kumar la noce designs an elegant cabin complex high above this forest in india

this elevated wooden series of cabins, that provide unrivaled comfort and views of the surrounding landscape, was designed by kumar la noce. constructed almost entirely of wood stained a reddish brown, these dwellings allow framed views of green trees at every angle. hovering above the ground on stilts, it’s almost like staying in a luxurious tree house. this is one way to get new perspective on india. all the buildings are conveniently connected by a series of wooden walkways with little nooks to pause and contemplate, even offering an elevated pool to go for a dip. 

image by kumar la noce

kumar la noce’s resort is referred to as the ‘cardamom club’, as it’s located deep in the heart of cardamom country. the swaths of green are part of the steep cardamom plantations of thekkady, kerala, india. the five cabins are built from locally and sustainably sourced lumberyards, and the design too tries to have a minimal impact on the environment. the architects say that the project was ‘envisioned as a light and elegant series of floating volumes in order not to disturb the natural harmony.’  the buildings put you into the landscape with floor to ceiling wood framed openings that are composed and designed to enhance the impact of the dramatic views, while ensuring privacy between units.

image by kumar la noce

image by kumar la noce

image by vivek muthuramalingam

image by kumar la noce

image by vivek muthuramalingam

image by vivek muthuramalingam

image by vivek muthuramalingam

image by kumar la noce

image by salim pushpanath

image by kumar la noce

image by vivek muthuramalingam

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project info:

name: cardamom club
architects: kumar la noce
location: thekkady, kerala, india
completion year: 2017
gross built area: 500 sqm

lead architects: bhavana kumar, nicola la noce
structural consultant: manjunath & co
landscape consultant: earthline consultants
photography: vivek muthuramalingam, kumar la noce, salim pushpanath