Saraya comprises an Eco-stay, Art Gallery, Cafe, Workshop space and its own vegetable garden and farm.

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Eco-Stay

The Eco-stay offers a variety of accommodations including mud houses, tree houses, and tree house dormitories, all constructed from natural materials sourced onsite. The mud houses showcase ancient craftsmanship, with clay sourced from water features created within the property. This clay is transformed into undulating walls adorned with recycled bottles and colored glass inserts, enhancing natural light filtration. Some mud houses incorporate trees and vegetation as central features, seamlessly blending with the surroundings.

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Water features within the space serve as rainwater harvesting ponds, embodying principles of sustainability, self-reliance, and permaculture ethics. Recycled tetra pak roofing sheets are utilised to reflect heat, ensure waterproofing, and reduce environmental impact, aligning with the ethos of minimising waste from materials with a lifespan exceeding 100 years.

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Bamboo, sourced locally, forms the framework for supporting the roofing material, utilizing age-old techniques.

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Doors are crafted from recycled wood sourced from pallets used for transporting glass, aligning with the project's recycling philosophy.

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Tree houses and dormitories feature a basic framework constructed from locally sourced bamboo and timber posts, supplemented by recycled container wood sheets known for their durability.

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The project prioritises upcycling and recycling of local materials, guiding its design principles towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.

 

Structures strategically positioned to create wind tunnels channelling airflow from the adjacent paddy fields through the entire Eco-stay, promoting natural ventilation.

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Art Gallery

A meticulously restored 300-year-old Portuguese mansion, nestled along the main road, now serves as a captivating art gallery. Its roofing tiles, adorned with glass inserts, bathe the interior in natural light, casting enchanting patterns on the walls and floors. This versatile space also hosts workshops, meditation sessions, sound healing, yoga classes, dance performances, music concerts, theatrical productions, cinematic screenings, retreats, and classrooms, offering a multifaceted experience for visitors.

 

The Shop

Nestled within the property lies The Shop, a lifestyle brand committed to spotlighting locally crafted goods. Its Brutalist design accentuates simplicity and functionality, boasting exposed laterite stones, freestanding walls of solid moonlight grey granite slabs, a green roof, and a concrete floor with glass inserts. This harmonious fusion not only elevates aesthetic appeal but also champions sustainability through the use of durable materials. Moreover, the architecture maximizes natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting within the interior spaces.

 

Cafe

The café features an expansive roof, with plans for future integration of solar panels. Wood and steel form the primary support and framework, while walls are constructed from recycled bottles and cob plaster. Flooring utilizes waste stone and broken tiles from stone factories, while seating incorporates stone slabs and recycled wood for a natural ambiance. The wood-fired pizza oven is crafted from locally sourced mud and firebricks. Lamps are creatively fashioned from waste fabrics, resembling jellyfish. The café's garden space is lush with greenery, creating a serene atmosphere. An open kitchen allows guests to observe food preparation. Adjacent to the art gallery is a tranquil koi pond, connected by a water bridge made from metal structural rods.

 

Outdoor Workshop Space

The farm area has been ingeniously reimagined, with a charming ruin incorporated behind it. Tensile structures provide shade from sunlight, while the flooring comprises a blend of mud and waste stone material. The farm and garden are  seamlessly intertwined within the premises, adhering to permaculture principles.