Pilibhit House by Design Group in Haridwar, India

Project: Pilibhit House, Haridwar – IHCL SeleQtions
Architects: Design Group
Location: Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
Area: 63,000 sq ft
Year: 2021
Photography by: Prashant Bhat Photography

Pilibhit House by Design Group

The former property of the descendants of the royal Pilibhit family, this project showcases royal elegance and a spiritual atmosphere while located in the sacred city of Haridwar. The design is based on the four stages of life or Purusharthas: Dharma (righteousness, moral values); Artha (prosperity, economic values); Kama (pleasure, love, psychological values); and Moksha. Considering the location, the team aimed to integrate design elements reminiscent of Lord Shiva, as Haridwar is considered the gateway to Char Dham.

The hotel is divided into three sections: entrance, inner courtyard, and lounge area leading to the Ganges for people coming here in search of peace and liberation. The hotel design is heavily inspired by a traditional Indian approach, incorporating rich temple colors with updated styling that reflects Indian traditions.

Haridwar is a city known for its strong influence of Lord Shiva, further enhanced by the presence of the sacred river Ganges. Pilibhit House, an exquisite hospitality project from Design Group in Haridwar, aims to enchant everyone who comes here seeking liberation (Moksha). The cultural and religious significance of Haridwar forms a significant part of the modern design lexicon of Pilibhit House hotel. This vintage property located on the banks of the Ganges was once owned by descendants of the royal Pilibhit family. Therefore, it appeared majestic even before first interaction with it. The original structure also possessed an enigmatic grandeur and a touch of luxury.

The project represents a kaleidoscope of cultural influences and civilizations, an idea reflected in the sacred city of Haridwar where people from all over the world come to achieve Moksha. The first impression of the entire team was the beauty of the location and the picturesque view of the Ganges. Haridwar as a city is an experience of the best of Indian cultural and historical heritage. The design was created with emphasis on the four stages of life or Purusharthas according to Indian philosophy, namely Dharma (righteousness); Artha (prosperity); Kama (pleasure, love); and Moksha translated into a modern space. Many design influences were included as homage to Lord Shiva and the gates of Char Dham. The hotel's design flawlessly conveys Indian culture in a contemporary designer style, demonstrating traditional schematic approaches and rich temple color palettes. The cultural and spiritual significance of Haridwar plays a significant role in the modern design grammar of Pilibhit House hotel by IHCL SeleQtions.

As the project was handed over to Design Group in June 2020, when strict lockdowns were implemented due to the coronavirus pandemic, the team faced a key challenge. They had to design without personal site visits and through virtual tours of the assigned project during its construction.

The hotel located on the banks of the Ganges is effectively divided into four sections: entrance hall, inner courtyard and lounge area, as well as the dining room, all leading to the sacred river. The entrance symbolizes Dharma. The large entrance portal recreated as an example of original doors covered with antique blue Nilkantha. Ganges and Nilkantha colors were incorporated, reflected through doors and windows. The entrance hall provides guests with a sense of energy between two doors where ancient artifacts carry memory and history of the haveli. The inner courtyard becomes the next space guests enter, emphasizing connection with Artha. The inner courtyard offers a relaxed view to the lounge area and several rooms. Both ceiling and floor are adorned with intricate carvings. The view from this hall is impeccable. Ripples of coordinates can be seen in the inner courtyard design. The lounge area adjoins the inner courtyard, which leads further to the sacred river.

The inner courtyard is the central hub of the hotel. Thus, it includes a lounge area, hall, check-in zone and café. All public areas are designed to denote Kama. The color of Nilkantha on the Nandi in the lounge and café reflects the presence of Lord Shiva, also symbolized in the main inner courtyard with a dark color scheme. The vibrant color palette used everywhere reflects Haridwar and its architectural heritage of temples.

The check-in zone illustrates the concept of Bholenath starting from the background. The colors of the furniture embody this as well. There are also notable images of Rudraksha embedded in interior and décor. With the help of a skunk, dhol, and welcome mantra, all guests receive an auspicious welcome adorned with the symbolic Rudraksha mala, thus symbolizing birth.

The atmosphere in this space is magical. Natural ventilation in the hall area is quite pleasant, surrounding guests with a wonderful ambiance. Ventilation is also sufficient during summer, making the hall comfortable and serene.

The final goal is Moksha, that is liberation, which provides happiness at the end of life's journey. The entire structure gives guests an opportunity to understand the concept of Purusharta with spiritual influence from Lord Shiva. Ceremonial presentation is achieved through small details, considering natural lighting and architectural elements used in the design. A 100-year-old mango tree was preserved, and a pool was designed around it to demonstrate its connection with the Ganges. The riverside lounge, designed at the Ganga ghat, offers a peaceful soul and positive energy flow, becoming the favorite spot of the main architect.

The biggest challenge in Haridwar was elevating air and water pollution levels. Sustainable architectural practices were applied to manage and control air and water pollution. To give back to society, hotel staff work on maintaining the Ganga ghat and surrounding areas around the property. They clean them to maintain a certain level of hygiene. Active steps are being taken to preserve the architecture and cultural heritage of Pilibhit, as well as maintaining the hotel's street. Local cuisines, folk arts and culture within the property are encouraged and appropriate training is provided to staff members.

The haveli includes a variety of rooms in different sizes and types, all luxuriously decorated as suites with modern design approach. Headboards tell millions of stories symbolizing the diversity of Indian religion. Rooms maintain a modern ambiance, dominated by turquoise color. As seasonal changes in the Ganges colors inspire the overall palette of the property, this influence can be seen both in background and chandeliers. Soft finishing materials are also chosen with celebration of the sacred river and temples of Haridwar in mind. Indian motifs such as Rudraksha, Sadna, and Marigold flower representing Haridwar were modernized through carpets and other soft finishing materials.

The hotel property also includes spa zones that offer a stunning view. The palace-style hotel allows guests to directly descend to the sacred river to observe rituals or take the desired Ganga snan. The design also includes a Ganga lounge or river room where the atmosphere is calm, peaceful and magical, making it the most optimal place for observing the river.

Pilibhit House hotel is a contemporary palace experience embedded in the inspired-by-boutique experience of Haridwar. The design is a luxurious expression of the city of Haridwar and its culture it represents. Pilibhit preserves the exact atmosphere and spiritual significance of the city throughout all parts of the design, systematically implemented with sustainable practices and modern adaptations. Thus, Pilibhit House hotel serves as an ideal example of past in the present.

-Project description and images provided by Design Group