Luxurious outdoors

Green is the valley at Alibaug, with sun, sea and sand providing the ideal showroom for Tropical Paradise. A two-acre plot at Alibaug has been acquired to display in ready-to-use form the products of Zane Pedder’s new venture. Tropical Paradise imports and markets large, prefabricated outdoor structures — classic Balinese gazebos/cabanas, pool deck houses, outdoor shades and even two-storied villas made entirely from various tropical hardwoods from the East.

"We use traditional techniques with modern technology to create pavilions that can endure the extremes of the Indian climate with little or no maintenance,” says Pedder. A concept novel in India so far, Pedder believes that given the guarantee of quality combined with aesthetics, ease and speed of execution, Tropical Paradise structures have an edge over other construction methods. Having personally discussed the feasibility of this venture with established professionals, Ped­der sees great interest being generated in the market. Tropical Paradise participated in the ACETECH Exhibition (the country’s largest exhibition on architecture, construction, engineering and building materials) at the Bombay Exhibition Centre at Gore­gaon from November 6-9, 2008 where "architects and interior designers as well as direct clients attended and the response was super.”

Outdoor structures from Tropical Paradise; (above) Zane Pedder

With Alibaug just a 45-minute boat ride across the harbor from Bombay where the rich and famous have tranquil weekend homes, the setting is perfect for customers to see the hexagonal pavilions, tree homes, sunbrellas, pergolas and get a feel of what would suit their needs. Gazebos and pavilions have all-weather jackets that can be rolled up and used when required against wind and rain. Glass enclosures and air-conditioning are other possibilities. "We can customize to your architect’s specifications and drawings, with a guarantee of a durable and desirable finish,” notes the firm’s website www.tropicalparadisein dia. com

Adding to rustic charm are the quaint thatched or shingled roofs (with extended lifespan) or twin-roofed structures made with washable, stretch-resistant canopy fabric in white, red or navy blue. Available in a price range of two lakh rupees onwards, installation on site is possible within four days of confirmation of order, but customized orders would require 30-45 days’ time. Coming under the ‘prefabricated’ or ‘impermanent’ structure categories makes compliance with FSI (Floor Space Index) or CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) issues easier to tackle, the website notes.

At 34, Pedder has 12 years of experience in the business world, having been a part of the family firm (Pedder Ceramics). As a child, he spent much of his time designing and building shelters like small stables for his ponies or treetop houses overlooking the ocean where he could play with his friends. Taking a sabbatical from the family business, Pedder did a structural design course, followed by project work experience. His love for the outdoors and the desire to bring nature into our everyday lives prompted him to launch Tropical Paradise, he notes.