The design envisioned a 12.5 acre eco-resort and private forest reserve, focused on rewilding and restoring wildlife corridors within a sensitive landscape. The client’s vision for “Somewhere” was a tranquil sanctuary for both wildlife and visitors, fostering coexistence, reverence and slow exploration guided by the rhythms of the forest.

Challenges included degraded land, erosion, lack of proper access due to the surrounding forests, and frequent elephant movement.

Key strategies included placing human habitation within a fenced zone (Zones 0 and 1), leaving most of the land dedicated to wild zones (Zones 4 and 5). The design used natural topography and water flows to create interconnected wetlands, streams, ponds and basins, while trails, treehouses and decks outside the habitation zone enabled immersive yet low-impact wildlife observation.

The habitation zone accommodated luxury cottages, kitchen and dining spaces, staff and service zones, dormitories, and an owner’s cottage. This was supported by landscaping - seasonal water bodies, ponds next to cottages, courtyards, seating, pathways and living fences for privacy.