In the Fiori project, the client wanted to create a Mediterranean look for this F&B space that had a menu predominantly offering dishes from that region. The team of Designers Group adopted the same theme for this additional restaurant/cafe that was to be created as an extension of the existing hotel in this quaint hill station near Mumbai.
Ar. Khozema Chitalwala was very clear right from the outset that the location, being the healthy environment of Lonavala, needed to connect with the surrounding verdure. Hence the material palette has been kept natural in the entire premises — natural stone, glass and aluminium with a wood finish. Since it was largely an outdoor/alfresco F&B area, the team avoided the use of wood and wood-finished aluminium filled the gap.
The focal locus of the design language was the inside-outside connection and making nature play an important role in the narrative. The lead to bring this story to fruition was taken by the one-of-its-kind sliding walls and roof that cocooned the seating at Fiori.
The absence of hinges makes this a seamless process that invokes the experience of a vast natural expanse. This is especially helpful in continuing the unhindered experience even during the five months of rain that this town experiences annually.
The overall concept also needed to blend well with the theme of urban rustic that runs across the property. Fiori, has been designed with a simple and refined approach that has an informal elegance — ensconced in a comfortable environment. Its edgy and trendy vibe incorporates materials and texture that elevate the guest experience.
Sustainability is not just an ideology but a practice in this restaurant where, not only does one find the use of some elements inspired by nature and celebrate it through the interiors, artwork and artefacts are also made from recyclable materıals to reduce the carbon footprint. While the use of Indian stone adds a splash of earthiness to the overall interiors of the cafe, it seamlessly blends with the vibrant and colourful palette of blues and turquoise adapted from the ever-changing landscape of Lonavala.
A combinatıon of nature and a touch of modernism delivers a timeless design nestled in the midst of the sleepy hills — a perfect place to rest and recharge.
| Fact File: Name of the project: Fiori Name of the Design Firm: Designers Group Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra Typology: Restaurant Area (sq. ft): 2,000 sq. ft Completion date: March 2024 Principal Architect/Designer: Khozema Chitalwala Design Team: Husain Jariwala Photo credits: Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar |