TARA Kotagiri: Rearchitecting a Boutique Resort in the Nilgiris

A collage showing the project in progress. You can see the original structure being enveloped by the new design, the introduction of terracotta roof tiles, and the circular window detail that frames the Nilgiri hills, illustrating our process of adaptive reuse.

Here, we are adding a new floor to the existing structure. The outwardly protruding columns on the ground floor are being camouflaged with recessed half-cut bricks, a technique we used to create a 'Brick Frame' that adds texture and visual rhythm to the facade.

A close-up of the recessed brickwork detail. This level of craftsmanship is central to our work, turning a simple structural element into a decorative feature that plays with light and shadow.

We explored using wooden textured concrete for some of the walls. This technique allows us to achieve the raw, organic texture of wood with the durability of concrete, adding another layer to the material palette of the resort.

The resort during the final stages of landscaping. The curving stone and brick retaining walls are designed to follow the natural contours of the land, creating terraced gardens that will soon be filled with local flora.

A finished view of one of the private suites, featuring a curved cantilevered balcony. This element provides a private outdoor space for guests while creating a dynamic architectural form against the rugged stone retaining walls.

The resort pathways at night. The lighting design is subtle, illuminating the stone walkways and steps to ensure safe navigation while maintaining a tranquil, low-light ambiance that respects the nocturnal environment.

A video showcasing the resort's atmosphere after dark. The warm light on the wooden deck, the custom-made natural fiber light fixtures, and the illuminated pathways all contribute to a feeling of quiet elegance and serenity.

The resort enveloped in the morning mist of the Nilgiris. We designed the buildings to interact with the changing weather, making the fog and rain as much a part of the experience as the sunshine.