Faculty of Design

Environmental Design

Varleen Kaur Virdi

The Miraal Resort

The Grounds of Miraal is a biomimicry-driven resort situated on Ward’s Island, designed for urban dwellers seeking reconnection with nature without leaving the city. The architecture is rooted in the experience of arriving by ferry—where the journey across water sets the tone for a gradual transition into stillness, reflection, and restoration.The resort’s form draws inspiration from aquatic life and the fluidity of water. The central structure, Solstice Court, acts as a spatial and symbolic anchor, from which the site unfolds organically along the shoreline. Around it, curated amenities—including Tide Chambers (swimming pool), a spa, gym, café, and a community hall—weave into the natural terrain to create moments of gathering and wellness.Guest accommodations, known as Luna Cabins, are divided into the Drift, Grove, and Solstice series—each offering varying degrees of privacy and immersion in the landscape. The Living Paths connect these dwellings to communal spaces, winding through Vana Paths and into the lush forested zone, Miraal Botanica. These green zones are carefully dispersed across the site to create layered encounters with nature while preserving the island’s Indigenous plant species and supporting local ecological rhythms.At its core, The Grounds of Miraal is a space of preservation and pause—honoring Ward’s Island’s environmental and cultural significance. The project fosters respectful coexistence with Indigenous flora and community, integrating traditional knowledge into planting strategies and site stewardship. This resort reimagines urban proximity not as a limitation, but as an opportunity to offer quietude, wellness, and reconnection for those unable to travel far—proving that even within the city’s reach, one can find retreat.