The Aquatic Resort

The Aquatic" resort located in the breathtaking backwaters of Kumbalangi is a proud achievement for KTA. The resort is the first floating resort in India. The project also bags the position for the first floating swimming pool in Asia.

The genesis of the floating project came about as a result of the client's ambition to build a resort in his 100 acre fish farm, where only 1 acre is made up of dry land. After considering the strengths and weaknesses of the site, Ar. Kochuthommen Mathew decided to build a floating resort in the site. The reason for such a decision came about due to the lack of land, and since the site is a fish farm, he desired to avoid hindrance to the farming activities due to the construction of the project. Consequently, constructing a floating farm would also reduce the overall environmental impact of the project.

INDIA’s FIRST FLOATING RESORT

People seek new adventures every day. And as architects, we also love to challenge ourselves. Likewise, we took up the test to create a floating resort at Kumbalangi, Kochi. This innovative floating building is a popular addition to the hospitality industry. Splendidly it has been appreciated by many. It is also India’s first floating resort. This floating building gives a close view of the aquatic life. It offers a breathtaking experience of the picturesque village of Kumbalangi and backwaters. This structure also has the first floating infinity pool in Asia. This little floating building paradise is also the winner of Best Boutique 2018 award.

SPACE CONSTRAINT

The client wanted to construct a resort at his 100-acre fish farm. At the same time, at the farm the availability of dry land was limited. With this request they approached Kochuthommen Associates with offices in Bangalore and Kochi. So, after considering the strengths and weaknesses of the area, they came up with a floating building. It would provide the unhindered sight of the scenic backwaters. For instance, floating building would also help to reduce the overall environmental impact.

ASIA’S FIRST FLOATING INFINITY POOL

The resort comprises of 10 exclusive high-end cottages set on five floating structures. The amenities are a floating infinity pool a health club, spa, multi-cuisine restaurant and a lounge bar. Also, the floating infinity pool is movable and it can be positioned anywhere. Fascinatingly, a place like this deserves a unique design. So we purposefully avoided the same old traditional sloping roof. And went on with a modern structure using the local materials.

DESIGN INSPIRATION

The design for this floating structure has its basis on how humans interacted with water. There are three divisions for the floating building. The living area floats above the surface. Interestingly, the submerged below the river level is the bedroom. And the viewing deck placed above the sleeping quarters. The guests will be able to see the surroundings from a height from here. “One can experience the sunset and sunrise from the deck of the floating building,” explains Ar Kochuthommen Mathew. The floating walkway set on pontoons that extends from the land takes you to the villas of the floating structure. The underside of the walkway has service lines of the floating structure neatly attached to it. Ferrocement used in the construction of the floating building is locally available.

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

Firstly, a dry dock was the base for this floating building. After this ferrocement filled to 1m height of the structure. Later, water was pumped into the dry dock. Finally, the module was set afloat for the floating building by sinking it. The placement of rice grains on the stalk of the paddy inspired the distribution of the floating structure. Moreover, this configuration is flexible to accommodate future expansion. Similarly, each unit of this floating structure is detachable. The floating building is movable and additions can be done.

FROM THE FLOATING BUILDING

The floating building restaurant at the resort has two levels that are under an undulating roof. Excitingly, the guests could enjoy their food at the dining space open on all sides. Above all guests can relish the spectacular sights of the backwaters from the floating building. Above all the floating infinity pool unit has a main pool and kids pool. It also has a deck, and the changing room. Kitchen, laundry and service areas are on the Southeast side of the floating building. The roofs, floors, and facades of the structure were by local artisans. The floating structure is a perfect blend of traditional essentials and high-end modern technology. In addition these factors come together to provide an unparalleled and elevated experience.