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Architectural Gems: 7 Restoration Marvels From Across India
From public buildings to old palaces to clubs, here's a look at the most spectacular restoration stories in the country
Aditi Sharma Maheshwari
9 April 2018
Blogger, dog mom
Over the years, many eminent architects in India, driven by the zeal to protect important but derelict structures, have taken up the task to conserve, repair and renovate old public and heritage buildings, eventually bringing them back to their old glory. Here, we look at a few such architectural gems and their restoration stories.
Rajabai Clock Tower, Mumbai
By Anita Garware (Indian Heritage Society), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Somaya & Kalappa Consultants
While strolling through the Fort area in Mumbai, you’ll find the Rajabai Clock Tower one of the most noticeable buildings – an iconic 280-foot structure located in the Mumbai University’s campus, modelled after Big Ben in London.
Anita Garware, chairperson of the Indian Heritage Society, made the proposal for its restoration in 1995. In 2012 Mumbai University roped in Somaya and Kalappa for the project where the firm worked on restoring the weather-beaten sections of the tower. While the architectural firm took care of the structural changes, funds were donated by Tata Consultancy Services of India for the entire project. It was finally completed it 2015.
Minute customisation and attention to detail has been the hallmark of this project – such as reattaching identical Minton tiles to the parquet surfaces and working inside an elaborate scaffolding structure.
Along with the Clock Tower, the adjacent building that houses a library also underwent repairs – the conventional library was eventually turned into a digital-led, technology-enabled learning centre.
By Anita Garware (Indian Heritage Society), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Somaya & Kalappa Consultants
While strolling through the Fort area in Mumbai, you’ll find the Rajabai Clock Tower one of the most noticeable buildings – an iconic 280-foot structure located in the Mumbai University’s campus, modelled after Big Ben in London.
Anita Garware, chairperson of the Indian Heritage Society, made the proposal for its restoration in 1995. In 2012 Mumbai University roped in Somaya and Kalappa for the project where the firm worked on restoring the weather-beaten sections of the tower. While the architectural firm took care of the structural changes, funds were donated by Tata Consultancy Services of India for the entire project. It was finally completed it 2015.
Minute customisation and attention to detail has been the hallmark of this project – such as reattaching identical Minton tiles to the parquet surfaces and working inside an elaborate scaffolding structure.
Along with the Clock Tower, the adjacent building that houses a library also underwent repairs – the conventional library was eventually turned into a digital-led, technology-enabled learning centre.
Neemrana Palace, Delhi-Jaipur Highway
By Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg, founders of Neemrana Hotels
In 1977, research partners Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg, while studying Rajasthani frescos, chanced upon a broken-down fort on a hilltop, 100 kilometres from Delhi. With an aim to restore this 1464 AD fort and convert it into a hotel, they bought over the property in 1986. This became the first hotel under the Neemrana chain of hotels. Today the brand has 18 resorts under its wing, spanning Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Kerala.
During the renovation process, the fort’s foundation, walls and ceiling were consolidated to protect the structure from disintegrating. The rooms in the basement were strengthened. The facade on the left side of the building was replicated on the right to maintain symmetry. The jalis inside were duplicated using berla stone, found near Alwar, Rajasthan. Many of the broken arches, columns and brackets were reproduced, all with the help of workers from Neemrana and masons from neighbouring villages. In 1991, the restoration of the property was finally completed and it opened its doors to guests, with just 15 rooms. Over the years the property was expanded and by 2008, it had 72 rooms, sprawling courtyards and lush gardens.
See how a 350-year-old home gets a new lease of life
By Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg, founders of Neemrana Hotels
In 1977, research partners Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg, while studying Rajasthani frescos, chanced upon a broken-down fort on a hilltop, 100 kilometres from Delhi. With an aim to restore this 1464 AD fort and convert it into a hotel, they bought over the property in 1986. This became the first hotel under the Neemrana chain of hotels. Today the brand has 18 resorts under its wing, spanning Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Kerala.
During the renovation process, the fort’s foundation, walls and ceiling were consolidated to protect the structure from disintegrating. The rooms in the basement were strengthened. The facade on the left side of the building was replicated on the right to maintain symmetry. The jalis inside were duplicated using berla stone, found near Alwar, Rajasthan. Many of the broken arches, columns and brackets were reproduced, all with the help of workers from Neemrana and masons from neighbouring villages. In 1991, the restoration of the property was finally completed and it opened its doors to guests, with just 15 rooms. Over the years the property was expanded and by 2008, it had 72 rooms, sprawling courtyards and lush gardens.
See how a 350-year-old home gets a new lease of life
Haveli Dharampura, New Delhi
By Spaces Architects@ka
Inside the crowded and busy market of Chandni Chowk is an 1887 AD building, which was once derelict and in shambles. In 2011, client Vijay Goel, a politician, approached Spaces Architects@ka to make this broken-down structure, which had been declared as an uninhabitable space for living by the government of Delhi, into a plush hotel for tourists.
The metamorphosis of this space is an impressive story. The firm did an elaborate two-year research on the whole urban fabric of Chandni Chowk. Before the renovation commenced, almost all areas were structurally examined and strengthened. In some places, the original building was either left exposed or was structurally replicated. The facade was recreated with balconies and skylights and tiny rooms were redesigned into 14 spacious boudoirs. Completed in 2016, the hotel, today, is a well-known property for guests from all over the world.
Take a look at this Delhi home designed by Spaces Architects @ka
By Spaces Architects@ka
Inside the crowded and busy market of Chandni Chowk is an 1887 AD building, which was once derelict and in shambles. In 2011, client Vijay Goel, a politician, approached Spaces Architects@ka to make this broken-down structure, which had been declared as an uninhabitable space for living by the government of Delhi, into a plush hotel for tourists.
The metamorphosis of this space is an impressive story. The firm did an elaborate two-year research on the whole urban fabric of Chandni Chowk. Before the renovation commenced, almost all areas were structurally examined and strengthened. In some places, the original building was either left exposed or was structurally replicated. The facade was recreated with balconies and skylights and tiny rooms were redesigned into 14 spacious boudoirs. Completed in 2016, the hotel, today, is a well-known property for guests from all over the world.
Take a look at this Delhi home designed by Spaces Architects @ka
Asiatic Society Library, Mumbai
By Abha Narain Lambah
One of the most well-known and iconic destinations in Mumbai, the grand Asiatic Society Library was established in 1804. Picture postcards carry the image of the Library’s staircase dotted with lounging college students.
After 200 years of existence, the central hall of the building, the Town Hall, and the steps before it were showing signs of weathering. Their restoration was undertaken in 2009. The renovation of all the spaces (except the stairs) was completed in 2017, and it included the refurbishment of the library, which involved strengthening of the structure, restoration of the Gothic-style furniture, the carvings and ornamental pillars. The Town Hall was renovated, where the original designs were retained and materials (stones, paints) as close to the original as possible were chosen. Vintage-style cascading chandeliers, old-style fans, hand-carved wooden bookcases and reading stands now adorn the hall.
By Abha Narain Lambah
One of the most well-known and iconic destinations in Mumbai, the grand Asiatic Society Library was established in 1804. Picture postcards carry the image of the Library’s staircase dotted with lounging college students.
After 200 years of existence, the central hall of the building, the Town Hall, and the steps before it were showing signs of weathering. Their restoration was undertaken in 2009. The renovation of all the spaces (except the stairs) was completed in 2017, and it included the refurbishment of the library, which involved strengthening of the structure, restoration of the Gothic-style furniture, the carvings and ornamental pillars. The Town Hall was renovated, where the original designs were retained and materials (stones, paints) as close to the original as possible were chosen. Vintage-style cascading chandeliers, old-style fans, hand-carved wooden bookcases and reading stands now adorn the hall.
Taj Falaknuma, Hyderabad
By Rahul Mehrotra of RMA Architects and the Taj Group
While many (lucky) travellers have happily stayed at the heritage property and witnessed its gorgeous interiors, very few are aware of its restoration history. Princess Esra Jah, the former wife of the eighth Nizam of Hyderabad decided to restore the ancestral palace, built in 1894, to its former glory. In 2010, with the restoration overseen by Esra Jah and RMA Architects, the task of its completion was taken over by the Taj Group who wanted to make this a heritage hotel. Before the work started, renowned artisans, structural engineers and historians were brought on board to research, study and document the work on the property. The on-ground work was extensive too – decorative inlaid furniture, crystal glass chandeliers, handcrafted tapestries and brocades, 10 types of leather and 32 varieties of Italian marble and carved balustrades are said to have been specially imported from various countries to give back the property its original character. The newly renovated hotel opened to guests in November 2010, and the result of all the hard work, as we can all see, is breathtaking.
Want to give your home a 5 Star hotel appeal?
By Rahul Mehrotra of RMA Architects and the Taj Group
While many (lucky) travellers have happily stayed at the heritage property and witnessed its gorgeous interiors, very few are aware of its restoration history. Princess Esra Jah, the former wife of the eighth Nizam of Hyderabad decided to restore the ancestral palace, built in 1894, to its former glory. In 2010, with the restoration overseen by Esra Jah and RMA Architects, the task of its completion was taken over by the Taj Group who wanted to make this a heritage hotel. Before the work started, renowned artisans, structural engineers and historians were brought on board to research, study and document the work on the property. The on-ground work was extensive too – decorative inlaid furniture, crystal glass chandeliers, handcrafted tapestries and brocades, 10 types of leather and 32 varieties of Italian marble and carved balustrades are said to have been specially imported from various countries to give back the property its original character. The newly renovated hotel opened to guests in November 2010, and the result of all the hard work, as we can all see, is breathtaking.
Want to give your home a 5 Star hotel appeal?
Old Yacht Club, Mumbai
By Somaya & Kalappa Consultants
The Old Yacht Club or the Royal Bombay Yacht Club in Colaba was built in Neo-Gothic style by architect John Adams in 1881 as a communal place for the Europeans living in the city. By 1976, due to structural degradation, about one-third of the existing building had become dilapidated. In 2004, the board decided to invite Somaya & Kalappa Consultants to take on the project. The architects wanted to bring back the structure to its original character, which is why they recycled the existing materials and debris of the old building to renovate the property. Also, a number of tasks were undertaken while redoing the place – restoring the exteriors and making them waterproof, mending loose tiles on the ground floor and reinstating the stained-glass installations around the area. The building was finally completed in 2007.
By Somaya & Kalappa Consultants
The Old Yacht Club or the Royal Bombay Yacht Club in Colaba was built in Neo-Gothic style by architect John Adams in 1881 as a communal place for the Europeans living in the city. By 1976, due to structural degradation, about one-third of the existing building had become dilapidated. In 2004, the board decided to invite Somaya & Kalappa Consultants to take on the project. The architects wanted to bring back the structure to its original character, which is why they recycled the existing materials and debris of the old building to renovate the property. Also, a number of tasks were undertaken while redoing the place – restoring the exteriors and making them waterproof, mending loose tiles on the ground floor and reinstating the stained-glass installations around the area. The building was finally completed in 2007.
Royal Opera House, Mumbai
By Abha Narain Lambah Associates
Theatre and music enthusiasts of Mumbai probably find themselves at the Royal Opera House every weekend these days – the place, today, is buzzing with events.
The history of its restoration is a long and fascinating one. Built in 1912 by Maurice Bandmann, an entertainer, and Jehangir Framji Karaka, who headed a coal brokers’ firm, it served as a place for theatre and musical performances, and later, for films. In 1952, the royal Gondol family of Gujarat bought this 574-seater, three-level Baroque auditorium. Over the years it faced degradation and closed down in the 1990s. In 2010 the Gondol family commissioned its refurbishment by Abha Narain Lambah Associates.
The property was massive and needed rework in many areas, which is why many experts were roped in to contribute to its restoration. For the interiors, they invited Anupam Shah of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and called in Manikandan, an art restorer. Stained-glass panels were imported from England and worked on by Swati Chandgadkar, who is a specialist restorer. It took the firm six years to finally complete the structure, in 2017. Today, it looks like a chapter from history, brought back to its 1916 glory, along with all the hustle and bustle of a working opera house.
Read more:
Houzz Tour: A Lovingly Restored 1960s ‘Spaceship’ Home
Tell us:
Is there any other building or structure that you feel received a splendid restoration? Tell us about it in Comments below.
By Abha Narain Lambah Associates
Theatre and music enthusiasts of Mumbai probably find themselves at the Royal Opera House every weekend these days – the place, today, is buzzing with events.
The history of its restoration is a long and fascinating one. Built in 1912 by Maurice Bandmann, an entertainer, and Jehangir Framji Karaka, who headed a coal brokers’ firm, it served as a place for theatre and musical performances, and later, for films. In 1952, the royal Gondol family of Gujarat bought this 574-seater, three-level Baroque auditorium. Over the years it faced degradation and closed down in the 1990s. In 2010 the Gondol family commissioned its refurbishment by Abha Narain Lambah Associates.
The property was massive and needed rework in many areas, which is why many experts were roped in to contribute to its restoration. For the interiors, they invited Anupam Shah of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and called in Manikandan, an art restorer. Stained-glass panels were imported from England and worked on by Swati Chandgadkar, who is a specialist restorer. It took the firm six years to finally complete the structure, in 2017. Today, it looks like a chapter from history, brought back to its 1916 glory, along with all the hustle and bustle of a working opera house.
Read more:
Houzz Tour: A Lovingly Restored 1960s ‘Spaceship’ Home
Tell us:
Is there any other building or structure that you feel received a splendid restoration? Tell us about it in Comments below.
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