In what may turn out to be one of Mumbai’s most ambitious projects, the London-based UHA (Upton-Hansen Architects) recently revealed its plans for a supertall skyscraper situated along the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. It is envisioned in partnership with L&T Realty, and set to rise to a magnificent 312 metres. Much like the city’s own restless ebb and flow, Mumbai’s skyline may witness a dramatic takeover as the tower gets built.
Vikram Gaikwad, Associate at UHA Mumbai, enlarged on the project’s details and shared its first look. Watch the video below to find out more.
The first, and most crucial aspect of the project, is its location. Nestled in Mahalaxmi near the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, not only does it guarantee some of the most stunning views in the city, but it also ensures that these views may never be obstructed. This is because of the site’s proximity to the Western Railway line.
In a way, L&T Mahalaxmi is all about elevation. It joins a raft of new skyscrapers that have been gracing the Mahalaxmi skyline recently, like the lofty Piramal Mahalaxmi towers, or the newly-rising The Prestige Mumbai. It acts as the flagbearer for a new generation of skyscrapers in Mumbai – a rank of prestige reserved only for the few.
Its visualisation testifies to this from the very start. L&T Mahalaxmi starts off with a broad base on a plot of 2 acres, but as it rises, it turns into a twin formation. Typically, this would have sliced off the tower into two, and divided the access. But here, the tower makes great use of the superstructure to keep movement between the two wings seamless and easy. This results in an organic structure.
But there is more – the skyscraper’s most distinctive feature is its prioritisation of space. This can be seen in the floor plan. Tower A, which rises to a staggering 87 storeys, comprises of vantage 4 and 5-BHK apartments, with views overlooking the Arabian Sea and the racecourse. Totalling a number of 138 units each, these 4 and 5-BHK apartments promise the highest levels of exclusivity. These are further surmounted by four duplex apartments spread across two levels, and four triplex ones spread across three levels. This takes the total apartment count of Tower A to a wholesome 284 units.
Tower B, on the other hand, rises to a formidable 235 metres and 65 storeys, and offers a refreshing view of the Eastern Harbour. Like its taller twin, Tower B too offers the highest levels of exclusivity: it consists exclusively of 2 and 3-BHK apartments, both of which are 94 in number. These are then surmounted by four triplex apartments on the top, occupying three whole levels, thus taking the total apartment count of Tower B to 192 units. Clearly, the presence of these duplexes and triplexes raises the bar – they promise a lifestyle hitherto unseen in the city.
The overall compatibility of these apartments is also important. Taking into account Mumbai’s highly aberrant weather, the balconies and windows interact with natural elements skilfully. Wind and humidity are endemic to Mumbai’s heights, but because of extensive thermal regulations, they do not disrupt the room temperature; rather, they are designed to adapt to it.
Besides, the 4 and 5-BHK apartments are poised in such a direction that they absorb the least amount of solar radiation. These features are further corroborated by detailed shadow studies.
Likewise, the tower’s internal layout displays a marked attention to detail. The ground floor spans a whole host of amenities, ranging from a business centre and co-working space to a patisserie as well as a general store. Parking facilities on the ground floor have a specially delegated zone, which rarely impinges on the rest of the layout and connects instead to the 8 podium levels above.
These 8 podium levels boast of a magnanimous parking capacity of 96 vehicles per level. Along with 3 basement levels which accommodate 173 vehicles, the entire unit can accommodate 1287 vehicles.
These parking levels then connect to the main podium at the 9th storey, which is situated at an elevation of 30.35 metres from ground. Naturally, the clubhouse at this level offers a plethora of recreations: from co-working spaces and a kids’ playground, to cabanas, an all-day professional kitchen, as well as a pool space. It is a microcosm of luxury that makes bold the tower’s scope.
The luxury residences begin from this point upwards. Tower A’s huge tapestry of floors gives way to a clubhouse at the 85th level, which strives to concoct a lifestyle of the highest possible quality: replete with card-rooms and private dining experiences. Its extension on the 86th floor further aces it: with a library, snooker-room, and other sports facilities, it ensures a complete ecosystem in itself.
Tower B, not to be outdone, provides the whole of the 61st and 62nd floors for an intricate gym experience. In fact, the gym at this level offers something unheard of in Mumbai: a rock-climbing facility at the 61st level. This is topped off by the spa centre at the 63rd level, which provides an array of services like treatment rooms, barbershops, dip tanks, and saunas. Practically, these uber-luxury services are offered more than 200 metres above ground in both towers.
Finally, the crème de la crème: L&T Mahalaxmi’s signature feature is a cantilevered ‘Skypool’ positioned at the 63rd level of Tower B. With the sky above, and the ground far below, this infinity pool promises to be one of the highest pools in the country. Its allure is unmistakeable.
Background image: Towering Goals
This rounds off the tower’s external features; L&T Mahalaxmi thus carves a niche for itself by its unremitting commitment to luxury. At the same time, it ensures that the apartments are Vaastu compliant, too. With an overall score ranging between 60-70, the flats in the 4 and 5-BHK segments benefit the most.
With this ensemble of near-perfect features, L&T Mahalaxmi is designed to dazzle in the skyline of Mumbai once it gets built.
Aditya Shiledar
Aditya Shiledar is a literature student, who divides his time unequally between books and cities, music and people. He also harbors an innate passion for skyscrapers, spending long hours philosophizing about them.