Kunal Maniar & Associates pays homage to the coexistence of nature’s core elements through soulful designs

“It’s so important to me that my work pays ode to the coexistence of the core elements of nature—I strongly believe that soulful landscape design can reconnect people to these Elements,” shares the founding partner and principal architect Kunal Maniar. Over the past two decades, his firm has worked across various scales in the public and private realms, with projects ranging from campuses and resorts to rooftop terraces and sprawling weekend homes across the country. Kunal strongly believes that creativity cannot be compartmentalized, and his bespoke landscapes draw inspiration from across disciplines—fine art and craft, product design, and even fashion.

PROJECT IN FOCUS – VILLA VANILLA
Location: Mumbai
Typology: Landscape
Design Concept: Modern tropical living experience that blends with the surrounding coastal environment and principles of sustainable design
Material Palette: A rich mix of philodendrons, monstera, pandanus, crinum lilies, champas, heliconia, vibrant bougainvillea and frangipani interspersed with towering indigenous coconut palms and dense, lush green shrubbery
What we heart: The villa adheres to the principles of sustainability, water conservation, and ecological sensitivity

Villa Vanilla by Kunal Maniar revolves around creating a modern tropical living experience while showcasing sustainable landscape design principles. The gravel driveway maximises rainwater infiltration, promoting groundwater recharge and reducing surface runoff, contributing to local flood mitigation. Lawn space occupies less than twenty percent of the site area, a key water conservation strategy that also promotes soil health and diversity. A sunken seating area is nestled between the pool and an angular, asymmetrical pond, with a glorious frangipani tree framing the views. A wooden plank footbridge over a water channel with floating lotuses creates a transient experience reminiscent of a luxury resort in Kerala’s backwaters. The foliage, the calming presence of water, and light-colored Shabad stone, used marginally, contribute to the creation of a microclimate.

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