Proposed Taj business hotel, Mumbai

"Designed to utilize maximum permissible ground coverage on site, the proposed Taj hotel harmoniously integrates with the existing structure to form a world-class business hotel."

The Taj GVK Group at the Mumbai Domestic Airport, Santacruz, proposed a business hotel, with 275 rooms. The plot housed an existing structure, previously designed by our firm to serve as a flight kitchen, currently unused and vacant.

The design challenge was to be able to provide the required hospitality facility to the maximum plot potential and ensure the viability of the project. Being in close proximity to the airport, the height restrictions had to be adhered to. The existing structure had to be retained and the new structure added on appropriately to be able to maintain the existing setback from the adjoining highway.

The rooms were setback from the highway to minimize the effects of noise and pollution. The open to sky swimming pool and landscaped garden was shielded visually from the highway and adjoining flyover, but at the same time made visible from the guest rooms. The undulating spa roof garden further enhanced the view from the guest room above. The glass facades facing the highway were to be etched with symbolic palm leaf. The rear façade of the guest rooms had a more realistic green facade with planters right outside the guestroom windows and creepers climbing up the building.

The design ensured the modern globe trotting business traveller the required facilities for a convenient business experience. In addition to the ideal ambience, the need for calmness, serenity and easy access to the much-needed rejuvenating leisure and relaxation facilities was provided.