Lonavala, once a tranquil hill station in the Sahyadris, has undergone rapid urbanization, losing its natural and historical character. The Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala sits within a predominantly residential neighborhood, facing the challenge of balancing increasing density with a connection to nature. Divided across two separate plots interrupted by a planned accessway, the project negotiates regulatory frameworks emphasizing built density over spatial experience, making its architectural response critical in preserving a sense of openness and place.
Radisson Resort & Spa Technical Information
- Architects1-4: Malik Architecture
- Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra, India
- Area: 11,148 m2 | 120,000 Sq. Ft.
- Completion Year: 2023
- Photographs: © Bharath Ramamrutham
The project first and foremost seeks solutions through the understanding of memory, archetype, material, and site to restore the sense of place.
– Arjun Malik
Radisson Resort & Spa Photographs
Architectural Approach: A Dialog with Landscape and Memory
Rejecting the conventional multi-story hotel model, the design instead embraces the landscape, employing organic, free-form public spaces interwoven with split-level connections. Rather than imposing a rigidly defined structure onto the site, the architecture unfolds as a journey, allowing the visitor to traverse built and unbuilt spaces seamlessly.
This spatial strategy draws inspiration from regional archetypes, particularly fortifications and water structures. Bastions, large masonry walls, and stepped courts (kunds) define the site, creating a terrain that feels simultaneously ancient and contemporary. The resort’s organization prioritizes public-private permeability, ensuring that the architectural language remains adaptable to both flexible and fixed programs.
Traditional Indian architectural elements—courtyards, verandahs, thick masonry walls, and deep shading—are reinterpreted to suit modern hospitality demands while preserving their climatic and cultural relevance. The shaded atrium courtyard serves as a transitional space, mitigating heat gain while reinforcing a sense of communal interaction. Elevated room blocks hover above the landscape as abstract volumes encased in louvered secondary walls, which enhance privacy while maintaining a dialogue with the surrounding greenery.
By allowing nature to be the protagonist, the project challenges conventional hospitality design norms, replacing the standard ‘Building as Object’ with ‘Building as Landscape.’
Radisson Resort & Spa Climatic Adaptation
Material selection for the Radisson Lonavala is rooted in local tradition. The predominant use of black basalt and wood grounds the structure within its geographical context and reinforces sustainable construction practices. Volcanic stone excavated directly from the site is reintegrated into the architecture, minimizing transportation impact and preserving material authenticity.
In contrast to resort developments that rely on imported, non-contextual materials, this approach fosters a more profound material continuity with Lonavala’s historic built environment.
Lonavala’s subtropical, monsoon-driven climate necessitates passive cooling strategies. The resort’s deep verandahs, thick stone walls, and cross-ventilation mechanisms mitigate heat while reducing dependency on artificial cooling systems. The naturally ventilated atrium courtyard provides a shaded core, ensuring thermal comfort and fostering social interaction.
One of the project’s most effective sustainability strategies is the adaptive use of topography. The site’s natural slope accommodates service areas in a concealed basement, eliminating the need for large-scale excavation or mechanical ventilation. This tactic preserves the site’s ecological integrity while enhancing operational efficiency.
Beyond material selection, the project’s commitment to sustainability extends to construction techniques. The masonry was executed by local artisans, preserving craft traditions while providing economic opportunities for the surrounding community. In an era where mass-produced construction dominates, this emphasis on human craftsmanship imbues the resort with a tactile, enduring quality.
Radisson Resort & Spa Plans
Radisson Resort & Spa Image Gallery
About Malik Architecture
Malik Architecture is a Mumbai-based firm founded by Kamal Malik and led by Arjun Malik, known for its site-responsive, sustainable, and material-driven designs. The practice blends vernacular influences with modernist principles, integrating elements like courtyards, stepped terraces, and basalt masonry to create spaces that engage with climate and landscape. Their projects, including the Radisson Resort & Spa, Lonavala, emphasize passive cooling, natural ventilation, and minimal ornamentation, positioning the firm as a leader in contextual and sustainable architecture in India.
Credits and Additional Notes
- Principal Architects: Kamal Malik, Arjun Malik
- Client: Radisson Group
- Site Size: 100,900 ft² (9,373 m²)
- Building Levels: 5
