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Suchitra Sholapurker - Principal Architect of GROUND PLUS Bangalore, has an extensive experience of over 22 years in Planning and Design, which consists of working in responsible positions with respected firms like Correa Consultants Mumbai, and Chandavarkar and Thacker of Bangalore, and independent practice since 1995.

She has worked on a wide range of projects like residential, 5 star hotels, offices, commercial and institutional buildings and hostels.

Her designs strive to establish a healthy relationship with the environment keeping in mind principles of ecology and using appropriate materials to minimize the invasive impact of built forms. Through planning she tries to reduce the dependence on natural resources like water and electricity, by making maximum use of natural light and ventilation incorporating solar heating and lighting, natural cooling systems and water harvesting wherever possible.

She tries to create a healthy interaction between the occupants through spaces that generate and stimulate community feeling and bonding. The built forms are contemporary using modern technologies where necessary and imbibing traditional spatial idioms where relevant.

The architect is reachable at suchitra_s@dataone.in

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Native Place is built on an ideal location - a steeply sloping site facing a placid lake and lush hills forming a picturesque backdrop.

The building follows natural ground contours and is snugly rooted on the site. The built form opens up to the natural light and ventilation creating sylvan comfort zones through spatial planning.

The different activities are planned at different levels thus minimizing the invasive and expensive ground leveling and creating interesting spaces in the bargain.

The entrance to Native Place is at the highest level and unobtrusive as one overlooks the terraces to see the lake in the distance. As one enters the precincts the winding path takes you through lush tropical plants and indigenous trees to the sun filled entrance courtyard in the East. The scale is homely and inviting.

This leads to the main living area with rooms and dorms on one-side and steps leading to the kitchen and dining spaces. The steps go around the main court through which sunlight floods the main living areas. The living dining opens to a breathtaking view of the lake and the lush sloping landscape. The main living space is a cozy shelter between the sit out on one side and the bright court on the other.

Two lake facing rooms have external access to afford more privacy while having easy proximity to the living space. The ambience is informal and conducive to a healthy bonding between the houseguests. The steps and low parapet walls are inviting sitting places generating a warm camaraderie among occupants. Some rooms have attached toilets and the dorms share common facilities, a popular attraction being an outdoor shower enhancing the nature experience.

The Native Place is designed to provide basic needs in an elegant and simple manner while creating an exotic yet contemporary architectural space- inviting you to unwind and absorb the soothing goodness of nature.