Tribe Verified

Malenadu Mane: Sustainable Western Ghats Home Design

byInt-HabBased in JP Nagar; Designing spaces across South IndiaStarts from₹150 per sq. ft. of Built-up AreaView full gallery

A weekend residence designed to merge into the coffee and pepper plantations of the Western Ghats, blending contemporary minimalism with deep landscape integration.

A wide-angle view of the 'Malenadu Mane', showing how the structure with its extended verandahs and sloping roofs sits comfortably within the green canopy of the surrounding coffee plantation.

This video provides a glimpse into the 'Malenadu Mane'. Designed as a weekend retreat, it combines aesthetics and functionality, merging into the green canopies of the site with a rustic yet contemporary touch.

The long, covered verandah is a key feature of this home, providing a shaded space to enjoy the views and climate. It seamlessly connects the interior living spaces with the natural landscape outside.

The interior features a sunken lounge area with a checkerboard floor, creating a cozy, defined space for gathering. The minimalist staircase with its thin steel balusters keeps the space feeling open and light.

This living space combines different textures, including an exposed brick wall and warm wood furniture. A mezzanine level above creates a double-height volume, adding to the sense of space and providing views across the room.

An upper-level corridor doubles as a library and reading nook. A long, horizontal window frames a perfect view of the landscape, while the exposed beam ceiling adds a rustic, structural element to the design.

This bedroom is designed to maximize the connection with nature. A large window offers an immersive view of the lush green surroundings, making the room feel like a tranquil treehouse.

This bedroom showcases a minimalist aesthetic with a dramatic, double-height raw concrete wall. The high ceiling and simple furnishings create a serene and spacious atmosphere, focusing attention on the volume and light.

About Malenadu Mane: A Home in the Western Ghats

Designing a home in the hills requires more than structural planning; it is about curating the transition between the plantation and your living space. We used deep, covered verandahs here to act as a thermal buffer, allowing you to enjoy the Western Ghats climate without compromising on comfort during the heavy monsoon.

Designing homes across Western Ghats regions. — Approved by the tribe
I

Int-Hab

Based in JP Nagar; Designing spaces across South IndiaStarts from ₹150 per sq. ft. of Built-up Area

I am Sachin Shetty. At Int-Hab, we do not just build houses; we design habitats that respect the local climate and topography. For weekend retreats like Malenadu Mane, I focus on how the architecture interacts with the natural rhythm of the land.

Similar work from other experts

Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe

The grand entrance to our weekend home at Nandi Hills, featuring a circular driveway and a central water fountain. The landscape design uses native grasses and trees to frame the contemporary brick building, creating a welcoming approach.9
The open plan living space at the Nandi Hills residence, designed for relaxation and entertaining. An indoor planter brings nature inside, while a large skylight and expansive windows ensure the room is always connected to the outdoors.
An outdoor patio and terraced garden at the Nandi Hills home. This hardscape design provides a functional space for dining and relaxation, stepping down into a manicured lawn that overlooks the valley, blending architecture with landscape.
The modernized estate bungalow in Sakleshpur at sunset. The design respects the traditional sloping roof architecture while opening up the structure to the surrounding coconut groves and lush landscape for a perfect indoor outdoor living experience.

Hillside & Weekend Homes Designed for Nature Lovers

C
Cube ArchitectsStudio in Shanti Nagar; Landscaping projects across South India
The entrance to the Polibetta Farmhouse, where a minimalist design meets the lush Coorg landscape. A long Kota stone-clad wall guides visitors and frames the entry court, hinting at the views beyond.20
The gravel entry court is a simple, contemplative space. The design uses clean lines, a low floating roof, and natural materials to create a calm sense of arrival before revealing the dramatic valley views.
The house is perched on the edge of the estate, with a covered veranda offering panoramic views of the misty valley. This is a space designed for quiet contemplation and enjoying the cool climate.
A view of the farmhouse from the coffee drying yard below. The structure is carefully sited on the slope to minimize its impact on the land while maximizing views and privacy.

Polibetta Farmhouse Architectural Design

S
Studio 4AVisit Studio in Narayanapura; Projects across Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Kodagu & Karnataka
27

Raghunath Residence: A Farmhouse Integrated with the Hills

K
Kham DesignProjects across India; Visit Studio in Chamrajpet
36
An evening view of the TARA resort, showcasing the terraced landscaping that follows the natural contours of the hill. The warm lighting highlights the natural textures of the stone walls and terracotta roofs.
A direct before and after comparison of a pathway at the TARA resort. The transformation highlights my approach of replacing artificial elements with natural, locally sourced materials like cobblestone to enhance the rustic charm.

Sustainable Resort and Retreat Design in the Hills

S
SenscapeOffice in Basavanagudi; Projects in Bengaluru, Coimbatore & Kotagiri
This image shows the aerial top-down view of the C-shaped farmhouse alongside its architectural floor plan. This helps visualize how the unique curved design translates from a 2D drawing to a three-dimensional structure.9
A duplicate image showing the aerial top-down view of the C-shaped farmhouse alongside its architectural floor plan, illustrating the connection between the design concept and the final built form.
A wider aerial shot of the farmhouse, emphasizing how it is nestled within its own private green clearing, surrounded by fields and forests. The design truly respects and merges with the rural landscape.
Here, I've combined the aerial photos with the north and south elevation drawings. This shows how the building's exterior design looks from different sides, connecting the technical plans to the real-world result.

Farmhouse and Rustic Retreat Design in Bengaluru

A
Axis ArchitectsProjects in Bengaluru & Hyderabad; Visit Office in Malleshpalya
The entrance to the private farmhouse features a rustic wooden barn door and exposed stone and concrete walls. These locally sourced, natural materials set the tone for the sustainable and earthy architecture of the home.5
This bench is crafted from a raw, unfinished slab of wood set on a simple metal frame. It's a prime example of using recycled materials to create functional furniture that celebrates the imperfections and beauty of nature.
A simple, uncluttered room in the farmhouse featuring a diagonally panelled green door and a single wooden chair. The design emphasizes minimalism and the use of natural light from the large window to create a tranquil space.
A quiet seating nook with a cane bench is perfectly positioned to look out at the surrounding nature. This space was designed for relaxation and to blur the line between the indoor living space and the outdoor environment.

Sustainable Farmhouse Retreat Design

T
Travis DesignsTakes projects across Bengaluru and Karnataka

More from Architectural Design by Int-Hab

FeaturedJodi Mane: A Tale of Two HousesModern Urban ResidencesCommercial & Public SpacesDesign in Detail: Light, Materials & ProcessAwards & Recognition

More services by Int-Hab

Interior Design
  1. Home
  2. Int-Hab
  3. Architectural Design
  4. Malenadu Mane: A Home in the Western Ghats