Petcart- Nest is a two-acre plot laying amidst open fields and mango orchards. The plot being naturally contoured in three tiers, allowed the entire land mass to be elevated as compared to the surrounding area which allows us to see as far as the horizon on the eastern side. At the lowest level of the site was a 15-ft deep dried pond which we decided to revive.
The design intention was to leverage the natural land contours and have an ecologically responsible approach. Besides reviving the dried pond and retaining all the trees, we consciously employed natural materials to create built forms that would complement and integrate the surroundings. The buildings were sited such that the natural vistas of the surroundings remain undisturbed, which is why the Reception building is on the lowest tier of the site while the pet boarding area and the main lawn are placed on the tier 15 feet above it. The color palette was kept neutral and earthy to blend with the surroundings.
The Reception building is made of a framed metal structure with bamboo stalks and metal lattice work on the rear wall, which over time will be covered by beautiful creepers that have been planted for that purpose. The east facade of the structure consists of bamboo stalks side by side vertically, and the composition is completed with an abstract placement of long vertical windows. Bamboo, while being a strong, eco-friendly building material, creates a beautiful permeable mesh which allows the structure to 'breathe' and flushes the interiors with sunlight and ventilation.
Respecting the environment formed the basis of our design process. Animal excreta is collected separately in a bio-gas chamber; mesh building envelopes reduce heat entrapment and thus the need for electrically assisted air-conditioning. And rainwater harvesting pits recharge the water table and also help in keeping the pond on site full. The clients will also be investing in solar voltaic cells in the near future to taper the dependence on the grid and produce electricity locally.
The comfort of the four-legged guests was paramount and the resort was carefully designed to allow this. The structures are naturally lit, ventilated and roofed with PUF panels to ensure a cool environment. The pet-boarding building has multi-level sloping roofs that help in allowing the hot air to escape easily, and at the same time, ensure uniform brightness through the day.
Large windows on all sides reduce dependence on artificial lighting. The kennels are among the biggest available in India, and are built in two sizes to accommodate large and small breeds. Part wall, part bamboo; each unit is airy. The bamboo material remains sturdy yet keeps the pets from getting injured even if they bite into it. The elaborate plumbing system designed in the kennel area allows all the 70 kennels to be washed and kept tidy, since traps have been provided in each of them. The doorways and corridors are more than 6-feet wide to allow humans and dogs to walk alongside.
Material Used:
1. Natural structural grade bamboo shoots for:
a. Building exo-skeleton
b. Dog kennels c. Weather shelter projections
2. Structural metal frame work
3. Brick and cement masonary
4. Metal lattice
5. Puff panel heat isulation roofing
