TTDC Tamil Nadu Tourism Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram

Simi Shabir

Project idea

A beachfront resort in Mahabalipuram providing affordable, comfortable accommodation for domestic and international tourists while promoting Tamil Nadu's cultural identity through coastal aesthetics and traditional South Indian design elements.

Project description

The project is a tourism beach resort located in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, developed for the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). Originally developed in the late 20th century, the resort continues to function with periodic renovations and maintenance. The design philosophy emphasizes simple, functional design with a strong connection to natural surroundings, coastal aesthetics, and traditional South Indian architectural elements. The resort includes cottages that are low-rise independent units designed for privacy and close connection to the coastal landscape, featuring simple layouts with bedrooms, attached toilets, and sit-outs with natural ventilation and light color tones. A sculpture park displays stone sculptures inspired by Tamil heritage, enhancing the cultural experience. Premium rooms offer enhanced comfort with spacious layouts, better views, and upgraded interiors designed with calm coastal colour tones and functional furniture.

Technical information

The site is situated along the Bay of Bengal with a tropical coastal climate experiencing high humidity, strong sea breeze, saline air, and intense sunlight. Well connected by East Coast Road (ECR), approximately 60 km from Chennai. Functional needs include guest rooms and cottages, reception and lobby, restaurant and dining areas, conference/banquet hall, outdoor recreational spaces, and parking and service areas. Cottages feature sloping roofs to respond to the tropical coastal climate with natural ventilation strategies.

Documentation

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