A beautiful, idyllic hill station in the Nilgiris, Coonoor in Tamil Nadu has long been known for its tea estates. Post covid, it is fast becoming a haven for people looking to escape the pollution and chaos of metro cities. The site is a 15,000 sqft plot in an upscale area of the town, at the rear of a famous church. The brief was to design ready-to-move-in villas for millennials who work remotely and are looking for a change of scene. These would need to be comfortable yet compact modern homes, ideal for couples and small families.
The highlight of the site is the scenic location – the front side faces the hillside while the rear opens out onto greenery on the adjoining plot. Drawing inspiration from traditional row houses on tea plantations, the villas are designed to allow views of the surroundings while maintaining privacy.
Conceptualized as 3 twin villas separated by a common wall, the homes are planned keeping in mind the typical needs of potential homeowners – with outdoor areas to relax and unwind, as well as space for necessary housekeeping staff. Split levels were created to integrate the steep, 7m high natural slope of the land towards the rear side. An understated material palette, reminiscent of the typical Colonial-style homes in the area, is employed. This included locally available materials like kota stone, teak wood and terracotta finishes. Sloped roofs were a natural choice given the immense amount of rainfall the region receives.
Currently, 2 of the 3 twin villas have been completed. The ground floor houses car parks and staff quarters, while the split level has dining and kitchen areas. The upper levels house bedrooms and terrace spaces. Large windows, lawns, open-to-sky courts and terraces bring in an abundance of natural light and ventilation.
The semi-covered outdoor spaces allow homeowners to enjoy the beauty of life in Coonoor – bonfires on winter nights against a backdrop of the serene hillscape.
Type: Twin villas
Client: Tea Plantation owner & design enthusiast
Area: 1800 sq ft per villaTimeline: Completed in 2022
kma 