A Bamboo-Clad Lakeside Escape That Blurs Boundaries Between Architecture and Nature

Tucked along the quiet expanse of Sendh Lake in Raipur, Elsewhere is more than a restaurant — it’s a meditative retreat designed to dissolve the boundaries between built form and the natural world. Conceived by the Raipur-based practice Studio Skywell, the project transforms a once-unfinished structure into an immersive space for social gatherings, quiet meals, and golden-hour reflections.

Responding sensitively to the site, the design is shaped around the lake rather than over it. All essential services — water tanks, utilities, and back-of-house — are pushed to the rear, maintaining the lakefront’s visual clarity and enhancing the guest experience. This spatial choreography ensures every angle frames nature, and every transition feels intentional.

Bamboo becomes the spine of the architecture — not just for its sustainable properties but for its ability to blend into the landscape without imposition. Curved lines, flowing forms, and a monolithic interior palette echo the ripples of water just beyond the deck. A semi-shaded upper floor adds volume without weight, while organic materials and seamless finishes keep the architecture grounded and light.

Inside, the design is minimalist but rich in detail. A sculptural bamboo ceiling draws the eye upward, while the earthy finishes, curved walls, and open floor plan ensure a sense of calm continuity throughout the space. Even the utilities are thoughtfully hidden, thanks to clever boundary detailing and an insulating thatch roof over concealed tanks.

Studio Skywell — helmed by Twinkle Nathani and Mayank Wadhwa — has long been known for its environmentally conscious design language and ability to create spatial calm. With Elsewhere, the studio exemplifies its ethos by marrying form with function and sustainability with sensorial appeal.

It’s a space where air, light, and lake meet — and where nature, once again, takes center stage.

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