ITC Mementos Ekaaya

Ekaaya Resort by ITC is a landmark luxury second-home development designed by architect Dharam Patel, founder of Art & Architecture Associates. Located approximately 20 kilometers from Udaipur in the serene landscape of Eklingji, the project represents a refined architectural vision where modular innovation meets contextual sensitivity.

Under the design leadership of Dharam Patel, Ekaaya Resort redefines second-home living by creating a harmonious balance between individuality and community. The development comprises independent luxury bungalows, each conceived as a private retreat within a larger cohesive masterplan. Every residence is carefully positioned to maximize privacy, views, and environmental comfort, establishing a seamless relationship between built form and nature.

A defining feature of the project is its modular design philosophy, a concept strongly driven by architect Dharam Patel. Inspired by a “kit-of-parts” system, the design incorporates over 100 modular components—including bedrooms, pools, libraries, and recreational spaces—organized through 60 standardized blocks. This system allows endless permutations, ensuring that each home is uniquely tailored to its owner while maintaining a unified architectural language across the development.

The spatial experience reflects Dharam Patel’s approach to volume, light, and openness. Interiors are defined by soaring pitched roofs reaching heights of up to 17 feet, creating expansive and breathable living spaces. The absence of false ceilings emphasizes structural clarity and enhances thermal performance. Each villa is designed as a self-sufficient luxury unit, equipped with amenities such as jacuzzis, home theatres, and private leisure spaces, transforming everyday living into a resort-like experience.

The master planning strategy further reinforces the architect’s vision. Each bungalow is placed on approximately 2-acre plots with only 10% ground coverage, ensuring minimal disturbance to the natural terrain. The layout of every unit is derived from detailed contour analysis, allowing the architecture to respond organically to the land. This results in unobstructed views, optimal ventilation, and a deeply immersive connection with the surrounding Aravalli landscape.

Material selection reflects Dharam Patel’s commitment to contextual and sustainable design. Locally quarried stone anchors the structure at the plinth level, while fly ash bricks form the superstructure. The insulated roofing system ensures climatic comfort, and the use of regionally sourced materials—including handcrafted furniture from Jodhpur and textiles from Pushkar—adds authenticity and richness to the interiors.

The landscape design responds to the site’s environmental conditions, particularly high wind velocities, through the use of resilient native species such as bottle palms. This approach ensures long-term sustainability while enhancing the visual and experiential quality of the development.

Ultimately, Ekaaya Resort by ITC stands as a signature work of Dharam Patel, embodying his philosophy of combining modular flexibility with site responsiveness. The project achieves a rare balance—where every home is distinct and personalized, yet collectively contributes to a cohesive architectural identity. It is a timeless example of luxury living shaped by design intelligence, environmental sensitivity, and user-centric thinking.