Excerpt: Ishavas House by HabitArt Architecture Studio is a serene retreat that seamlessly blends with its forested hillside setting, ensuring a harmonious design. Rooted in environmental sensitivity and material honesty, the design blurs the line between indoors and outdoors, offering immersive views and seamless transitions. More than a residence, it fosters a mindful, grounded way of living—emerging from the landscape as a quiet extension of nature itself.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Nestled within the forested hills of Denkanikotai, Ishavas is a retreat where architecture and nature exist in quiet dialogue. Perched at the highest point of a one-acre farmland development, it offers sweeping vistas, seamlessly merging with its surroundings.
Designed as a weekend sanctuary, Ishavas is an exploration of space, materiality, and environmental sensitivity. The structure follows the land’s natural contours, dissolving boundaries between built and unbuilt spaces. Aligned along the East-West axis, it opens northward, where a tranquil pool extends from the common areas, reinforcing a seamless connection to the outdoors.
At its core, an open layout links the foyer, living, dining, and kitchen areas without partitions, fostering an expansive sense of space. A sunken living area, framed by the pool on one side and a koi pond on the other, deepens the spatial experience. A single-flight staircase rises through a soaring double-height volume, enhancing verticality and movement.
The ground floor accommodates the primary gathering spaces along with a guest suite, while the upper level features a family lounge overlooking the sunken living area, as well as a master suite designed for both solitude and flexibility. Thoughtfully placed openings frame curated views of the surrounding hills, ensuring an uninterrupted connection with nature. The design encourages effortless transitions between indoors and outdoors, allowing residents to experience the changing moods of the landscape—from misty mornings to golden-hued evenings.
The challenges of building in a remote location have shaped Ishavas into what it is today. Sourcing materials and assembling a workforce became a collaborative effort, with artisans and craftsmen residing on-site, transforming the construction process into a shared endeavor. This approach not only optimized logistics but also deepened the project’s connection to its setting, integrating regionally sourced materials that reflect the spirit of the land.
Sustainability is at the heart of Ishavas. Locally quarried laterite stone forms its walls, Kota stone grounds its floors, and mud-plastered surfaces finished with lime wash lend a natural warmth. Passive design strategies—cross-ventilation, shaded courtyards, and climate-conscious orientation—enhance thermal comfort while reducing energy demands. A 5KW solar system powers the home, while rainwater harvesting points are strategically positioned across the site, ensuring efficient resource management.
Guided by HabitArt Studio’s belief that architecture shapes daily life, Ishavas encourages a slower, more mindful way of living—one that fosters a deep connection with the natural world. More than a dwelling, it is a place of stillness and belonging, where luxury is redefined as a profound sense of place. Rather than imposing on the landscape, Ishavas emerges from it—an invitation to pause, observe, and exist in harmony with nature.
Drawings
Images
