Perceptive Ideas Consulting Engineers delivers structural innovation in the challenging Aravalli terrain with the construction of a luxury hotel, which bears testimony to engineering that respects and responds to nature.
Perceptive Ideas Consulting Engineers, a design-first structural engineering consultancy, has once again demonstrated its expertise through the structural design of Aurika – Luxury by Lemon Tree, Udaipur. Nestled within the rugged Aravalli hills, this project exemplifies the firm’s innovativeness in turning one of the most challenging terrains in the region into an iconic landmark for hospitality.
The firm’s team addressed the steep gradients, undulating contours, and variable geological strata that define the Aravalli range. Instead of reshaping the hills extensively, the team used a terraced structural planning approach, allowing the built form to merge naturally with the landscape. This approach preserved slope stability, minimizing excavation and reinforced the project’s architectural harmony.
Given the complex geology, with weathered rock, inconsistent SBC pockets, and local shear zones, the team developed an extensive piling strategy. It included deep piles; isolated and combined pile caps for structures on steep slopes; rock-socketed piles where refusal strata existed; and comprehensive pile load and integrity testing. These ensured that there would be uniform load distribution and long-term structural performance at the different site elevations.
Designing amidst the Aravallis was a challenge that called for precision, sensitivity, and innovation. We sought to build a strong structure that blended harmoniously with its surroundings, and we feel proud to have created a landmark project that draws its strength from resilience and elegance.
Ajay Gupta, Principal Consultant & Founder, Perceptive Ideas
Another key consideration was hill stabilization, which was addressed through engineered granular backfilling, touch piles for vertical members, retaining structures integrated with shear keys, and geogrid- based soil confinement. Extensive retaining systems, such as counterfort RCC walls, soil-nailed solutions for deep cuts, staged excavation, and robust drainage mechanisms, had to be applied to reduce hydrostatic pressure and ensure slope stability during construction.
Other solutions based on terrain-driven engineering included designing voids between column foundations without filling with soil, adapting the superstructure system to the given terrain constraints, optimizing column spacing to minimize disturbance to the hill, and placing columns strategically to minimize pile dependency. Each decision reflected the twin priorities of Perceptive Ideas: safety and constructability.
Carved into the Aravalli hills, Aurika Udaipur now stands as a feat of engineering, defined by meticulous analysis, state-of-the-art construction techniques, and commitment to long-term safety and performance. With every structural intervention aligned to the architectural intent, setting a new benchmark in India’s hillside hospitality engineering and architecture.
