Brooks Arthaus Project in Bhimtaal designed by Ar. Nilanjan Bhowal, Design Consortium, is home to 11 premium vacation villas in the serenity of the lower Himalayas

Panoramic Views

The scenic location is utilized ecologically by adopting a masterplan strategy to build villas along the Himalayan contours and use the site slope to maximize view and daylight. Large windows and openings on the south capture the heat of the winter sun to warm the villa interiors. Construction and planning minimize cutting of trees and soil erosion. The design also strives to reduce cut and fill at the site to create flat terraces in front of the villas.

Nilanjan Bhowal

The main challenge in any hill architecture is to ensure that every villa gets perfect views without obstructing the other. As a part of the urban plan, all ecological aspects were taken into consideration, starting with cutting minimum trees, rainwater harvesting, and pavers to reduce soil erosion

Nilanjan Bhowal

The project is located on fertile soil contours of 1:3 slope, hence, there is a high risk of soil erosion. Special details are used in urban design strategies to retain soil. First, fertile soil has been conserved across the land parcel with retaining walls and excessive plantation. Second, no patch of land is left with loose soil; all the soft-scape is covered with grass, trees and plants.

Only natural materials, finishes and local materials such as stone and wood have been used to construct the villas. Nothing has been procured beyond 100 km from the site, thereby reducing carbon footprint. Vernacular knowledge is used for solar passive design with large overhangs to provide shade from the summer sun but allowing the winter sun’s heat to enter the villas.

Panoramic Views

The landscape is designed to ensure porosity for water to seep into the ground. This is achieved through interlocking grass pavers for roads and walking pathways. The rain water harvesting system is designed as open channels where water trickles from shallow lily ponds into pebbled channels. It forms a good landscape feature and controls water percolating in the ground. Sculptures by prominent artists, private observation decks and numerous bird spots lend visual artistry to the setting.