Lock and Camp Kodi House

The existing house on 3 acres of land was a dorm block used during the days of the British and once bought by the client was used as a temporary holiday home while up in the hills to play golf .The brief was to design a holiday home where friends could take a break from the rigors of business and daily city commute and hop into and out of the golf course , a home which would cater to large boisterous players at one end and family at the other.

The client did not object to us retaining the existing block to maintain a historic continuum and the rest of the house was worked around it .Hence it continues to retain its name as “Lock and Camp house “.Staying true to their brief ,our response was unimposing structure in the mold of the Nilgiri homes tailormade for the quiet serene site .Stone was chosen since it was easily available in the area and relatable to the vernacular style .

Climate was an important factor that determined the sloping roof for the high rainfall in this region.The house is a composition of spatial experiences ,set in 2 levels by virtue of the site contours . Courtyards and bridges connecting through these courtyards add drama .Waste material from the clients paper making factory was used into porch columns and the entrance door  was fashioned from packing crates .

A fallen eucalyptus tree was fashioned to hold the porch and a bar counter .

Clay art by Tamil nadu artisans into the house and beaten copper fireplaces add to the ambience .That the client now uses this home more than he does his city lot home stands testimony to us perhaps of having achieved his brief of wanting to cut off from urban clutter and experience solitude .