Taj Taal Kutir, designed by Studio Lotus, references Kolkata’s British-era clubs while imbuing the space with regional design features. Positioned along a 112-acre lake within Eco Park, the hotel takes a C-shaped layout orientated to maximise views of the nearby lake, the pool and gardens of Eco Park, fashioning a resort-like atmosphere within the format of a city hotel.
A curved feature wall lacquered with hand-laid terracotta tiles at the vestibule echoes the intricate patterns of Jamdani weaves, setting the tone for the arrival experience, where fastidiousness is paramount. The arrival sequence continues, moving through a barrel-vaulted cloister into a lounge designed with intimate booths, where local artist Jit Chowaudhury’s paintings — abstractions of Kolkata’s cityscapes in Jamdani-like strokes — tell a resonant story.
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Public spaces have distinct identities while maintaining coherence with one another. The specialty restaurant, with crimson walls and Art Deco details, resembles a jazz club, while the all-day dining area features a veranda framing the pool, with grey terrazzo flooring and Jaipur green marble inlays. All white private rooms, such as the suites, are saturated in a monochrome palette, grounded by black and white terrazzo floors and adorned with ebonised teakwood furniture. Arches, fluted details and vaulted ceilings maintain a consistent language throughout the rooms, incorporating Kantha embroidery and artwork referencing Ganjifa playing cards.
Moving to the façade, the warm white facade is punctuated by the contrast of Juliet balconies and black Bahama shutters, reminiscent of Bengal’s traditional khorkhori windows. All while the reflection pools, lined with black granite, act as the heart of the hotel.
Studio Lotus
studiolotus.in
Photography
Avesh Gaur
