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.

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.

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.

evoking treehouse-living, the villa features hand-crafted woodwork, blending simplicity with modern design

the elevated structure is capped by a pitched roof and spacious balconies

split into three levels, the villa allows spaces to bend with the terrain contours

the structure features fluid transitions, removing boundaries, and living in harmony with the landscape

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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

height variations offer differentiated experiences with uninterrupted lines of sight

the dining area doubles as a conservatory, illuminating interiors with natural daylight

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

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom