Nouveau Design Group Transforms 700-Year-Old Fort Barwara into the Iconic Six Senses Resort—A Benchmark in Adaptive Reuse Architecture

Standing proudly against the Aravalli hills, the 700-year-old Fort Barwara, once a sentinel of Rajasthan’s royal and military legacy, has been meticulously transformed into the Six Senses Fort Barwara by Nouveau Design Group and PANIKA. This extraordinary adaptive reuse project, led , reflects a profound architectural revival that seamlessly blends historic preservation with sustainable contemporary luxury.

Fort Barwara’s conversion marks one of India’s most significant heritage restorations. The original fort—built in the 14th century—had weathered centuries of conflict and time, its stone walls echoing stories of valor and royal splendor. The Architects vision for the project was clear: restore the structure’s essence, not just its form. “The fort represented not just stone and mortar but the soul of Rajasthan’s architecture. Our responsibility was to revive its spirit,” shares Manish Mehta.

 The Team approached the design with a deep respect for the fort’s original layout and purpose. Rather than converting the structure into a typical hotel, the architecture emphasizes authenticity. Robust battlements, domes, and arched walkways were preserved or sensitively restored to maintain the military character of the original fortress. The firm ensured that every design decision aligned with the original material palette and architectural language.

Public spaces and guest suites are deliberately arranged to maintain the fort’s original zoning logic. The Zanana Mahal (ladies’ quarters) now houses a world-class spa, while the Mardana Mahal (men’s area) serves as the lobby and bar. Grand arches, Mughal-inspired courtyards, jharokhas, and jalis form a consistent visual and spatial narrative throughout the resort.

The layout includes 48 luxuriously appointed suites, two original temples, and multiple dining and wellness spaces—all housed within the fortress walls. Public areas such as The Cortile, The Rajawat Room, and Rani Bagh provide elegant dining experiences with uninterrupted views of the Aravalli hills and Barwara village.

All construction materials were sourced within a 100-kilometre radius of the site, including locally quarried sandstone and Rajasthani marble. Interiors showcase FSC-certified wood with matte finishes, lime-washed walls, and handmade carpets reflecting the region’s textile traditions. Signage, call bells, and door handles were custom-designed in Indian Madras, finished in antique tones to retain an authentic visual narrative.

Sustainability played a key role in shaping the project. The fort’s thick walls, passive cooling techniques, and double-glazed windows naturally regulate temperature. The property is fully plastic-free, equipped with a water bottling plant, solar panels, rainwater harvesting pits, and on-site organic gardens. Native, low-water plantations dominate the landscaping.

Innovative technology has been discreetly integrated into the design—from fibre-optic connectivity and concealed automation systems to sensor-enabled water closets—ensuring modern comforts without disturbing the fort’s visual serenity.

Lighting was carefully designed to highlight the architectural elements using warm-toned, indirect lighting. Columns, cornices, and textured surfaces are subtly emphasized to enhance their sculptural quality. The central Mughal-style courtyard, framed by colonnades and terraced gardens, serves as the heart of the resort, offering a tranquil space for reflection and cultural performances.

With its masterful transformation, Six Senses Fort Barwara exemplifies the potential of heritage structures to evolve meaningfully. “The fort was originally built to endure both warfare and climate,” says Mehta. “Our sustainability measures honour that tradition of resilience through thoughtful, future-ready design.”

Today, guests arrive not as invaders but as welcomed participants in the fort’s continuing legacy—immersed in a timeless environment that balances the masculine energy of Rajput architecture with the elegance and warmth of modern hospitality.

The project stands as a landmark example of architectural responsibility—preserving the past while paving the way for sustainable, meaningful luxury experiences.

Fact Sheet

Project Name: The Six Senses Project

Area: 2,70,000 sq. ft.

Location: Rajasthan, India

Project Type: Boutique Luxury Resort

Historical Significance: 700-year-old fort restoration

Design Firm: Nouveau Design Group,PANIKA,Keyur Khorasia