Located within a walled city, this luxury hotel required a strong sense of connection with its surroundings. Three, 17th to 19th century structures were painstakingly restored to accommodate heritage suites and communal areas. The new buildings housing the remaining 36 rooms are contemporary derivatives of the historic double-skinned structures of Rajasthan, with outer jaali work concealing an inner skin of masonry and glass. Each of the 420kg sandstone jaali panels is engineered to fold away to reveal views of the nearby Mehrangarh Fort, or to be closed for privacy and sun shading. Traditional skills and natural materials were used throughout, mostly sourced within a 30km radius. Sustainable water management and solar water heating systems were installed.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture