Spiro Spero

I grew up in a place close to nature, staying at a boarding school in Mount Abu, which was situated in the middle of a wildlife sanctuary. All of this fostered the belief that 'nature is everything.' Consequently, our architectural philosophy places great emphasis on the idea that nature is the primary source of all the resources we use. I believe that residential architecture and other large-scale projects often involve excessive material wastage, and clients are often reluctant to explore alternative options. Fortunately, on our journey in the hospitality industry, we have been fortunate to collaborate with like- minded clients who are willing to incorporate sustainable practices into our designs. T September 2023 In the KAIA Village, ten thoughtfully designed rooms offer moments of rest and rejuvenation, with upper rooms providing breathtaking sea views. KAIA Villa, a modern haven, features minimalist design and a glass façade for unbroken communion with the sea. The pervasive use of bamboo, driftwood, and recycled materials throughout the property showcases their dedication to sustainable practices. KAIA Villa is a four- bedroom haven aligned with the shore, offering uninterrupted vistas of the river and the sea along with a resplendent swimming pool. The towering thirty-foot hourglass-shaped bar, crafted by a team of eight artisans over four hundred hours, symbolizes liberation from time's constraints. The River Deck that houses the coffee shop offers unparalleled views of the mesmerizing river that ebbs and flows with the tide. The Beach Deck that forms the top half of the bottomless hourglass is the highest spot around to grab uninterrupted views of the sunrise over the hills or the sunset over the sea. T September 2023 When it comes to offering unique experiences to people, I believe our people-centric approach is crucial. Typically, architects design for builders or themselves, without considering the people who will ultimately inhabit the space. We strive to create joyful spaces where we collaborate closely with the individuals we're working with, designing from the perspective of the end-users' comfort, happiness, and overall positive experience.

My parents worked hard to raise three children together. During my childhood, they instilled in me the importance of repairing and reusing items, whether it was a small radio or the geyser. We never hired electricians or plumbers; instead, I learned to be resourceful and adapt to different circumstances. This upbringing taught me not to spend money excessively and to make the most of what we had. My deep love for nature and strong family values have become fundamental aspects of my personal beliefs. They have made me feel profoundly connected to nature, not only appreciating the resources it provides but also finding inner peace in its presence. I hold two core principles dear: the ability to achieve much with little and the recognition of nature's significance in spaces, particularly in hospitality and public areas.

The company's motto of ' firmitas, utilitas, venustas' meaning strength, functionality and beauty easily defines the ethos of our practice. We choose to undertake hospitality projects because we understand the critical importance of certain aspects in design. We prioritize meticulous attention to detail, including staff movement within the design, to ensure that the project is both spacious and highly functional. To achieve this, we employ a combination of hand sketches and AI tools to simulate various scenarios. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of our work. For instance, when selecting furniture, we consider factors such as the expected hours of use and the number of years it will serve. We go a step further by providing manuals along with the furniture, detailing how to clean and maintain it. This dedication to durability and sustainability is deeply ingrained in our design process before and after the handover of the project.

It is possible through respect—respect for the local culture. Having travelled extensively across our country, I've come to realize just how vast and diverse our cultural landscape is, with so much lost in translation. We instil in our team the importance of always acting respectfully in any circumstance. Spiro Spero was formed in 2011 by Smriti Ahuja & Keith Menon with the intention of bringing commercial & hospitality design within the country to international standards. The company's motto of firmitas, utilitas, venustas meaning strength, functionality and beauty easily defines the ethos of the founders and the team. As an architecture, design & branding firm, Spiro Spero aspires to create a modern space aesthetic inspired by the past, for the present and one that lasts long into the future. Major challenges faced during the design process, other than land allocation, were the restrictions on the use of materials and the legal limitations to what one can construct within the CRZ area. Goa is a wet state in every sense, including the monsoons that hammer the coast. Designing temporary structures to remain operational in such adverse conditions can be a challenge. It took the designers' teams 12 months to execute the on-site work, as working in the kind of monsoon that lashes the Aswem oceanfront slowed work down considerably. 33 T THE NEP TUNE GLI TZ T September 2023

It is possible through respect—respect for the local culture. Having travelled extensively across our country, I've come to realize just how vast and diverse our cultural landscape is, with so much lost in translation. We instil in our team the importance of always acting respectfully in any circumstance.

We adopted a sustainability-centric approach for KAIA. Our first sustainability initiative focused on the water disposal T September 2023 system. We installed underground structures for sewage and wastewater, ensuring that no waste would be discharged into the ground, sea, or any other freshwater source. In addition, we implemented careful debris management by extracting Chira stone debris from the site and using it in the foundation. We also utilized sand and other debris within the site to minimize waste. Furthermore, we made eco-friendly choices such as opting for water-based paints and procuring bamboo from local farmers. We are committed to responsible sourcing, avoiding illegal river sand, and obtaining it from accredited suppliers. T September 2023 The challenges faced during the design of KAIA Goa, including the restrictions on materials and legal limitations in the CRZ area, are intriguing.

We conducted a comprehensive study of seismic conditions, given our proximity to the sea. Recognizing areas prone to water flow during excavation, we made provisions to ensure the smooth movement of water. To prevent concretization, we designed an interconnected grid at the base, T September 2023 ensuring structural stability even in the presence of shifting sands or water. This grid extended across the entire area, evenly distributing weight to prevent sinking. Additionally, we implemented a filtration system to maintain a non-chlorinated pool. Given Goa's susceptibility to cyclones with wind speeds exceeding 100 km/hr, our entire structure was designed to facilitate ample airflow, allowing for efficient wind passage.

One fundamental design principle we followed for small spaces was to avoid using straight lines. This strategy maximized the perception of space by introducing turns a n d l e v e l s , w h i c h d i s r u p t e d t h e straightforward movement of users. This approach effectively increased travel distances and created more focal points, giving the impression of larger spaces. Additionally, we integrated utilities seamlessly within the spaces, eliminating the need for exclusive utility areas. Back areas, known for accumulating garbage and dirt, were also eliminated from the design. We incorporated multiple levels and interesting corners, ensuring that guests would discover something new with each visit. These elements collectively contribute to the sense that KAIA is more spacious than its compact footprint suggests.

I chose the hourglass shape for the bar at KAIA With a limited space of 10,000 sqft and a built-up area of 25,000 for a very specific reason. Aswem Beach is sqft, efficient allocation of space for movement and leisure was a known for its high sand content, and the wind challenge. The space was broken up into experiences instead of often carries sand onto the roads. In keeping just sections to curate a meandering journey through the space to with KAIA's theme of being a 'where time make it feel and look larger than it is. While the village area is stands still' retreat, where guests can leave largely inward-looking, all elevated areas are outward-looking. their watches behind and truly relax, the hourglass symbolizes this idea. The sand Through the construction of KAIA Goa, the designers prioritized flowing through the hourglass without minimizing their environmental impact. The design incorporates accumulating signifies that there's no time limit consciously selected materials and recycled artwork, seamlessly to the experience one can enjoy at the bar. blending with the natural surroundings. They've taken great care In terms of connecting the decks and other to reduce waste during construction, use water efficiently, save elements of the property, our goal was to electricity, and support the clean-up and restoration of ensure that no single element dominated and mangroves. that we maintained consistent deck levels to Courtesy: Spiro Spero preserve unobstructed views, all while adhering to local standards. FACT FILE: Name of Project : KAIA Project Type : Hospitality Location : Aswem Beach, Goa Plot Area : 10000 sqft Built-Up : 25000 sqft Year : 2023 Design Firm : Spiro Spero Principal Designer : Keith Menon Design Team : Mehzabin K, Karan Unadkat, Abdeali J, Deepika Malik,Rajkumar, Sagar Pawar and Garima S Photographer : Lost & Hungry Studios T September 2023