Environ Planners - Profile

What we see, think and believe…

OUR WORKS AND PHILOSOPHY ENVIRON PLANNERS

Ar. Sanjay Patil & Ar. Anagha Patil

OUR PRACTICE Four decades ago, Sanjay – then a fresh graduate from Sir J.J. College of Architecture, returned to his home town of Nashik with many ideas, dreams and passion to start a humble practice leading to the inception of Environ Planners. Nashik is a fast-growing city nestled in between the Sahyadri ranges along the river Godavari known for its religious heritage, industrial outlook and lately wine tourism.

Environ Planners was established in 1981 by Ar. Sanjay Patil. In 2012, Sanjay’s daughter Anagha joined the firm with fresher interpretations of the same deep-rooted ethos. Over the past forty years, the firm has designed a wide array of work spanning across residential, commercial, industrial, educational, institutional, interiors and adaptive reuse.

For us at Environ Planners, nature and vernacular architecture have been a constant inspiration. We believe that with climate change looming large at us, sustainable practices and application of energy efficient principles to the building design is the need of the hour. Our core strength lies in designing site-sensitive environment-conscious architecture inspired by regional traditional architecture, fused with modern technology, and interspersed with nature to get the desired results – where simplicity prevails and nests in the nature. At the heart of our designs lies the firm belief that local deep-rooted wisdom and innovative technology need not exist in isolation. In fact, when paired together, it can create meaningful spaces and beautiful buildings.

We believe that spaces should be filled with a cheerful light and their habitants should take pride owning its right.

Our works shake hands with nature,sometimes bringing them inside Sometimes extending to it seamlessly.

We aspire to design spaces that flow like fluids; making every nich and corner interesting, opening new vistas as if contemplating life.

We hope our works bring joy and feeling of fulfilment to each and everyone.

In our designs VERANDAHS, COURTS AND TERRACES form a visual, spatial, climatic and social focal point and bring in all the elements of nature into the built form.

As far as possible, we try to use local natural materials to characterize space by adding a tactile quality along with visual and physical comfort.

We seek for structures that are rooted in the context and take influences from its rich heritage and culture with minimal interventions to reduce the impact on the environment.

The approach to integrate landscape with the built environment, amalgamates interior and exterior to create a series of interactive spaces.

Where thoughts are converted to lines...

OUR STUDIO

In a discreet lane in Nashik lies our studio. Tucked around a little corner behind a deceptively plain garden wall, away from the hustle bustle of a commercial district, this workspace has many a surprise awaiting you. It is a little microcosm in itself, at times buzzing with activity infusing one and all with its energy and life. Conversely, it has the tranquillity and calm that compels you to sit down, unwind and retrospect. It is a design lab where ideas are discussed, ideologies are debated and experiments are carried out. And above all it is a metaphor encompassing the philosophy of the architect towards his profession and a reflection of his personality.

The upper level of the office merges in, to form an interesting variety in the ceiling heights. Overlooking the activities below, it creates a unity between the spaces.

Beyond the stepping stones bridging a pretty little water body lays a half-hidden garden which is the heart of the studio - a brick paved amphitheatre that hosts myriad events, get-togethers, and interactions.

A living lagecy- Rennovation

MASANI FARMHOUSE In the year 1984, when the clients approached to restore the farmhouse, the building had already been around for over a hundred years. Having housed many generations of the Masani family, every part of the house was steeped in memories.

On the other hand, having weathered the severities of time and shifting seasons for a long period had led to deterioration of the structure. Changing times led to change in lifestyle and therefore changes in space requirements. Accommodating these needs without destroying the existing character of the house was the biggest challenge.

The fundamental design approach to this challenge was established by being true to the existing structure. There was a sincere attempt to retain its character infused positivity and balance in the design. Sensitive details echoed the times gone by; as even today every space in the farmhouse narrates a story from its memoirs.

The existing niches, pegs, joists and other rustic details were restored and highlighted to accentuate their antique character.

A balcony overlooking into the verandah on the lower level helps set up a vertical communication between the various levels.

BAPAT-BAGAWE FARMHOUSE Located on a large expanse of agricultural land on the outskirts of Nashik, this farmhouse has all the elements- earth, water and air, needed to relax and rejuvenate one’s body and soul.

The covered sit-outs emerging out of every room spill over into the surrounding sloping lawns and create echoes towards the water body beyond. As the sun paints the sky in vibrant colours every evening, these levels form the perfect setting to enjoy nature’s flawless performance.

This farmhouse is a composition in brick and stone strung together along the thread of green spaces; its earthiness, comfort and tranquillity compelling the user to come back into its fold on every possible pretext.

The covered sit-outs emerging out of every room spill over into the surrounding sloping lawns and create echoes towards the water

Curved walls in coursed stone masonry flow into each other defining deep interlocking of spaces.

THE PAWA FARMHOUSE The PAWA farmhouse sits amidst a landscape of lush green meadows that host wild rabbits and peacocks surrounded by rolling hills. The farmhouse is shared between the families of two friends who are also partners in business. The plot is an elongated rectangle with the house placed at the far end of the site. This is to provide sufficient transition within one’s plot boundary using the vegetation and landscape as elements before arriving at the house.

Once you are within the confines of the built structure, the entire site and the surroundings open up to you, giving you endless stretches of green views. The planning is straight forward and simple - two rectangular masses placed parallel to each other with another small rectangular mass housing amenities and common spaces for both the families.

The organisation of the farmhouse makes it an intrinsic space overlooking the orchard; rejoicing the produce that is grown in the farm by its conscious and caring owners.

The site is a virtue. The outlook of repose is elusively occupied in several instances- the tactile play of traditional elements, the link between the built and un-built and the enveloping

Banking over an infinity edge, the reflecting sheet of water choreographs the parallel planes of the sky, the earth and the built together.

Exemplifying a simple yet functional vocabulary, the design drifts into the landscape effortlessly in a continuous and measured manner with its scant and refined set of materials.

The large roof overhangs incidentally form the identity of this house. They protect the balconies from sun and rain and help in framing views of the hills far beyond.

The warmth of wooden balcanies at the background of black basalt balances its cosiness and cohesiveness.

THE BAY HOUSE The farmhouse is a simple rectangular block, not over powering the external landscape creates a sense of mystery as to what lies beyond the auburn facade. The wall, that envelops around the house, is alternately inter-mitten by horizontal ribbons of brick at different levels. The stone walls break the monotony by aptly placing themselves in front of the brick facade. A subtle landscape introduces the house with a small lotus pond that reflects the rhythmic use of indigenous elements.

The long and low horizontal lines aid in transforming the features of the house and render a humble character infusing serenity into the spaces turning it into a magical abode.

THE BIRARI HOUSE The Birari was designed as a farmhouse for a family to enjoy a retreat from the bustling city life. Situated on the fringes of Nashik along the backwaters of Gangapur dam which is cradled by the Sahyadri ranges, the site enjoys a gradual slope towards this magnificent view.

The aim of the design was to enhance the panoramic view of the backwaters, while respecting the contours and landscape on site. Locally sourced materials are used to infuse the Indian aesthetic with contemporary comfort. Spaces planned around open to sky courts add a quintessential character to the project. The house is planned in such a way that each room enjoys the view. The building is split into two blocks, separating the public and private spaces. A landscaped passage seamlessly connects the two blocks.

The exterior landscape acts as a datum to the rooms and activities around them.

As a whole, this house is the culmination of clients’ aspiration for comfort, and designers’ sensitivity to the site and context.

A house that was meant to be a weekend retreat for the client turned out to be a permanent house due to the pandemic. The client’s large family enjoyed being together and spending fruitful time with each other amidst clean air and lush greens. Working from home, undertaking daily chores, exercising, growing and cooking their own food, in a way changing old habits and lifestyle turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the family.

A gradual journey inside the house, teases you with hints of the view that lies beyond.

As you enter the site, you are welcomed by a lotus pond with a large canopy surrounded by lush green trees.

OFFICE FOR GREENSPACE REALTER Every project provides its own set of challenges. The measure of good design is in seeing these challenges as opportunities and converting them into merits of the project. This design for a developer’s office space was one such new challenge, where the project constraints have been used positively to produce sustainable architecture.

The office is designed on a compact site located in the midst of the new business centre of Nashik. The site housed an existing building shell with a basement, while the shell was restructured, the basement was remodelled as a rain water harvesting tank. The harvested water is recycled through pipes under the floor surface to provide radiant cooling to the building. Modern and traditional methods of passive cooling are harmoniously integrated through the design.

The client expressed a leaning towards sustainable design which extends from his personal liking to his business philosophy, thus the design builds its way around the very basic philosophy of ‘respect for environment’. Simplicity in space planning clubbed with openness and vertical connections, makes the compact volume appear generous.

This building tells a story of how sincerity of purpose can find its way through every constraint; that sustainability can be infused into every design and good intent always finds a route to its fulfilment.

Doors, windows and furniture are made out of reclaimed wood. The visual and tactile feel of natural materials adds warmth and comfort.

Daylight filtering through foliage of existing trees reduces glare and gives a beautiful background like a painting with changes seasons and vistas.

OFFICE FOR MR. BHUJBAL This is a workspace far removed from the stereotype formality and sterility that a majority of office spaces exude now days. This is a power centre that attracts a huge number of visitors at any point of time. It was imperative that the architectural vocabulary should make a strong statement to every person who steps into it.

Given the clients’ liking for colonial architecture, the design is reminiscent of architecture of that era, not just in aspects of detailing but also scale and proportions of spaces.

A carpet of lush landscape sets a beautiful foreground to the main structure. A water pool surrounds the reception area, creating reflections that doubles the impact and also forms a barrier to control movement of individuals and groups. The semi-enclosed reception space comfortably holds a large number of visitors at a time.

The space planning is simple, sprawling transitional areas blend the spaces into each other creating a sense of continuity and unity within the office.

Despite the highly crafted detailing and the elaborate style of architecture, there is a strong undercurrent of restraint in the way this style is expressed; making the design comfortable and easy on the eye.

Customised terrazzo flooring in earthy colours and timber detailing and handcrafted textiles add nostalgia. Intricate wrought iron railings, stone and metal artefacts, light fixtures and fans echo the past.

Nestled on a sizeable piece of land, the campus is reminiscent of colonial architecture and office spaces built during that time.

PAPAYA NURSERY OFFICE Adaptive reuse of a structure has always been viewed as a very sensitive approach to architecture. When this approach is combined with innovation and respect for the existing building.

It is hard to imagine that the charming, serene and intimate office space for Papaya nursery was originally built in the British era as a military bunker with water reservoirs above.

Today the eight vaulted voids have been converted into flexible and cosy work spaces, meeting hubs and service areas. The sheltered waiting space around it creates the transition path connecting the activity pockets to the vast green earth mounds beyond.

The entire structure is sheltered by a massive sloping roof that envelopes the existing structure and protects it. The existing voids of the erstwhile water reservoirs have been converted into a covered seating space, a swimming pool, and guest rooms. A bridge over the pool connects the rooms with the covered seating serving as an axis and providing local symmetry. The intimacy gradient has been sensitively worked out with public, semi-private and private spaces co-existing beautifully in the same setting.

Simple yet striking, the entire campus has a secretive quality about it. The structure resonates with intrigue and history of an era gone by, yet blending beautifully with the modern day needs of a work cum leisure space.

Overhang to protect the structure against the rains went on to creating a beautiful transition space and way beyond.

The structure resonates with intrigue and history of an era gone by, yet blending beautifully with the modern day needs of a work cum leisure space.

THE BANYAN TREE: AN EXECUTIVE OFFICE The Banyan Tree is considered to be a symbol of knowledge and wisdom while its branches are believed to symbolize longevity and immortality. This office space was conceptualized by the client – Mahindra & Mahindra ltd. as a workspace for their company’s senior most advisors and consultants, which like the Banyan tree, would become a confluence of expertise and percipience.

In an attempt to break away from the conventional corporate office experience, this design aims to personify the personalities of the users. The users here are known to be the expert veterans in their domains, who have been visionaries and pioneers for the development and growth of the company. The design is thus an amalgamation of a vintage aesthetic and contemporary, state of the art elements which together comprise a timeless office space. The use of various types of vaults give an identity to the different spaces, while the free flowing and simplistic furniture adds to the functionality. The colours and textures in architectural elements further add contrast and a fresh energy to the office environment.

The use of natural and earthy materials with the inclusion of plants in the office space adds a breath of fresh air while creating a stress-free environment. All the elements have been designed and materials have been selected keeping in mind the age of the users.

The objective of the design was to think beyond perceived functionality and satisfy the user by creating spaces for thinking, reacting, dreaming, musing, congregating and interacting. The concept embraces designing for people first and commercialization second; as design is not only about the spatial or physical form of objects, but the form of interactions that take place and occupy time in people’s relations with and through.

The cabins are located in the North direction, overlooking the garden, while large windows usher in ample natural light.

The use of various types of vaults give an identity to the different spaces

KUSUMAGRAJ MEMORIAL Kusumagraj Smarak is a memorial evolved as a social and environmental response, accommodating various cultural activities with respect to the memories of the legendary poet and writer – V. V. Shirwadkar known as ‘Kusumagraj’ to his readers. He was a respected humanist, a keen social activist and an eminent literary inspiration to many.

The unpretentious complex is in sync with the humble, down-to-earth persona of the poet.

The entrance canopy and swaying ‘kadamb’ trees adorn the entrance, paying a silent tribute to the poet who cherished the ‘Dak bungalows’ and these trees the most.

This piece of sloping land was allotted to the trust by the municipal corporation was initially earmarked as a public open space, respecting this, the concept thus developed as earth-sheltered spaces with the roof used as an accessible garden. Embraced beneath the lush green earth, the shelters below are woven together like a garland with intertwining cobbled trail gracefully twisting, turning serves as the central spine for the complex which descends in harmony with the natural site contours and guides to a terminating pond and an amphitheatre.

Being centrally located the smarak is designed not only as a memorable, but also as an active hub for literature, arts and performing arts. This urban insert is a space where people can relax, walk, enjoy various activities, interact, exchange ideas and reconnect with the nature; thus, building better, healthier and engaging community. Over the years the building is performing just as it was conceived and planned for – a place that belongs to the city, that shares its meanings and stories.

Spaces flow into each other like poetry, forging a connection with the earth and serving as a strong metaphor of his personality and love for nature.

Roof gardens soothe the eye with their emerald green spread.

BEYOND RESORT Vineyards have always been integral to the identity of Nashik, a visual treat to visitors and locals alike. Nestled in the midst of a vineyard, the Beyond Resort offers its users a pleasurable experience of living in the middle of a vineyard.

On the outskirts of the city, in the midst of a vineyard, located on the highest contour of the land, all guest rooms are planned to get an uninterrupted view of an infinity pool and the vineyard, having a backdrop of the Gangapur dam. The vocabulary of design is unpretentious, yet luring the visitor into its fold; the pristine white emerging as a striking contrast against the green surrounds.

The alternating repetition of the cluster forms an interesting skyline against the natural unhindered setting. The changing colours of the sky at different times of the day bring out the various vibes of the resort; serene and unassuming in daylight, tantalising and mysterious by sunset.

Truth in detailing, subtlety in use of materials and sensitive space planning instils a sense of harmony with the site and surrounds. The design philosophy clearly leans towards providing an experience of rejuvenation and oneness with nature, rather than the typically expected forms of ostentatious luxury. All this adds up to making the experience here truly ‘beyond’ expectations.

MAHINDRA INSTITUTE OF QUALITY (MIQ) Situated on a 33 acres parcel of land, the Bhujbal Knowledge City is a landmark of global connection displayed in the educational world.

A massive organic curve forms the roof to the grand and striking entrance to the campus, a suitable metaphor to the vision and enormity of the institute and its goals. A beautifully designed structural system holds up massive spans, creating rhythm and dynamism. An example of excellence in engineering, it serves as an inspiration to the budding engineers in the campus. A curved glazed wall bathes the lobby and the library beyond with diffused daylight.

Beyond this, the campus is composed of orthogonal modules spread in a simple grid across the triangular site. The various departments are located in these pods each with a central courtyard. These modules are then bound together by an elevated circular walkway providing a contrast to the otherwise strictly orthogonal vocabulary of design. This circle originates from the geometric centre of the site and embraces a generously landscaped interaction space. The accentuated column connections along the circular pathway enhance the form and the structure of the bridge.

The overall impact of the campus is one that is stimulating and inspiring to the young minds that it caters to. Climate responsive planning, amalgamation of indoors and outdoors, smart detailing, modular design approach and innovative use of material come together to bring about spaces that are functional, striking and positive because of the dynamism and life they hold.

M.E.T.’S BHUJBAL KNOWLEDGE CITY Situated on a 33 acres parcel of land, the Bhujbal Knowledge City is a landmark of global connection displayed in the educational world.

A massive organic curve forms the roof to the grand and striking entrance to the campus, a suitable metaphor to the vision and enormity of the institute and its goals. A beautifully designed structural system holds up massive spans, creating rhythm and dynamism. An example of excellence in engineering, it serves as an inspiration to the budding engineers in the campus. A curved glazed wall bathes the lobby and the library beyond with diffused daylight.

Beyond this, the campus is composed of orthogonal modules spread in a simple grid across the triangular site. The various departments are located in these pods each with a central courtyard. These modules are then bound together by an elevated circular walkway providing a contrast to the otherwise strictly orthogonal vocabulary of design. This circle originates from the geometric centre of the site and embraces a generously landscaped interaction space. The accentuated column connections along the circular pathway enhance the form and the structure of the bridge.

The overall impact of the campus is one that is stimulating and inspiring to the young minds that it caters to. Climate responsive planning, amalgamation of indoors and outdoors, smart detailing, modular design approach and innovative use of material come together to bring about spaces that are functional, striking and positive because of the dynamism and life they hold.

Ample daylight and landscape within the built spaces generate tranquility and the inviting sitting circle that the users naturally gravitate towards, echo the ghats of the Godavari in old Nashik.

The design vocabulary of geometric forms finds coherence in the geometric patterns of landscape, fenestration and flooring patterns, generating an echo in the entire campus. Local symmetry in these details generates rhythm.

YCMOU LIBRARY A Library is a house of knowledge, an identity of the society that helps in shaping it. Silence, tranquillity and ample light were the drivers of designing this library. A library in a university campus is symbolic of knowledge and learning.

At the end of a long path within the sprawling YCMOU campus, emerges a solitary sculptural form housing the library block. Set against the foreground of a generous expanse of lush lawns, this lone building is simple yet striking, with the azure sky providing a perfect backdrop.

The building is derived from a pure circular form, carefully layered to form multi-boundary edge. The louvers, overhangs and other shading devices formed in these layers are derived from a detailed sun-path analysis. The chamfered roof slopes gracefully towards the north like a sun dial, easing down the volume. The clerestory openings with the mechanical extractors poised on top of the insulated metal roof enhance the stack effect and create interesting patterns. The entrance lobby is carved-out by subtracting a volume from the cylinder making it prominent and inviting. Being appropriately lit by the north-glazing, roof lights and south-side courts, the spaces inside have a perfect reading ambience. Internal courtyards and overlooking spaces offer vertical connections and assist convective air movement. As you transition from the outdoors to the library inside one cannot fail to notice the significant drop in temperature.

The simple design approach is guided by the natural features of the site, climatic needs and a sustainable approach to design. Use of pure forms enhanced by the meticulous detailing and generosity of daylight, make it an iconic structure visually and a delightful space internally.

The circular form is completed by the multiple layers forming the building edge. The simple design approach is guided by the natural features of daylight, make it an iconic structure visually and a delightful space internally.

s of the site, climatic needs and a sustainable approach to design. Use of pure forms enhanced by the meticulous detailing and generosity

SANDIP FOUNDATION Located on a 26 acre parcel of land on the way to Trimbakeshwar, the Sandip Foundation, College of Engineering campus, serves as a microcosm for budding engineers to learn, interact and build memories.

Spaces for learning, interaction and recreation flow in and out of the built form in a rhythmic pattern, creating paths and goals in an alternating repetition. A vast sweeping curve deeply interlocks with pure orthogonal forms to give meaning to an awkward shaped site.

The concept of an open palm is used evolve the spaces, with common areas forming the palm and spaces needed for each engineering stream radiating out as five fingers.

A cluster of connected buildings, this campus is study in contrasts. A massive curved stoneclad wall emerges out of a raised green mound to define an impressive entrance to the campus. The rustic stone distinguishes the entrance in contrast to the rest of the smooth plastered finish elsewhere. Solids and voids balance themselves to create formal learning spaces interspersed by open green pockets. This rhythmic pattern of built and un-built fans out gracefully, embracing a sprawling central amphitheatre which serves as the geometric and functional centre of the campus and an echo of all the activities held there.

Light and shade play hide and seek, throwing lively patterns on the walls and floor. Covered internal and external connections bind the facility into a unified whole.

Spaces emerge from the earth in tandem with the natural slope and with minimal intervention into the existing contours.

The earth sheltered cafeteria forms another functional centre of the campus, with young minds always flocking into this hidden retreat for food and recreation.

Double height pathways abut trellised green spaces, binding together the various spaces and providing a perfect transition from inside to outside.

A college campus plays an important role in a students’ formative phase of life, providing an environment that provides comfort, fun and nurturing to many young minds.

FARMHOUSE AT MAHIRAVANI Off the main city roads of Nashik, an inconspicuous little path branches off without warning towards a dam and a dense clump of trees beyond. There is nothing to indicate to an average passer-by what lies beyond this otherwise modest countryside. However, to those who know their way, this path only serves as a build up to the little surprise beyond; a personal space for the architect and his family. For the first time visitor who trudges over the dam and makes way through the wooded surrounds, it is ambiguity at its best. Finally, as the sloping stone walls of the farmhouse emerge from the earth, beckoning the visitor inside, it is a moment one can never forget.

The sounds of chirping birds and humming bees, the slope of the sheltering roof and a touch of the cool terracotta floor under one’s feet create the perfect entrance transition and draw you into the courtyard at the heart of the space. The lotus court invites you in further with its tranquil and therapeutic aura.

The distinction generated by the roughness of random stone with the warmth of terracotta and wood, the sharp edges of gravel softened by the tenderness of natural leaves and the calmness of water; all add up to an innate sense of positivity and harmony. A placid swimming pool rests outside, merging beautifully with the surroundings.

The beauty of the farmhouse lies in the story of how the space actually evolved. Built on the principles of sustainable architecture and minimalist living, the design is a reflection of local architecture of the region. The pavilion structure supported by wooden arches retrieved from an old wada flanks the courtyard. These semi open spaces thus created effortlessly generate seamlessness between the built and the un-built. (continued on next page)

Image taken in 2006

Image taken in 2015

Image taken in 2006

Image taken in 2015

The rustic basalt stone used in the masonry work has been quarried from a well dug on the site itself. The otherwise arid and barren piece of land was transformed by planting a variety of over 4000 medicinal, flowering and fruit bearing trees; thus, creating a microcosm conducive to providing a home to birds and other organisms in the neighbourhood.

This farmhouse is symbolic of all the things the architect and his family loves and respects; the elements of nature – a piece of sky, connections to earth, access to wind and the presence of water. Functionally it is a multi-functional space, serving as a weekend home to unwind and entertain as well as a weekend studio to discuss architecture and life. The space is designed to welcome all seasons and the bounties they bring.

Above all, it is a melting pot for different ideologies on art, architecture and life.

REDUCE Seamless visual and physical connect between the covered and uncovered spaces RECYCLE Arches retrieved from an old Wada and preserved for over two decades.

REUSE Spaces framed with arches, with absence of formal walls.

The farmhouse is planned as a sustainable building with a minimalist approach in planning and construction. It is designed as a traditional courtyard house with multiple adaptive use of space that reflects local architecture and is conducive to the composite climate of the region.

Is this a space to meditate or a workshop to discuss ideas? Or are these two eventually the same? And more importantly, is it really a built space or just nature rearranged, you wonder?

EXTENSION AT MAHIRAVANI A building is like a growing organism. There is a constant growth. With time ideas and requirements evolve, which ultimately reflects in the architecture. This little farmhouse was recently expanded with a new identity and to live closer to nature- with the trees, insects, snakes, dogs and everything that comes with it.

Structures from an old Wada (Traditional courtyard

house in Maharashtra) were restored and reused.

The farmhouse represents everything that the architects’ family adores and respects. The elements of nature – sky, earth, wind, water, sun with all our senses are nurtured here. It is a home away from the chaos of the city to unwind, entertain, and discuss: art, architecture and life itself. Over a period this place has become a hub for myriad cultural activities and brain storming sessions.

ENVIRON PLANNERS

AR. SANJAY M. PATIL & AR. ANAGHA S. PATIL

29/30 Purnawad Nagar, Akashwani, Off Gangapur Road, Nashik- 422013, India.

Email: environplanners1980@gmail.com Tel: +91-253 2580164