timber villa in the woods by studio lotus floats among himalayan forest

timber villa in the woods by studio lotus floats among himalayan forest

Studio Lotus composes Villa in the Woods in Indian Village

 

Nestled in the Kumaon range of the Himalayas, the Villa in the Woods is part of a masterplan development focused on creating a self-sufficient community in harmony with nature. The design by Studio Lotus adopts an eco-conscious approach, using pre-engineered technology and a modular system for construction. This methodology, embracing lightweight materials and a woven structural system, minimizes on-site waste and disruption to the sensitive terrain. The villa stands on stilts, allowing natural water flow and employing bio-engineering methods for slope stabilization.

timber villa in the woods by studio lotus floats among himalayan forest
all images by Noughts & Crosses LLP

 

 

the design establishes a seamless inside-outside relationship

 

Designed as a fluid extension of the landscape, the villa integrates universal access, accommodating wheelchair accessibility and elevators. The land parcels are strategically demarcated based on gradient, sun exposure, and tree locations, allowing structures to bend with the terrain contours. The modular construction system ensures minimal on-site wet work, supporting efficient resource use and preserving the natural flow of water. Studio Lotus‘ architectural plan promotes a seamless inside-outside experience, offering residents solitude and direct connections with the lush surroundings.

timber villa in the woods by studio lotus floats among himalayan forest
Villa in the Woods, nestled in the Kumaon range of the Himalayas, stands at an altitude of 6,700 feet

 

 

timber, slate, and local stone shape up the villa

 

The material palette includes timber, slate, and local stone, aligning with the region’s koti-banal architecture. Interior spaces feature hand-crafted woodwork, blending classic simplicity with modernist elements. Sustainability measures, such as passive solar design, wastewater treatment, and effective insulation, contribute to the villa’s minimal environmental impact. The design focuses on creating a conscious community living experience, emphasizing unity with the existing natural beauty of the Himalayan forests.

timber villa in the woods by studio lotus floats among himalayan forest
evoking treehouse-living, the villa features hand-crafted woodwork, blending simplicity with modern design

timber villa in the woods by studio lotus floats among himalayan forest
the elevated structure is capped by a pitched roof and spacious balconies

timber villa in the woods by studio lotus floats among himalayan forest
split into three levels, the villa allows spaces to bend with the terrain contours

villa-in-the-woods-studio-lotus-designboom-1800-2

raised on stilts, the villa allows natural water flow, embracing bio-engineering methods for slope stabilization

timber villa in the woods by studio lotus floats among himalayan forest
the structure features fluid transitions, removing boundaries, and living in harmony with the landscape

villa-in-the-woods-studio-lotus-designboom-1800-3

the material palette includes timber, slate, and local stone, reflecting the Kumaon region’s architecture

 

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bedrooms feature floor-to-ceiling bay windows and skylights framing expansive views of the landscape
bedrooms feature floor-to-ceiling bay windows and skylights framing expansive views of the landscape
the villa's orientation and fenestration ensure effective daylighting and reduced energy consumption
the villa's orientation and fenestration ensure effective daylighting and reduced energy consumption
height variations offer differentiated experiences with uninterrupted lines of sight
height variations offer differentiated experiences with uninterrupted lines of sight
the dining area doubles as a conservatory, illuminating interiors with natural daylight
the dining area doubles as a conservatory, illuminating interiors with natural daylight
the living spaces merge with the slope overlooking native vegetation
the living spaces merge with the slope overlooking native vegetation

project info:

 

name: Villa in the Woods
architect: Studio Lotus | @studio_lotus

design team: Ambrish Arora, Sidhartha Talwar, Ansel Colaco, Adil Hussain, Ayesha Hussain, Priya Jindal, Satish Kumar

location: Matial, India

photography: Noughts & Crosses LLP | @studio_nac

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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