Lofty Haven In The Hills

Architect Shashank Jain’s penchant for the hills helps him source an orientation offering maximum view of the surroundings – and using natural resources.

- Amita Sarwal

The cottage comprises a composition of varying heights, with the roof echoing the shape of the distant hills. This makes the entire experience of being there highly interesting. The structure is specifically designed to blend in with the character of the surrounding hills, both internally and externally,’ introduces Shashank Jain, founding architect of Collective Architecture Practice.

Nestled among the forested hills above Bhimtal, in Junglia gaon at an altitude of 1620 metres is a cottage. Its frontage offers a picture postcard view of the green valley below and an undulating range of mountains in the distance.

The client wanted a two bedroom budget house – and a loft to create an appealing open space high up in the cottage capturing the valley view. Being in the hills, the inclusion of natural wood was essential. 

Built on one half of the 500 sq m plot, the speciality is the lofty loft serving as an overhead bridge in the middle of the house partly above the corridor and living room. The entire orientation allows maximum views of the terraced rice fields in the valley. The other half of the site is a natural garden. This setting gives the owners and their guests a break from urban life by allowing them to connect with nature.

‘Owing to its hilly character, the house sits beautifully among its natural surroundings. Spatial planning providing openness and visual connections have governed the design. Upon entering from the verandah, one can see through the house from one end to the other. Sliding and folding doors and large openings bring the outdoors inside, while capturing stunning views of the natural topography,’ describes Shashank.