Rachakonda Cafe

Designed as part of a wellness centre set within the wilderness of Rachakonda, amidst rugged hills, the café draws deep inspiration from its unique surroundings. The design integrates local materials and traditional stone joinery methods, inspired by the historic architecture of Rachakonda Fort, blending them into a contemporary form. This approach preserves the visual continuity with the fort while enhancing the structure's resilience to local climatic conditions.
The architectural inspiration stems from the robust yet elegant Fort. The fort is characterized by its two concentric walls and four gates on each side, which have informed the spatial configuration of this new establishment. The design is oriented to maximize views of the expansive landscape, mirroring the fort's strategic openings. The slightly sloped roof ensures the building remains low-lying, harmonizing with the terrain rather than dominating it, allowing the structure to blend with the landscape, creating a serene and unobtrusive presence.
Occupying a triangular site, the building’s form narrows to guide visitors through a passage that culminates in a circular courtyard, which then opens up to the surrounding natural beauty. This journey through the space is reminiscent of navigating the fort's gates, creating a sense of discovery and connection to the site's history.