Adda: A Unique Terrace Restaurant by Devesh Pratyay

Creating a Unique Space with Vernacular Indian Materials and Innovative Design

The inspiration behind Adda, which means a place to gather and hang out in Hindi, was to create a space that, although enclosed, feels open and, although open, feels enclosed. The restaurant features a small covered area with two large terraces, providing views in all directions. The design retains the beauty of the space with minimum intervention, creating a unique flow that makes it appear like a single large terrace.

The unique properties of Adda lie in its use of vernacular Indian materials. The roof is constructed with burnt clay tiles embedded with glass, creating a unique play of light and shadow throughout the day. The flooring is done in tiles, red oxide, and Indian white and black marbles, while the entire terrace is filled with plants to create a more natural feel.

The restaurant, spread over an area of 1500 sq.mt. on a single level, is accessible from a dedicated foyer area on the ground floor. A staircase leads guests to the second-floor terrace area, where they can choose where to sit from the front terrace, the central hall, or the rear terrace.

The design of Adda was realized after studying vernacular terraces to create a unique terrace experience for a bar. The challenge was to merge three distinct areas into one, which was achieved by providing the entry in the middle of the space to make it feel singular. This singular space is then subdivided into smaller nooks and corners with seating areas.

The project, which started in January 2016 and completed in December 2018, is located in Derabassi on the Delhi Chandigarh highway. The design has been recognized with a Silver A' Hospitality, Recreation, Travel and Tourism Design Award in 2018, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation.