Estate Paathri is a private residence nestled within a forested hillside in Wayanad, Kerala. Built on sloping terrain along a mountainside, the villa draws inspiration from the architectural grammar of mountain lodges, seamlessly blending native design aesthetics with modern sensibilities. Spread across three distinct levels, it harmoniously integrates with the natural landscape, exemplifying understated elegance and thoughtful design.
In keeping with Earthitects’ philosophy of “building around nature rather than on it,” the villa embraces natural materials such as wooden flooring, random rubble walls, cobblestone pathways, and log rafters. The result is a structure that sits gracefully within its lush surroundings, showcasing a joyous interplay of stone and wood. Estate Paathri is a testament to innovation and sustainability, creating a luxurious yet environmentally responsible space that will age graciously over time.
Estate Paathiri exemplifies this by making an Eastern Nettle Tree, or ‘Karukka,’ the focal point. Positioned where the bedroom was planned, the tree, rooted in rock, becomes a living centerpiece. Glass walls ensure uninterrupted views while maintaining privacy between the bedroom and bathroom. The villa, spread across multiple levels, blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering a seamless living experience that celebrates nature’s resilience.
In line with the UIA’s theme of “Architecture for Resilient Communities,” Earthitects champions the idea of “reverse urbanization” — a growing movement driven by the desire to escape urban confines and reconnect with nature. As urban living becomes increasingly detached from the natural world, a more balanced rapport between people, architecture, and the environment is emerging as a priority. Estate Paathri embodies this vision, creating a sanctuary that offers life in abundance and a profound connection with nature.
The Majestic Rock Bedroom:
One of the villa’s defining features is the bedroom, thoughtfully designed around a majestic ancient rock formation. By leaving the rock undisturbed and integrating it into the space, the design celebrates nature’s wonders and offers a unique living experience. The rock’s natural textures create a grounding atmosphere that fosters a profound sense of oneness with the environment. Sleeping here feels like being enveloped by nature itself, making it a truly transformative experience.
The Graceful Tree:
Opposite the rock bedroom stands a remarkable Eastern Nettle Tree, over a century old, seamlessly integrated into the bathroom courtyard. This resilient tree, rooted firmly in solid rock, serves as a living testament to Earthitects’ commitment to preserving nature. Waking up to the gentle rustling of leaves provides a serene reminder of the beauty that surrounds Estate Paathri.
Embracing Natural Materials:
To further enhance the connection with the environment, the villa employs natural materials throughout. The warmth of organic solid wood and the rustic charm of rugged stone create a tactile and immersive experience. These materials do more than elevate aesthetics—they offer a sensory connection to the Earth itself, inviting residents to run their fingers along the wooden surfaces and feel the cool, rough textures of the stone.
The Connecting Bridge:
An innovative architectural feature, the open bridge at Estate Paathri links Kitchenette Lodge 2 to the informal living space of Lodge 3. This seamless design fosters a dynamic living experience where the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces dissolve. Residents can enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the bungalow while experiencing fluid connectivity between spaces, a hallmark of contemporary mountain lodge architecture.
Living in harmony with nature requires careful maintenance, including regular cleaning to remove leaves and debris, managing humidity with dehumidifiers to prevent mold, and trimming trees and shrubs to keep the landscape neat. Glass surfaces should be cleaned to ensure clear views and insect control measures like repellents and window screens are essential for comfort. The project faced challenges from the sloping terrain of Wayanad, but Earthitects embraced the natural topography, designing a villa that blends seamlessly with the land over three levels.
Earthitects has crafted a living experience that transcends conventional architecture. The villa is a residence but a sanctuary, where luxury, sustainability, and nature coalesce to create a truly exceptional home.
Fact File
Location: Wayanad, Kerala
Project: Estate Paathiri
Principal Architect: George E. Ramapuram
Firm: Earthitects
Built-up area: 9500 sqft
Site area: 1.25 acres
Photo credit: Earthitects
