--- title: "Raghunath Farmhouse Design in Kotagiri | Sustainable Hillside Home" description: "Explore the architecture of the Raghunath Farmhouse in Kotagiri. We design sustainable hillside homes that blend with nature using split-level layouts." canonical: https://mytribe.in/kham_design/sustainable-residential-architecture/raghunath-farmhouse-kotagiri last_updated: 2025-09-04 --- # Raghunath Farmhouse Design in Kotagiri Tribe Verified · Expertise in sustainable hillside architecture By [Kham Design](https://mytribe.in/kham_design) · Projects across India; Visit Studio in Chamrajpet · ₹350 per sq.ft (estimate) Part of [Sustainable Residential Architecture](https://mytribe.in/kham_design/sustainable-residential-architecture). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/kham_design/sustainable-residential-architecture/gallery) A holiday home designed to sit with the slope of the Nilgiris, where the architecture respects the land instead of reshaping it. ## Photos and videos - ![A view of the Raghunath Farmhouse, showing how the split-level design follows the natural slope of the hill. This approach allowed us to minimize excavation and create a home that blends quietly into its surroundings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c7c67d12-85c2-441a-a41e-41a4baab7463) - ![Seen from the road, the farmhouse appears to rise out of the hillside. We embraced the site's natural slopes and exposed stone, letting the land lead the design and creating a deep connection between the indoors and the hills.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e39d395e-408e-4c23-8c5f-ac801bc09535) - ![The cantilevered balcony provides a breathtaking, unobstructed view of the Kotagiri valley. This space was designed to feel like it's floating among the trees, offering a quiet spot to slow down and breathe.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cba07a37-ce89-476c-a326-21f56c02b2e5) - ![This angle shows how the upper level of the farmhouse is supported, creating a covered parking space below while maximizing the living area's connection to the view. It's a functional solution that adds to the building's light, elevated feel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1d824282-25e2-4474-9e4d-0f1b85783670) - ![The interior living space features a sunken lounge area with a stone fireplace, creating a cozy gathering spot. The split-level design separates the living and dining areas while maintaining a sense of openness under the high, sky-lit ceiling.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1e4b407b-c53e-426a-bb20-1fe1b75b9e0d) - ![The bold red and white volumes of the farmhouse stand out against the green landscape. The design uses simple geometric forms that are stacked and arranged to follow the land's contours.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/99453735-5064-47ee-9460-ee2e16bb4f38) - ![This image, featured in The Architect's Diary, captures the essence of the farmhouse. It highlights how the design combines the luxury of a modern holiday home with the serenity of natural living.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/522fee19-4c3d-49d4-9217-bd6b49cd33ef) - ![The massive stone fireplace serves as an anchor for the main living area, providing warmth and a strong textural element. The steps lead up to the open-plan kitchen and dining space, showcasing the home's multi-level layout.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4f8d82ab-8426-4273-9449-9fde90d08fb4) - ![The wide wooden steps are more than just a staircase; they become an informal seating area, a place for conversation. This is an example of how I like to design multi-functional spaces that encourage interaction.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e37d570c-f8ce-42b3-8522-3e01f40d7756) - ![Natural light streams in from the skylights in the vaulted ceiling, illuminating the dining and kitchen area. The open-plan layout and high ceiling create a sense of spaciousness and connection to the outdoors.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3f8ef010-ca9d-49bf-8fe0-4330a7e5ab34) - ![A terracotta-tiled accent wall adds warmth and texture to the living space, contrasting with the clean white walls. The simple, comfortable furniture is chosen to complement the natural and earthy material palette.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7bfe3fbf-af5a-4117-acba-82905ce3fb51) - ![A colorful glass jali screen casts beautiful patterns of light into the hallway. This is a modern take on a traditional element, used here to create a playful and artistic moment while providing ventilation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f44bd533-dbe2-4fb3-aae2-f15c86641842) - ![A glimpse of the stunning valley view from one of the farmhouse windows, framed by simple curtains. Every opening in the house was carefully placed to capture the beauty of the surrounding tea estates.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8865c296-1c29-4fa0-be91-11b8b7ebe64e) - ![The sun catching the edge of the farmhouse, highlighting its clean lines against the misty hills. The design is a dialogue between the built form and the vast natural landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/665cdee8-c75c-4163-b5e6-a35659d31726) - ![A quiet moment by the window, looking out over the rolling hills. The large picture window turns the landscape into a living piece of art, a core feature of the home's design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/635dca16-36ae-4738-a89e-a975559d7e78) - ![The expansive lawn provides a space for relaxation and enjoying the outdoors. The design of the house ensures that the landscape is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the living experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/26325a5e-af79-4076-a84d-9a5428d1c408) - ![The view from inside, looking out as the sun sets over the hills. The home is designed to be a vantage point, a place to witness the changing light and weather of the mountains.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/101e133e-102b-4207-ae47-3d593e37437c) - ![A simple balcony offers a private connection to the outdoors. Even small spaces are designed to provide a sense of retreat and a connection to the serene environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d9be11dc-8d2a-4c32-a0a6-35c05831b8c5) - [Video: This video clip showcases the dynamic exterior of the farmhouse, including the distinctive projecting bay window that captures panoramic views.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4ee85333-a880-4609-bfba-3d3448565178) - ![Sunlight streams into the living room, highlighting the warm wood flooring and terracotta wall. This demonstrates our focus on creating bright, naturally lit interiors.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a5c0ed7e-06c1-423c-b6ca-f2abd0c1b886) - ![A close-up of a bedroom window, showing how even the most private spaces are connected to the beautiful natural surroundings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8db395f6-afbe-4366-8733-94ca1ee3847b) - ![The wide wooden stairs are bathed in sunlight, inviting movement and pause. They function as both circulation and a place to sit and gather.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/994b07e7-c499-44d4-874f-8cd8e1494613) - ![A detail of the split-level transition, showing the seamless flow between the wooden stairs and the tiled floor of the upper level.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/60bc6bff-0e10-44fb-b466-57d0be71d42b) - ![A peaceful corner with a large window seat, offering a perfect spot for reading while enjoying the expansive views of the Kotagiri hills.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cba8e58d-aa4a-4970-ba8a-7b443f704e2a) - ![Looking up at the sunlit stairs, this shot emphasizes the verticality and the flow of light through the multi-level interior.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a6c5f755-f654-4fc4-8dc3-0aa117dd3d26) - ![A cozy balcony setting with wicker chairs, perfect for enjoying a morning cup of tea while overlooking the garden and the valley beyond.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/98e57468-1518-4ac1-a094-4f6a02b63cbb) - ![The open-plan living and dining area, showing the visual connection between the different levels and the overall sense of spaciousness.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d50b6bf4-5e16-477e-a43b-1b68526a5b96) - ![A charming gazebo covered in vines provides a shaded outdoor seating area, blending perfectly with the lush garden landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5bba2df1-6354-4cad-b3ee-75602a7bf650) - ![Stone steps are integrated into the natural rock of the site, creating a rustic and organic pathway through the garden.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e2950523-9623-48f1-9035-9a64d720ef15) - ![The covered car park is neatly tucked under the main structure of the house, a practical solution that minimizes the building's footprint on the landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/99d29e0e-39cb-4140-84f0-e2508bff4d98) - ![An exterior shot showing the relationship between the house, the garden, and the vast hilly landscape beyond.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c364cdf8-57da-4d4c-8219-9d803f767ae0) - ![A close-up of the projecting bay window and the original rock formation it was built around, illustrating our philosophy of working with the land.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b837f367-8b1e-42ce-887f-1e500d1c6cb9) - ![A quiet seating area on the lawn, demonstrating how the outdoor spaces are designed for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of the location.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4bc6919e-f3ed-439e-83fe-c824b4935b20) - [Video: This video clip captures the play of light through a colorful glass screen, adding a dynamic and artistic element to the interior.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e343d5cf-e788-43c2-9e5e-b6daea3ab9c3) - [Video: A video showing the cantilevered balcony and a cozy outdoor seating area, highlighting the home's strong connection to its natural surroundings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0d15e898-cb99-4d57-ac89-3f7614e288cd) - [Video: A video tour showing me sketching on-site, alongside views of the finished interior, connecting the design process to the final built space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f716e14a-324c-4416-bebc-66f89989ea8f) - ![A duplicate of 143, this image shows the farmhouse's exterior against the backdrop of the misty hills, emphasizing its picturesque setting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/efb04f70-ffcd-4450-a3a6-fd12a62a2b21) - ![A duplicate of 145, this image captures a resident enjoying the view from a large window, showcasing the home's connection to the landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3882cab0-d533-445d-adf8-28c614e9e363) - ![A duplicate of 147, this image shows a relaxing moment on the lawn, highlighting the integration of outdoor living spaces.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/da92f14c-a86d-4159-a5c2-2f521211e0d1) - ![A duplicate of 149, this image offers another perspective of the stunning view from inside the farmhouse.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fd760fc9-d17a-4481-95ba-9091c7ec95cd) ## About Raghunath Farmhouse, Kotagiri We didn’t bulldoze the site to make this home fit; instead, we worked with the existing large boulders and the steep slope of the tea estate. By designing a split-level layout, we let the structure step down the hill naturally, keeping the connection between the indoor rooms and the valley views unbroken. Building in the Nilgiris presents a unique challenge: the terrain. For the Raghunath Farmhouse, our priority was respecting the steep slope of the tea estate. We avoided heavy grading and mass excavation, opting instead for a split-level foundation that allows the house to step down the hill naturally. This approach doesn't just save the landscape; it enhances the living experience. The main living area features a sunken lounge built around the natural rock, creating an intimate space that feels grounded. By raising the structure on stilts in some areas, we were able to provide covered parking while keeping the house elevated, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding valley. We used locally sourced materials—exposed brick and stone—to ensure the building ages gracefully within the tea estate. The roof design uses high ceilings and skylights, which serve a dual purpose: they flood the interior with natural light and create a chimney effect for passive cooling, keeping the home comfortable without artificial climate control. This home is a testament to our philosophy that architecture should be a dialogue between the built form and the earth it stands on, rather than a confrontation. ## About Kham Design I’m Chetan from Kham Design. To me, a farmhouse isn't just a place to visit; it’s a space that should breathe with its environment. In this project, I wanted to ensure that every wall and window honored the beauty of the Kotagiri valley rather than overshadowing it. 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