At a spectacular groundbreaking ceremony and party hosted by developer Ornate Spaces in Mumbai, the 3XN designed residential and mixed use project ‘Grove Towers’ was unveiled. 

A Cluster of trees which seemingly braid together

3XN’s design team was invited for the event which unveiled the 78.000 m2 project inspired by the Indian nature and Mumbai’s mangroves.  Just as clusters of mangrove stalks seemingly braid together at the base, the two towers in this mixed use development converge at the lower retail floors, rising up to provide amenity spaces on the podium; and grow into the sky as a cluster of slender trees providing some of Mumbai’s most thoughtfully laid out residential accommodation.  Each unit features views in at least two directions, many of which look out towards the mangroves to the North, and Indian Ocean to the West. 

Kim Herforth Nielsen, Principal and Creative Director for 3XN, says: ‘With this design for Grove Towers, we wanted to create something special for Mumbaikars and Ornate Spaces. Each time I visit, I am overwhelmed at how much I see the strength of community in all aspects of Indian life. I want this to be a vertical community that brings people together, and becomes a setting for growth and life.’

In addition the project is an example of integrating GXN, 3XN’s Innovation Unit in the design process. Their involvement in the design for the façade significantly reduces direct solar gain, maximizes natural ventilation and aims for LEED Gold certification. With over 2500 m2 of vertical gardens, the building lowers CO2 in Mumbai’s humid and congested environment, cleaning the air around it.

Groundbreaking Ceremony – Bhumi Puja

In a two part spectacle of colour and tradition, Ornate Spaces Managing Director Vijay Machindar initiated the Bhumi Puja, a ceremony asking Mother Nature for permission to build on the land, and her blessings for all life involved in the project.

Vijay Machindar says: ‘Ornate Spaces is a developer with a vision of a new and dynamic India. In keeping with its vision, Ornate ensures that only Best in Class are involved with any of their projects. 3XN & GXN Innovation unit of 3XN is one of the elite few, who have worked innovatively and untiringly to bring to fruition an Edifice that will redefine the Mumbai skyline and which will be a tribute to this indomitable city and its people. Ornate proudly acknowledges the immense contribution of Mr. Kim Nielsen, who apart from being an Artist is also an Architect with Soul.’

The morning ceremony was followed by a Bollywood inspired party for 1000 persons, many of whom will be moving into Tower 1 of the ‘Grove Towers’. 

Construction is expected to take 3 years.

All Images © 3XN

Project Facts

Client:Ornate Spaces Pvt. Ltd.Vijay Machindar (Managing Director) Abhimanyu Londhe (Chief Operating Officer)

Design Architect:3XN Kim Nielsen (Principal and Creative Director)

Executive Architect:Sandeep Shikre & Associates

Client Advisor

/Project Design

Co-ordinator:Rajeev Kasat and Associates

Engineering:Buro Happold Engineers (Mumbai)

> via 3XN