Project Overview

Set within the forested hills of Coorg, this eco-resort was envisioned as a low-impact hospitality destination that balances guest comfort with ecological sensitivity. The master plan integrates architecture, landscape, and operations into a unified system that enhances the natural terrain rather than dominating it.

Planning & Zoning Strategy

The site is organized into clear yet interconnected zones:

• Arrival Zone: Hilltop reception, welcome lounge, parking, EV charging, and discreet staff/admin access.

• Villa Clusters: Landscaped groups of villas offering privacy while remaining walkable to shared amenities.

• Central Amenities: Restaurant, café, bakery, bar, meeting room, retail, spa, and a signature infinity pool overlooking the landscape.

• Nature & Activity Layer: Yoga decks, riverside cabanas, herb gardens, bird-watching tower, zipline, and nature trails.

• Service Edge: STP, waste management, utilities, and generators—fully accessible but visually hidden from guests.

A single internal road spine and centralized infrastructure reduce land take and long-term operational complexity.

Architecture & Materiality

The design draws from Coorg vernacular architecture, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens:

• Deep overhangs and climate-responsive planning

• Natural ventilation and shaded outdoor sit-outs

• Material palette of local stone, laterite, timber accents, lime plaster, terracotta tiles, and natural finishes

• The villas offer a boutique aesthetic - elegant, durable, and easy to maintain.

Sustainability Approach

Sustainability was embedded at the planning stage:

• Water: STP (60 m³/day), greywater reuse (~32 m³/day), rainwater harvesting (~150 m³ potential)

• Energy: 15–20 kW solar PV, solar thermal hot water, efficient HVAC strategies

• Waste: In-vessel composting (~350–400 kg/day), banana circles, and organic waste loops

• Landscape: Native planting, swales, herb and spice gardens, flood-resilient site design

Guest Experience

The guest journey is curated from arrival to departure:

• Forest-like entry sequence that amplifies the sense of scale

• Warm check-in with Coorg coffee rituals

• Villas that feel secluded yet connected

• Memorable touchpoints: infinity pool views, farm-to-table dining, eco-library for kids, fire pits, and nature-based activities

Outcome

The Coorg Eco-Resort master plan demonstrates how thoughtful zoning, vernacular design, and integrated sustainability systems can create a hospitality destination that is immersive, efficient, and future-ready - rooted deeply in its landscape and culture.