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

studio lotus opts for a natural material palette including timber, slate, and local stone, aligning with the region's koti-banal architecture.

Studio Lotus edited by christina vergopoulou January 8, 2024 3 min

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 - 1 — 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 - 2 — 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 - 3 — 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 - 4 — the elevated structure is capped by a pitched roof and spacious balconies

timber villa in the woods by studio lotus floats among himalayan forest - 5 — 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 - 6 — 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

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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