At Skyview by Empyrean, get a peek into Jammu & Kashmir’s traditional building concept and Sylvan architecture

The six categories of Rooms and Suites at the 22-acre mountain harbour in J&K’s Sanget Valley-Patnitop are built on the pillars of sustainability and keeping local art, traditional building techniques and masonry skills alive; several local skilled artisans have breathed life into the premium property with their intricate handiwork passed down from generations.

Jammu: April 18, 2024 - Skyview by Empyrean, a 22-acre mountain harbour that seamlessly blends premium hospitality, adventure, nature and luxury in Sanget Valley, Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir, has established itself as the region’s architectural pride since it opened its doors to the public 5 years ago. The premium property’s six categories of rooms and suites as well as the 200-seater Pine View Banquet and its restaurants - Banana Leaf and the Skyview Café reflect nature-inspired decor themes and have kept alive local, traditional building and masonry techniques in some form or another.

These sustainable, eco-friendly design themes have been given shape through the Sylvan form of architecture and the use of Jammu and Kashmir’s age-old, traditional earthquake-resistant and eco-friendly dhajji-dewari building and masonry concept. The Persian word ‘dhajji’ was used by carpet weavers to describe a quilt patchwork. ‘dewari' is the Persian word for ‘patchwork quilt wall’. Skilled masons of the region construct symmetrically shaped squares, rectangles, and triangles of light timber frames packed with masonry infills that are weather, sound and earthquake proof.

Guests can experience the warmth and intricacies of the region’s rich heritage and culture in stand-alone rooms and suites overlooking the scenic Sanget valley with panoramic mountain views of the Shivalik range or expansive views of the property’s in-house world-class Gondola — India’s highest (in terms of ground clearance) and CEN (European) certified Gondola.

The rooms and suites at Skyview by Empyrean take inspiration from the rich heritage and architecture of the region while adhering to sustainable practices. The 237 sq. ft Gondola View Deluxe Rooms and the 277 sq. ft. Gondola View Premium Rooms featuring unique dome-shaped roofs are inspired by the natural environment of the region, with the warm and cosy interiors lending the rooms the charm of a log cabin in the hills. Whereas the Gondola View Luxury Rooms, measuring 500 sq. ft features the finest wood-work, offerings guests an experience of elegance and comfort. The 545 sq. ft. Gondola View Suite is inspired by the Sylvan locale and architecture, with fine woodwork done across the suite, an ode to the rich architecture and design of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Mountain View Premium Rooms spanning 277 sq. ft. within a cottage offer a glimpse of Jammu and Kashmir’s dhajji-dewari concept complemented with jaali work, wooden columns, sloping roofs, and wooden brackets. The 545 sq. ft. measuring

Mountain View Suite boasts modern interiors fused with elements of traditional woodwork and contrasting colours.

Guests can enjoy views of the Himalayas, Sanget Valley and Patnitop Forest from these rooms with large picture windows and balconies offering guests uninterrupted views.

Each corner of Skyview by Empyrean has been meticulously designed to pay homage to the local environment and adhere to sustainable practices. The materials used include the water, fire and moisture-resistant, soundproof, and durable BAISON board; the climate-resistant thermopile wood on the balconies and eco-friendly and low maintenance UPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) windows with double glazed glass to keep the heat and cold at bay.

The suites have been specially curated to facilitate the relationship between nature and its admirers and bring the very best of nature, hospitality, and design under a single roof.

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