KAVARATTI HELIBASE

Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory, is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq. km. It is a Union Territory and comprises of 12 atolls, 3 reefs, 5 submerged banks and 10 inhabited islands. All Islands are 220 to 440 km away from the coastal city of Kochi in Kerala, in the emerald Arabian Sea. The natural landscapes, the sandy beaches, abundance of flora and fauna and the absence of a rushed lifestyle enhance the mystique of Lakshadweep. The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti.

Tourism is one of the primary industries on the island. The island has pristine white sand beaches, favored by tourists. The calm lagoons on Kavaratti island are ideal for water sports and swimming. A number of hotels and resorts have been developed on Kavaratti in recent years. The waters around the coral atoll are rich in diverse marine life. The other major industries on the island are fisheries and agriculture. Coconut is the dominant crop on the island. With the ascent of tourism, the fishing industry has seen a major decline.

Fact File

Name of Project, location: Kavaratti, Lakshwadeep Islands

Architectural Firm: Creative Group LLP, Prof. Charanjit Shah, Ar. Gurpreet Shah, Ar. Daksh Sharma

Client: PWD Kavaratti

Built up Area: 1200 sqm

Cost of the Project: 30 Crore

The existing helibase is not large enough to cater to the growing needs of the island. The existing site conditions were first understood. This helped during the design process and in understanding the immediate context. The local building techniques and passive sustainable strategies were applied in the final design.