Dividing the site into clean horizontal and vertical grids increase the total number of saleable plots. However, this method does not respect the existing contours or site features.
All projects
LOST IN
THE WOODS
THE WOODS
How could we create a masterplan while retaining the land’s natural essence?
CONSULTANTs
Landscape Consultant
2+
Structural Consultant
Design Academy
KEY information
Client
Pragna Group
Location
Sakleshpur, Karnataka
Size
36.8 acres
Status
Realised
The client’s requirement was a regular plotted development with a masterplan that followed suit. On examining the site, we realised the need for an alternative approach, which would retain the natural features and create a rich natural haven. We convinced the client to embrace the potential of the site and Lost in the Woods then took shape.
This residential project was planned four hours away from Bangalore in Sakleshpur. This was a project that wanted to incorporate nature into daily life in the truest possible sense.
A spotlight on nature
When mapping out the site, we set a few ground rules.
01 TOPOGRAPHY
The existing road infrastructure would be leveraged, eliminating the necessity for additional road construction
02 VEGETATION
As few trees as possible would be felled.
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03 WATERWAYS
The existing waterways would be respected and everything would be built around them,obstructing nothing.
Real biophilic living,
without any greenwashing.
We aimed to create shells within th site's ecosystem which would keep the existing flora and fauna undisturbed.
GRID ORIENTED PLOT DIVISION STRATEGY
DIAGONAL GRID ORIENTED PLOT DIVISION STRATEGY
Dividing the site into square grids along the existing slope of the site maximises the number of plots achieved. However, this method does not accommodate the possibility of having primary and secondary circulation networks.
GRID + LANDSCAPE ORIENTED PLOT DIVISION STRATEGY
A combination of strategies 01 and 02, respects the site features and maximises the plot saleability.
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How can masterplanning and architecture
enable people to co-exist with nature?
enable people to co-exist with nature?
The current era of uncontrolled and unplanned urban growth is wreaking havoc on natural ecosystems, and on people's health and wellbeing.
Finally, we segmented the site into various sectors, features, and networks to optimise accessibility, functionality, and comfort.
Water channels
The waterways connect individual lakes and ponds within the site and separate the private plots from the public spine.
PUBLIC SPINE
The main walkway and path that connects people to amenities, without giving the public access to plots.
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BUGGY TRACK
Made to traverse the vast property via cycle or electric buggy.
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PEDESTRIAN PATH
Walkways are created around the existing terrains and contours to take you to your destination.
The flora and fauna around Lost in the Woods is all indigenous to the site location.
Every plant is local to the soil it grows on, and attracts animals, insects, and birds that are also indigenous to the land. The entire ecosystem that Lost in the Woods is situated in is designed to thrive alongside its residents.
Barriers were created through layering natural elements.
Layer 3 uses the existing trees on the site to create a natural boundary between sections.
Layer 2 is the gardening area where food spices like pepper, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, and local vegetables can be grown.
Layer 1 is a privacy buffer created by the thick foliage of local tropical plants such as monstera and colocasia.
Guidelines & policies
Everything we created for Lost in the Woods was based on a set of meticulously crafted guidelines and policies that encompassed our vision. These were our bedrock, guard rails, and inspiration for all our decisions and actions.
expand to view
1.
Our guidelines dictate the preservation of all existing trees within the development area.
2.
Instead of erecting compound walls, the emphasis is on utilising natural barriers formed by layered vegetation.
3.
We prioritized the retention of natural flora and fauna, ensuring the preservation of existing biodiversity.
4.
Infrastructure planning includes accommodating buggy access to facilitate mobility throughout the development.
5.
Priority is given to fostering a symbiotic relationship with the surrounding natural environment.
6.
Development activities are carefully planned to minimize disturbance to sensitive ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
7.
Road networks are designed as trails to integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape.
8.
Construction materials are selected to harmonize with or mimic the natural environment.
9.
The protection and creation of natural ecosystems, including lakes, are central to the development plan.
10.
The design promotes initiatives for residents to engage in food production for self-sustainability.
11.
Native plant species are encouraged to enhance local biodiversity.
12.
Sustainable water management practices such as rainwater harvesting and grey-water recycling are integral components of development guidelines.
13.
Measures to mitigate light pollution and preserve the natural darkness of the night sky are incorporated into urban policies.
14.
The promotion of environmentally friendly transportation options such as electric vehicles and bicycles is part of urban policy objectives.
15.
Stringent environmental regulations govern all development activities to minimise ecological disruption.
the clubhouse
The clubhouse is situated at the beginning of the public spine, overlooking a water body. It is one of the first structures encountered by anyone entering the grounds. It sets the tone for the experience and ethos of the site. Also overlooking the edge of an existing water body within the
The resort's tree houses are towering residences that merge into their surroundings.
The unique tree houses in the property's resort are situated high up among the trees, making them at eye level with the foliage. They're made with reflective materials that serve the purpose of masking its own architecture, camouflaging it amidst the tree canopies.
CHALET PLACEMENTS
The prefabricated homes ensured that there was no digging or unnecessary construction involved, with all materials chosen to be in sync with the surroundings.
Lost in the Woods helped people find themselves through nature.
Lost in the Woods turned out to be a holistically biophilic property, with its details as nuanced as its masterplan was.
In its creation and execution, we followed some principles that we ensured would be carried forward once residents moved in:
Live amidst nature without causing harm to it.
Respect all flora and fauna, from minuscule to towering.
Constantly work to improve the natural surroundings, and preserve the world we've been given.
