Location - Chennai, South Indian

ZIVA is an elite residentail retirement community set in a 16 acres verdant green site 55km outside the southern Indian metropolis of Chennai, next to the UNSECO-designated heritage town of Mahabalipuram. ZIVA, as the venture has been named, is inspired by the ancient Sanskrit language verse that means, “Guest is God.” The project offers options for residential units, from bright and well-ventilated apartments to individual villas.

Each unit is carefully detailed to incorporate aspects and requirements specific to senior living. The design brief is to create resort-style living for senior citizens with the highest regard for quality of life, safety, and security in an exemplary landscaped environment with all features and facilities designed to make life memorable, effortless, safe and secure. The design criteria were to create an ecofriendly, cost-effective, self-sufficient, and innovative campus with the right balance of built and green spaces of varying scales and diversity that would enhance the lives of the residents. It is an active retirement community that emphasizes health and well-being and is situated near nature, allowing residents to enjoy fresh air and greenery. The design inspiration came from the rural landscape of Mahabalipuram, dotted with palm and fruit orchards.