Green architecture – ITC Royal Gardenia in Bengaluru, India

In this article we’re going to write about a hotel that got its LEED Platinum certification while being large and luxurious. ITC Royal Gardenia characterizes the splendors of nature and is a tribute to the 3rd largest city of India – Bengaluru. The concept of the hotel is inspired by the magnificent gardens of this city and it offers 292 large and well equipped rooms, including 13 suites and the largest Presidential Suite in India. The interior of the rooms manifests different layers of life forms offered through nature and each floor follows this theme through colors, motifs and textures.

Designed by Rajinder Kumar, the same architect who wove together the idea of green buildings with ITC Green Centre at Gurgaon in Delhi, Gardenia unravels as a serene composition that weaves art, architecture and the city of Bangalore into an aesthetic experience. “Design over the years has changed in form and function,” said Rajinder Kumar.” It has been absorbed by everyday culture. And we have to keep those constants in mind.”

The entrance has a crisp and clean blast-resistant glass facade, which is reflective and open yet functions as a sophisticated shield against the climate as well as invites the outside in. The glazed shafts around the building allow the natural lighting to illuminate the wind-cooled Atrium lobby with its vertical hanging gardens. The lobby leads to the central courtyard garden where, among verdant gardens and recycled water bodies, stands the gracious multi-column Lotus Pavilion, inspired by Tipu Sultan’s palace at Srirangapatna.

Patrick Blanc’s vertical gardens that run through the entire wall of the hotel represent his statement which merges science and art. The 1500 species of Philodendrons were brought from the Nilgiris. Looking at it from the Gardenia’s coffee shop it looks like a varietals garden which inspired surreal insights. The idea of reflection upon a vertical wall of plants in different hues of green instead of the common textured walls with luxurious details is the best example of saving space and creating eye-suiting and relaxing environment.

Eco sensitive materials have been used throughout the hotel (Special Wood and Carpet Tai-ping for rooms). They used CFC, LED and other energy efficient light fittings. The rooms are equipped with Eco-Responsible Toiletries – products made from organically grown oils and extracts with water from natural springs, where no animal testing is performed.  The room cleaning products are also 100% biodegradable. The hotel is near to achieving zero solid waste management.

The hotel is close to achieving the status of zero water discharge. The rain water is harvested and used for drip irrigation of the entire landscaping. They used separate treatment for Black & Grey waste water which is later treated with UV light, resulting in reduced maintenance cost. Sub soil drainage system is used to control Ground water pressure. The water collected from this source will be used for daily usage.

The water is used to provide room temperature regulation as well. For cooling they incorporated Evergreen Chillers – world’s first integrated variable speed, variable flow, water cooled and environment friendly screw chillers with certified efficiencies to 0.33kw/ton (ARI IPLV). The chiller systems have only one loop that circulates chilled water through the Chillers and Building.

Chilled water is also being used in the Condensers of Deep Freezers and Cold storages for improving energy efficiency, reducing operational cost and eliminating the need for a Cooling Tower. Inncom: the Guest digital assistance in all rooms – ensures customized climate controls and hence ensures no wastage of energy.

They applied extensive usage of CO2 sensors for better management of indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation. Energy efficient EUROVENT & ARI certified air handling units are used for regulation of better IAQ. Reduction of slab height and better air quality and efficient dilution (CO < 100ppm) is achieved even in the ductless car park in the building basements.

Complimenting a city known for its lush gardens and verdant foliage, the ITC Royal Gardenia is setting the mood for a greener era, while offering sustainable yet enjoyable and luxurious experiences for their visitors.