Discover the Harmony of Nature and Modern Design at New Raipur's Lakeside Retreat: Elsewhere

Team Aakaar
4 days ago
2 min read

**Ar. Mayank Wadhwa, Ar. Dhairya Wadhwa and Ar. Twinkle Nathani**

Studio Skywell’s Sustainable Sundowner Destination

Nestled along the tranquil Sendh Lake in Raipur, India, 'Elsewhere' is a sundowner restaurant and bar that redefines lakeside leisure. Designed by the Raipur-based firm Studio Skywell, the project, completed in 2024, is a powerful example of architecture harmoniously blending with the natural environment.

The lead architects, Ar. Twinkle Nathani, Ar. Mayank Wadhwa, and Ar. Dhairya Wadhwa , aimed to create a versatile gathering space, an "oasis where nature and architecture gracefully converge". Spanning a total site area of 16,000 sq. ft., the design dedicates a vast 10,000 sq. ft. to outdoor areas, maximizing the visitor's connection to the water.

The Conceptual Foundation: Embracing the Lake

The entire design philosophy is grounded in creating a visually unobstructed lakefront experience.

Inspired by Water: The architectural massing and forms were directly inspired by the gentle waves and ripples of Sendh Lake. This led to the use of curved, fluid lines throughout the building.
Strategic Site Layout: The main building is positioned on the triangular plot to directly face the lake, ensuring that all primary seating and leisure areas overlook the water.
Concealed Services: A crucial aspect of the design was hiding all functional services, including the kitchen, service entrance, and utilities, from view. These elements were strategically located at the rear, toward the main road, and concealed by a staggering boundary wall that also defines the entry approach. This arrangement ensures the lakefront remains open and serene.

Materiality: The Sustainable Choice

Sustainability is at the core of the project, with materials chosen for their low environmental impact and ability to complement the natural setting.

Bamboo & Thatch: Bamboo was selected as the core material for its renewable, lightweight, and sustainable properties, minimizing the structural load on the existing unfinished building. The roof is covered in traditional thatch, which provides both an aesthetic link to local materials and an effective thermal barrier.
Sculptural Entry: The entryway is defined by striking, sculptural columns crafted entirely from bamboo, fanning out at the top like inverted parasols. This immediately sets a tranquil tone for visitors.
Earthy Finish: The main building is finished with an earthy, plaster-like texture that blends harmoniously with the landscape.

The Interior & Exterior Experience

Elsewhere offers a variety of dining spaces-indoor, outdoor, and elevated, to provide guests with choices for their experience.

Indoors: The interior design follows a philosophy of minimalism and continuity. A monolithic aesthetic is achieved where the floors and walls blend into each other, creating a soft shell for the space. The visual focal point is the sculptural bamboo ceiling, which adds warmth and texture, reinforcing the project's eco-conscious approach.

The Upper Terrace: A key element is the semi-shaded upper floor, or terrace, which provides additional functional space. This level offers the best vantage point for enjoying panoramic lake views, making it the perfect destination for a sundowner.

The final design successfully balanced aesthetic harmony, environmental sensitivity, and functional requirements to create a peaceful and sustainable lakeside destination.