About Srirangam, It’s Design Architecture and Aesthetic Influences

The unique architectural style of the property, courtesy Architect Gopa Sen of Kolkata (one of the lead architects involved with the Srirampur heritage restoration), has been translated into practice by builder Sabyasachi Roy, of Surul, Shantiniketan. The visual and design aesthetic has been conceptualised by Shumon Sengupta.

The exposed brick architecture (with ‘rat trap’ modular masonry bond), and the brick jaali balconies and parapets of Srirangam are inspired by the works of Laurie Baker who had pioneered a unique approach to sustainable architecture in India.

As you enter the property, you meet the hand-carved ‘Aananda Narthana Ganapathy’ (Lord Ganesha dancing in bliss) in stone, reminiscent of the threshold of traditional south Indian homes. The Narthana Ganapathy is symbolic of aananda, the bliss and joy we hope you will experience during your stay at Srirangam.

The two verandas in the front, lined by hand carved stone pillars, sourced from Tamil Nadu, are inspired by the colonnaded corridors of the fabled medieval temples of this state.

The U-shaped Amphitheatre surrounding the lily pool is inspired by the ancient step wells of India, and the pitched terracotta tiled roofs hint of the Nalakettu / Tharavadu architecture of Kerala. The hand-made cement tiles on the floors (by Bharat Flooring, Mumbai, using the traditional Athangudi technique), are reminiscent of the splendid Chettinad mansions.

As you enter the main living area of the ground floor your eyes are immediately drawnto a large resplendent acrylic painting of a Kathakali actor in the role of Sri Krishna (by artist Aarohi Singh), emerging from darkness into the golden glow created by oil lamps. This is a reminiscent of the nightlong Kathakali performances (rendered exclusively in the light of oil lamps) in the temple courtyards that Shumon had witnessed growing up in Kerala.

The iron handrails, with its alpana paisley pattern provide the distinctive Shantiniketan (Kala Bhavan) touch that binds various elements together into a harmonious visual narrative, thereby maintaining a sense of underlying aesthetic integrity. Selected lines from some of Tagore’s songs are rendered on some of the walls (in floating wrought iron Bengali lettering), with the idea of giving our guests an opportunity to pause and reflect on the deeper meaning of these lines.

Srirangam is essentially a nod to the eclectic at the same time harmonious architectural style that was developed in Shantiniketan (primarily by Surendranath Kar, under Tagore’s guidance) during its early years. We have reasons to believe Tagore and Kar would have approved of Srirangam, and we hope you, our honoured guest, will too.

The magic stairwell at Srirangam

There is something to be said for staircases and stairwells. More so in this age of escalators and elevators, when staircases have been relegated to mere fire escapes. 

The staircase, in our view, is the most romantic, most intriguing and dramatic part of any home. Hence at Srirangam, we have paid a great deal of attention to our modest stairwell, with its five short comfortable flights of stairs. 

The landings (paved with hand-made cement tiles by Bharat Floorings using the Athangudi technique) have been designed to provide a sense of color and vibrancy to what can otherwise be a shadowy space. The traditional niches set along the stairwell (to place oil lamps / candles) invoke the memory of ancestral mansions – the feeling of nostalgia for a time now long gone. 

The painted white iron handrails, with its alpana paisley pattern provide the distinctive Shantiniketan (Kala Bhavan) aesthetic touch to the stairwell. 

You will also find an eclectic collection of art works and rare posters put up on the walls, along with selected lines from Tagore’s songs (in floating metallic letters), that will make you pause and ponder.

And in the evenings, you have the play of light and shadows, and the warmth of flickering flames of candles / oil lamps, creating its own intrigue, as you negotiate the magical stairs of Srirangam.

At Srirangam, we celebrate our beautiful stairwell and the flights of steps like we do life itself, with all its ups and downs.