Located in an outskirt of Rajkot, this mesmerizing Tea Villa Café is designed by RUST- The Design Studio & EVEN Project Solutions in collaboration. The designers having in mind, sustainability and giving back to nature and thus they used natural stone, locally available materials and a lot of trees and plants during the design process. SURFACES REPORTER (SR) has covered the entire project in detail. Have a look:

Close to Nature

Keeping in mind the requirements of the client- who is a penchant traveller and an industrialist by profession, the ambience at cafe is designed in a way that it offers rejuvenation and a feeling of being close to nature. The client wanted to give unique dining experiences to the food lovers of the city. He also wanted to have a restaurant which has forest-like ambience. In all his talks, he usually mentioned, “All I want is to stand in the field and feel the green”. Further, he wanted this space to be multi-visit space for his customers.

Therefore, all areas are positioned in a way that they remain connected visually or otherwise to the planted patches of green. Moreover, multiple areas are created to give varied experiences to the end-user. It is the use of natural and local materials throughout all spaces that lends beautiful connectivity.

Water flowing down to a stone wall welcomes us with gushing sound, transporting us to the designer’s imagination of space amidst nature.

The backlit signage on the water wall enables to attract everyone’s attention with the light and sound. At the same time, it helps to provide privacy from inside and curiosity from outside. The play of levels and platform articulated through the entrance and culminates into various connecting pathways. Each pathway is very carefully developed with a selective plantation, just the right amount of light and stone patterns to guide through.

The Nature-Inspired Office

The office near the entrance has separate small entryway. A rustic yet elegant style has been adopted for the workspace. Cobalt stone has been used in a way that reflects rawness of the natural material. A small work station has been given which overlooks to the main entrance partially. A swing has been incorporated with the sitting giving it an informal, warm touch.

A theater and waiting space is developed in a large section of the site overlooking the greens. This space has been planned for live performances, concerts and other entertainment activities which draw the attention of the visitors while waiting.

A fixed styled sitting unit is made with the use of ropes was an inspiration of traditional charpai. Here people can unwind and enjoy the bliss of nature. The stone grit wall provides for the section to be separated from the rest of the space. A section of wall along the passage is converted into the feature wall for the youngsters to pose with their phones.

The passage culminates into the indoor restaurant. The juxtaposition of spaces has been planned in such a way that each space open out to the planted green areas. All spaces feel part of the green patch.

Hanging Cups, Soccers and Kettles

A water body with free-flowing water , fire and greens greet one As they enter the indoor restaurant. The whole idea was to infuse the elements of nature in the space i.e. water, fire, earth. Made in black granite it stands out from the rest of the floor spaces. Cups, soccer and kettles are customised as a hanging display above the water body. An even floor is achieved with help of kota stone. The layout is designed in such a way that all the tables get a view of the outdoors. The customised hanging lights by a designer used to lit the whole space. The theme is continued on another wall with the use of an exquisite collection of the kettle as display elements, the greens have been added to it further.

The Grandeur Achieved From Common Materials

One wall has been treated with a pop of turquoise colour, which is made out of different patterns of wire mesh giving the whole space a vibrant look.

It establishes that to achieve a grandeur,you don’t need to have expensive materials; even usual materials can also work if we use it creatively.

Use of Broken Cups and Soccers in the Cafeteria Front Table

The cafeteria has been made using a canopy structure; the front table makes up the statement with the whole length treated with broken cups and soccers embedded on it. Hanging fabricated unit having a different type of collectives has its charm.

A Forlorn Car with Flora All Over

Along the pathways in our designer’s forest one would also encounter a forlorn car with vegetation grown all over it, making one think of the story behind it. The whole journey has been thought of as a story and the experience designed to become one’s journey. Each time one comes here, there are sure to carry a different experience with them, making this a multi-visit space.

Along the entry pathway, there is a row of palms which has been planned to provide the strong volumetric connection between a built form and the Mother Nature. The firms have designed it for future expansion. This linear pathway defined by palms leads us to a fascinating wall featuring birdhouses, metal gears and wall-hung plants.

Canopy Imitating the Branching Structure

The outdoor sit-outs are the life of this beautiful space. They offer magnificent views while enjoying a meal; each sit out is surrounded by dense plantation and elements, lending them privacy from one another. Levels planned tactfully add to the drama. Fabricated canopy-like structure mimicking the branching structure of the tree defines each at out. This whole space has been covered with a compound wall made out of metal and wire mesh which is filled with local stone grit. It illuminated well with indirect lighting.

Wooden Ceiling Lends A Rustic Touch

Varied flooring of bricks, Kota, stone grit defines spaces. The furniture is designed in such a way that it is sturdy and lightweight as needed for outdoor spaces in public. The metal chairs are customised to have different pattern and colour, it also gives a sense of play and drama within all elements.

The banquet, kitchen and service areas are tucked at the rear of the site following the theme of nature-inspired spaces; the banquet hall also has a Kota stone flooring laid carefully. Wooden ceiling lends a rustic touch to the space. They have also taken care of Acoustics. Moreover, a separate rear entry allows for better hustle free arrangements.

All the areas have been placed in such a way that spaces flow into each other seamlessly. Be it art, furniture, lighting, every element in the restaurant has been designed with intricate consideration to make it mesmerizing place that it is.

Project Details

Material Palette

About Rust- The Design Studio

Rust – The design studio was founded by Mitesh Antala in 2015, with the aim to achieve interior and architectural experiences through a sustainable approach. His penchant for travel opened the way to discover himself as an artist and observe different techniques, materials and styles. His inclination green & towards sustainable practice leads him to use natural materials in a unique and refreshing manner.

Mitesh Antala, Founder, Rust- The Design Studio | Janki Hakani & Parth Hakani, Even Project Solution

About Even Project Solution

Even Project Solution is a young & vibrant practice founded by the sibling partners: Janki Hakani & Parth Hakani.  It strives for knowledge & exposure; be it from research and study or by exploring local crafts and techniques.

A Collaboration between both the firms has led to a healthier practice to get better results. A rational approach towards design is followed, keeping functionality and work-ability at the forefront. Judicious use of materials, expenses, time, man-power hours has always been a priority to us and it has been our guiding principle in the design process. With every new project added to the portfolio, they evolve and grow.

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