Architect Himanshu Patel, from ‘d6thD’, is a patron of the rural lifestyle and has designed the GIR VIHAR – ECO RESORT in the same light. The architect is a firm believer of the vernacular construction technique, especially in the Indian context, where making use of modern technology will just add up to the cost without being efficient enough to sustain the project. The architect believes in giving a new definition to the vernacular architecture and so, the construction techniques like rubble stone packed foundation, load-bearing walls, arches, dome, and pitched roofs have been used along with locally available materials like sandstones, bricks and terracotta tiles.
The site was initially a mango farm with trees at 30 feet intervals arranged in a grid. Himanshu consciously decided to retain the trees and design the resort around them. The huge foliage made it challenging to design the cottages but this constraint of the site eventually became the source of creativity. The site location is prone to earthquakes, so the design team decided to use the triangular geometry to distribute the load equally on all three sides. As a result, the cottages are triangular in their form and the entire structure is built with load-bearing walls out of locally found sandstone in order to minimize the use of cement concrete.
Cottages are built keeping the surrounding landscape untouched. 
Sandstone, a local material adds life to the resort.
Triangular geometry dominates the structural and visual form of the resort.
The simplest of the architectural principles, like orienting the cottages in the North-South direction to let the North light in, have been applied in the design which makes the design more efficient. The projecting triangular balcony at the top acts as the foyer space for the ground floor. The North light illuminates the platform and allows the user to bask in the sunlight and enjoy the mesmerising panoramic view of the adjoining forest. The L shaped staircase leading to the upper floors adds play and offers various perspectives to enjoy the beauty of stone mass-created due to bathroom walls in the South.
Balcony opening up to a panoramic view of the Gir forest.
The undisturbed, uncut mango trees proudly stand between the buildings which become an inseparable and important part of the architectural vocabulary.
Inbuilt sit-outs made out of sandstone below the trees allow for an intimate interface with the outdoors. The locally available sandstone is the dominant material throughout the site giving it a raw and natural feeling.
Inbuilt sitouts providing for an intimate interface with the outdoors. 
The pathways are designed in a way that makes the journey interesting and intriguing.
The restaurant block, set amidst the magnificent mango trees is the most flexible element with the provision for indoor and outdoor seating areas. Stones have been stacked to construct a strong stone pillar in the centre that supports the roof and acts as a pivot, around which the tourist activities function harmoniously. The large brick arches of the dining hall create a picturesque effect blurring the boundaries between the built and the unbuilt environment.
Aesthtic Central supporting the roof. 
Large brick arch merging the built and the unbuilt space.
The intention was to create a resort that a majority of people could relate to, so the simplicity of the project was of great importance to the architect. Right from the material selection to the construction technology, each process is rooted in the context.
When such simplicity and human craftsmanship is given the highest value, it is then that the architect’s idea of design comes to life and a resort-like Gir Vihar starts to blossom to its ultimate potential.
Sandstone, a local material adds life to the resort. 
Cottages are built keeping the surrounding landscape untouched. 
Balcony opening up to a panoramic view of the Gir forest. 
Inbuilt sitouts providing for an intimate interface with the outdoors. 
The pathways are designed in a way that makes the journey interesting and intriguing. 
Aesthtic Central supporting the roof. 
Large brick arch merging the built and the unbuilt space.
d6thD Design Studio
Email: d6thddesignstudio@gmail.com
Contact: 9687988413
Photo Credits: Inclined studio
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