Earthy and Sustainable

Olde Bangalore designed by Biome Environmental Solutions showcases the prowess of a design approach which is both sustainable and enticing.

“For me the thought process behind the project itself is the highlight. The fact that an eco-friendly project like this could be imagined in the outskirts of Bangalore by the client 17 years back is exemplary.” says Chitra Vishwanath, Principal Architect and Managing Director, Biome Environmental Solutions Private Limited.

In the current timeline however the site where this project “Olde Bangalore” stands doesn’t feel like outskirts anymore. It is close to the airport and all the other related developments happening around it. For Chitra, this project also manages to gratify the client’s aspiration without overindulging in the use of resources. “Why should the hospitality designs be over indulgent? It is time to realize,” adds Chitra “that in the hospitality sector the interest should also be creating an experience of serenity and living with nature.”When the client approached Biome Solutions the idea was to create a space where people can come together and have a healthy break. 

The project also included spaces for conferences and meetings and not to forget, a world class eating experience. When Biome Solutions 

visited the site, they carefully analysed the client end requirements taking into account the site constraints. Next task was to maximise the use of local materials to build the project. The idea was also to make the whole place universally accessible.

The project accommodates numerous dedicated spaces within it which includes reception, coffee shop, dining area, bar, Al fresco swimming pool, semi open areas near the swimming pool, bakery, kitchen, conference rooms, card room, billiards, badminton hall and shooting gallery besides offices and the ilk. 

The use of local materials in this project is exemplified with the use of stabilized earth blocks for walling, a mix of clay tiles and kota stones for flooring and a mix of RCC and Mangalore tiles for roofing. The use of local materials not only adds an element of charm but it also makes this project sustainable “Olde Bangalore,” points out Chitra “is built using earth sourced from its basement and the swimming pool. In fact, the extra earth obtained from this project was also used for landscaping apart from designing three other homes. The project also harvests and reuses all of its harvested rainwater. The club house treats its waste water and uses it for landscaping.”

The layout of the project ensures it receives a good dose of natural light, the artificial illumination has been achieved by largely using LED lights. Most of the accessories utilised in this project were custom designed.

Achieving sustainability without compromising on the aesthetics is not an easy task but in executing Olde Bangalore, Biome Solutions have managed to find the right balance. They have also quite rightly pointed out that embracing sustainability is neither expensive or mediocre! 

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