Vanvas A Forest Retreat, Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Vanvas was planned as a forest retreat in India which presents nature in the context of environmentalism and local community life. To this end, Jackfruit proposed that the site retain its identity as a working farm with cottages, lakes, stepwells and landscapes developed from pre-existing elements to make a new space that was not overtly ethnic. Jackfruit conceptualized the entire project from the beginning, researching the region’s architectural and landscape history, hiring a team of architects and contractors, and creating the visual means by which to explore the concept of modernism, tourism and nature. We also collaborated with contemporary artists and crafts organizations to design textiles, curate an art collection, dinnerware, lighting, graphic identity and much more.