Loom

Architecture Firm: PORTAL92

Project Location: Uttar Pradesh, India

Category: F&B

Team: Aanchal Sawhney, Sagar Goyal, Devina Khanna, Richa Malhotra      

Site: 150 sqm.

Year of Completion: 2023

Photographs: Niveditaa Gupta  

Text: Shreya Parinam, Sagar Goyal, Aanchal Sawhney

Architectural Lighting: Halomax

Decorative Lighting: White Lighting Solutions

Flooring: SOIL

Nestled within what was once a nondescript envelope of space, lies ‘The Loom’ by Portal 92; a spatial synthesis where elements of the built intertwine like threads on a weaver’s apparatus — artfully stitching the guest’s experience. Confronting the inherent challenge of imbuing spatial depth into an enclosed environment, the design ethos of The Loom revolves around the notion of layering—both physical and conceptual. Like a weaver meticulously intertwining threads to create a tapestry, the architectural elements within ‘The Loom’ intersect and interlace, crafting an immersive spatial experience.

The first layer offsets the base volume, like a carcass, cloaked in a stone-aggregate finish that echoes the tactile rawness of Khadi Fabric. With its undulating curves and textured surface, the carcass cocoons the space, creating pockets of intimacy and enclosure. Along with the pixelated seamless flooring, it works in establishing a sense of continuity. Above this foundational layer, a wooden cove emerges, resembling the harness of a loom, its warm tones juxtaposing the rugged texture of the stone-aggregate finish. This wooden embrace extends along the lengths of the space, anchoring the overall tonal palette.

Ascending one’s gaze, within ‘The Loom’ unveils a planned network of sleek wooden rafters that intersect one another, along the expanse of the space. Functioning as a lattice framework, these rafters not only serve as a visual ceiling treatment but also house a series of track lights that bathe the space in a soft, ambient glow. Each intersection of the lattice has been placed to evoke the rhythmic patterns of a handloom in motion, further enhancing the spatial narrative.

Nestled within this intricate framework rests a fringe-like drape, composed of metal tassels. Cascading delicately along a soft light, the drapes follow an organic form. Mood lighting is used as a tool to create a layered ambience, punctuated by an array of alabaster light fixtures throughout the area. These cylindrical sediments are anchored horizontally between partitions, evocative of the act of knitting — each beam of light akin to a needle piercing its way through the looped yarns of a fabric.