Loft House, Bhimtal

Bhimtal, India

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Loft House, Bhimtal

Bhimtal, India

Firm

Collective Architecture Practice

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2012

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

Nestled among the hills of Bhimtal, in Junglia gaon at an altitude of 1640 meters is this cottage surrounded by forest. Its frontage offers a picture postcard view of the green valley below and a undulating range of mountains in the distance. Cottage is built on one half of 500sqm plot, the other half of the site is a natural garden. The entire orientation allows maximum views of the terraced fields in the valley. This setting gives the owners and their guests a break from urban life by allowing them to connect with nature.
The cottage comprises a composition of varying heights, with the roof echoing the shape of the distant hills. This makes the entire experience of being there highly interesting. The structure is specifically designed to blend in with the character of the surrounding hills, both internally and externally. Owing to its hilly character, the house sits beautifully among its natural surroundings. Spatial planning providing openness and visual connections have governed the design. Upon entering from the veranda, one can see through the house from one end to the other. Sliding and folding doors and large openings bring the outdoors inside, while capturing stunning views of the natural topography.
The specialty of cottage is the loft serving as an overhead bridge above corridor cantilevered into living room overlooking living on one side & dining on the other. Dormer windows in the roof permit natural light, the valley view while simultaneously making an interesting design feature. The living room opens onto a large veranda located in front of the house, juxtaposed between the two bedrooms. A large fireplace with its tall exposed brick chimney stands in the living room in visual contrast with the smooth walls. Besides becoming a focal point of interest, its practical utility is to provide heating during the cold months. The bedrooms with bay windows are so positioned in the corners to give two-sided openings offering the forest view for one and the lawn for the other.
Natural light has been given due significance and floods every corner of the house from sunrise to sunset. Cross ventilation is ensured in every room by placing bedrooms, kitchen and study in the corners and giving each space windows on two sides. Living and dining rooms are connected from one side of the house to the other facilitating cross ventilation.
Keeping the cool climes in mind, we provided Rockwool insulation in the roof to reduce dependency on mechanical heating. The exterior surfaces are made of exposed brickwork and the roof is of unpainted GI sheets to blend with the environs. Extensive use of locally available pine adds warmth. Yellow Jaisalmer stone on the living room floor complements the pine ceiling. Strap footings are used in the foundation and lintel bands are provided considering Bhimtal is in seismic zone V. Due to budgetary constraints stone walls and wall cladding was dispensed with.

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Loft House, Bhimtal

Bhimtal, India

Loft House, Bhimtal

Bhimtal, India

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team