YMCA Campsite Nilshi, Pune building, CCBA Architects India design photos, Maharashtra architecture

YMCA Campsite Nilshi India : Architecture

YMCA International Campsite Nilshi, India design by CCBA architects

post updated 16 February 2024

Site Location: Andhra Lake, Nilshi, Pune, Western Maharashtra, western India

Architects: CCBA

29 Apr 2010

YMCA International Campsite

The YMCA International Camp site sits upon a promontory jutting into the Andhra Lake near Nilshi village, which itself is surrounded by Sahayadri mountains in western India. A small plateau at the top became the center of the design, which integrates cabins, tent sites, a manager’s bungalow and catering facilities into the landscape. Meandering paved walkway, small descending ramps, and stairs link all of the components of this organic plan.

This unique pattern results in structures being posited under earth mounds and within the hill slopes. One first perceives it as an open garden with only a walled dining court covered by tensile parasol. The descending ramps and stairs tempt one to explore what appears as entries to underground caves. Yet on further exploration these lead to foyers and only into generous rooms with large glass walls opening out to the vast lake fingers and forest.

images from CCBA Architects

Of particular interest is the manager’s bungalow, which is actually a crescent shaped, earth-covered bow, with glass walls facing the lake. Ventilators and skylights appear as sculptors on the earth mound roof. The composition thus emerges as a large organic garden integrated into a natural setting.

images from CCBA Architects

YMCA Campsite Nilshi Pune – Building Information

Project Name: YMCA International Campsite
Site Location: Nilshi, Pune
Site Area (in sqm): 1,70,000 sqm
Built up Area (in sqm): 21,000 sqm
Years (Started – Completed):
Phase 1: 2001-04 ; Phase 2 : 2007-09
Client: YMCA International, Mumbai

Design Team:
Phase 1: Deepak Guggeri ; Phase 2 : Harsh Manrao
Structural Consultant:
Mr. Bhutkar ( CE Godse Associates) ; Mr. Satish Marathe
Interiors: CCBA
Award: IIA Award

YMCA Campsite Nilshi Building images / information received April 2010

Location: Andhra Lake, Nilshi, Western Maharashtra, west India, South Asia