A serene family home in Uttarakhand nestled in the remote village of Chapar, Uttarakhand, a stunning mountain home seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings while offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. Designed by Ātman Studio, this residence is a testament to thoughtful, context-driven architecture, where every element responds to the land, climate, and lifestyle of its inhabitants. With views of the iconic Trishul and Nanda Devi peaks, the home is a sanctuary for Harsha and Pragya, a couple who left the city behind to embrace a quieter life in the mountains, along with their vigilant companion, Zozo, a dog who fiercely guards their abode from the region’s notorious monkey raids.
Site & Setting: Nature as the Muse
The site is a picturesque blend of dense pine forests in the foreground and a scattering of ancient oak trees in the background, creating a rich, layered landscape. The design follows the natural contours of the land, strategically placing the structure to maximize both panoramic views and optimal sunlight exposure. Given the cold winters, where temperatures can drop as low as 2°C, sunlight becomes an essential design consideration—welcomed generously in the colder months yet shielded from becoming oppressive during the summer.
Design Philosophy: Oriented to the Mountains and the Sun
The architecture of the house aligns with two fundamental elements—the northern Himalayan views and the sun’s trajectory. The orientation ensures that every room enjoys an uninterrupted view of the peaks, while the structure itself is positioned to harness warmth during winter and minimize heat gain in summer. The interplay of light is masterfully orchestrated, with double-height windows along the southern facade flooding the interiors with golden afternoon hues, reflecting off the pinewood staircase and ceiling.
Materiality & Craftsmanship: Rooted in the Land
The home is deeply connected to its setting not only in spirit but in materiality. During excavation, stone from the site was repurposed for retaining walls, reinforcing a natural aesthetic. The roof, flooring, and doors were crafted from locally sourced pine and sal wood, infusing the home with warmth and rustic charm. The ground floor radiates warmth through the night, a vital feature given the region’s frigid temperatures.
Spatial Layout: An Invitation to the Outdoors
The 3-bedroom residence unfolds as a series of inviting, light-filled spaces, each thoughtfully designed to enhance comfort and connection with nature. Two large balconies on the first-floor offer uninterrupted Himalayan vistas, while a sprawling verandah on the ground floor serves as the perfect spot to bask in the winter sun. Inside, the home is divided into two distinct yet flowing living areas—a formal space for gatherings and an informal sunken lounge with low-height seating around a central fireplace, creating a cozy retreat against the mountain chill. The dining area is strategically positioned along the southern wall, benefiting from ample sunlight throughout the day.
Signature Elements: A Dialogue Between Tradition & Modernity
A harmonious balance between rustic and contemporary elements defines the home’s character. The use of traditional pinewood construction for the first floor and roof speaks to the vernacular craftsmanship of the region. Skylights above the bathrooms and wardrobe areas filter in soft natural light, adding a warm ambiance to intimate spaces. The guest bedroom is adorned with a striking random-rubble stone wall, grounding the interior with a tactile connection to the landscape.
Challenges & Adaptations: Designing for the Remote Wilderness
Building in the Himalayas comes with its own set of logistical hurdles. The home sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet above sea level, accessible only via a rugged, off-road drive. Transporting materials—especially large glass panels—was a meticulous process requiring strategic planning. Additionally, given the limited availability of maintenance services in such a remote setting, the house was designed with low upkeep in mind. Harsha took it upon himself to familiarize himself with the MEP systems, ensuring that minor fixes could be handled
without reliance on external help.
A Home with a Soul
More than just a structure, this house is a reflection of its inhabitants’ aspirations—a retreat where tranquillity meets resilience, where the rhythm of nature dictates the pace of life. As the sun sets behind the peaks, painting the sky in hues of amber and rose, Zozo curls up by the fireplace, the perfect guardian of this mountain sanctuary. In every stone, every sunbeam, and every whispered breeze through the oaks, the essence of home is profoundly felt—eternal, just like the Himalayas themselves.
Gallery:
Gallery – Drawings:
Project Details:
Name: Himāvasa
Location: Chapar, Uttarakhand
Built-up Area: 4,400 sq.ft.
Status: Completed
Typology: Residential Architecture
Designed by: Ātman Studio
Photographs: Atik Bheda
Description: Ātman Studio
