Wellness Haven / RAD co + lab

closed

We were introduced to this house when it was chosen as the canvas for a wellness space, a sanctuary in the heart of the city's chaos. The building needed a lot of restoration. The idea of a ‘palimpsest’ was born – a term that aptly encapsulates the layers of history, purpose, and materials that are interwoven, creating a unique experience. We took the opportunity to continue the act of layering by building on and around the house.This space emerges as a beacon of tranquillity amidst the bustling neighborhood. One enters through a guided stone path surrounded by landscape on either side with a small water body at the entrance. Natural textures envelop the space, enveloping visitors in a tactile and sensory embrace in an oasis. At its core, the wellness center is anchored by a ruin – a fragment of time that embodies the essence of the entire space. We consciously exposed the weathered brick walls to envelop the classroom. A seamless blend of different programs unfolds around this space – yoga studios, cabins, private yoga classrooms, a store, and even a juice bar. The yoga spaces occupy the extensions of this house in bamboo details and jute scallops. The view is unhindered by the old trees that engulf the plot through a transparent ceiling, and natural, shaded light floods this space through the day.Over the years, it has grown and adapted, as it welcomed permanent extensions that seamlessly blended with its original structure. A staircase crafted with pink paloda stone stands as a visual testament to the harmonious juxtaposition of old and new. An attached kitchen and a toilet became part of the narrative as well.Text description provided by the architects.Nestled within a vibrant neighborhood just off Carter Road in the city ofMumbai, India, an old house stands as a testament to the evolution of time and the ever-changing urban landscape. This relic of the past has witnessed the rise of towering high-rises as the city around it continues to transform.