Architect Hiren Patel hits upon the novel idea of pitching a cluster of tents on the property the Balaram Palace to combat the need for more guest accommodation whilst maintaining its pristine glory.

   The Balaram Palace lies in a secluded stretch of forest between Ambaji and Abu. When it had outlived its use as a hunting lodge, its owners had reinvented this space into a heritage hotel. Enter Hiren Patel, the Ahmedabad based architect with a penchant for treating spaces with the makeover of a boutique. Determined to maintain the central and pristine glory of the property while combating with demands for more guest accommodation, Patel hit upon the novel idea of pitching tents on the property.

   “It was running resort of seven years and the extension, in terms of tents, seemed ideal. The estate is right on the Balaram River and offers a scenic view of the forest, the lodge and the Aravalli Hills in the distance. A tent was the best solution, as a permanent structure would have completely submerged the majesty of the palace.”

   Unlike the conventional models used by hikers, Patel’s tents are semi-permanent outfits, capable of withstanding inclement weather and strong gusts that are common in this area. Their inner ceiling height rises from a comfortable 8 feet to 13 feet at the pinnacle and they cover a floor area of a thousand sq feet. The five tents that Patel has pitched have a flooring of mosaic tiles in the conventional galeecha pattern that befits a western region interior, and gives these tents an understated hint of luxury. At the entrance of the tent, which outwardly has a strong semblance to an English cottage, is the study area that doubles as an informal parlour. It leads to a large bedroom, extending further on to a dressing room and bathroom. The open plan layout of the space gives it a roomy coziness.

   The most attractive part of the lay out is its south facing sun-deck, a picturesque sit out which remains bathed in sunshine due to its strategic south facing location. The wooden flooring underfoot is a pampering gesture that guests never fail to admire. All around, the wall is covered with printed cotton fabric, sprouting a pattern specially block printed by the famed Chippakars of the Ahmedabad region.

   The most challenging and most unique part of this creation has been the exterior of the tent. The fabric used is an unobtrusive spread of khaki canvas. Yet this choice has earlier proved to be their stumbling block. “We tried all kinds of fabric but they were leaky. Then the Gemini circus came to town and we watched."

   Their in-house tent maker makes their rents. We gave them our specifications and had them fabricate our. Their indigenous creation was well within our budget and has served our purpose. The khaki canvas is lined with wax and kerosene for waterproofing and this has worked very well”

   These all- weather tents have proved economical in more ways than one.” It takes just six hours to pitch these tents. It is fully furnished and fitted with air conditioning facilities and costs just five lakhs in all. This is forty percent lower than a conventional permanent building and lasts for seven years. After that, only the upper roof needs changing. It is built with complete structural engineering techniques and even in the windy area they have proved totally safe.”

   The clusters of five tents have been their own role models. From this runaway success Patel’s client has plans to set up another seven, making this potential dozen a complete outdoor experience even for the most faint hearted adventurer who balks at the slightest hint of things rugged and rough!

BACK TO ARTICLES