-up the usually depleting groundwater table of the retreat, but it also affects the overall mood of the retreat by its changing habitats. Artist and environmental activist Rachna Toshniwal founded the property to celebrate the relationship between mankind and nature and its artistic endeavour.

Whereas spiritual retreat hopes to welcome smaller groups and short-term artists later this month, its infrastructure will continue to be developed to offer environmentally-friendly art, collaborative experiences and immersive workshops.

Written By Mahak Jain | Subscribe To Our Telegram Channel To Get Latest Updates And Don’t Forget To Follow Our Social Media Handles Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter. To Get the Latest Updates From Arco Unico