In the serene hill town of Kotagiri in India's Nilgiri Mountains, a newly completed home named Shilaya revives the past by incorporating stones from a collapsed colonial-era cottage, marrying tradition with eco-conscious design.
- House built using stones from colonial cottage ruins
- Design respects ecological restrictions on new materials
- Combines passive heating with modern prefab steel elements
What happened
Architecture firm Meister Varma has completed Shilaya, a home in Kotagiri, India, that rises on the foundation of a colonial-era cottage ruin. Rather than clearing away the stone rubble, the design embraces it as the base and walls of the new house. This approach aligns with local building traditions seen in many older Kotagiri homes that feature substantial stonework, a carryover from British hill station architecture.
Restrictions on quarrying and manufacturing new materials in the environmentally sensitive Nilgiri region guided the design to reuse salvaged materials. Above the durable stone foundation, the architects prefabricated the upper stories and roof in steel off-site and installed them on the plot. This blend of old materials and new construction techniques creates a respectful dialogue between past and present.
Why it feels good
Using the thick reclaimed stone walls as thermal mass, Shilaya naturally moderates indoor temperatures by absorbing heat during the day and slowly releasing it overnight, reducing the need for mechanical heating in Kotagiri’s chilly winters. This passive design strategy contributes to a cozy living environment while supporting sustainable building practices.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the home honors the history of the site and area through its materiality and layout. The thoughtful integration of natural light via a long skylight and the inclusion of a peaceful study mezzanine evoke a serene ambiance that celebrates both heritage and tranquility in this mountain setting.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors and architecture enthusiasts can appreciate how Shilaya’s design balances tradition and innovation, reflecting a broader trend in sustainable architecture that reclaims and creatively reuses older building materials. Future developments in the garden area will add complementary cottages, building a cohesive, nature-sensitive community.
For inspiration on eco-friendly design rooted in history, keep an eye on similar projects where architects reuse materials in creative ways. Shilaya’s approach resonates with other acclaimed works like Sydney’s 19 Waterloo Street, offering ideas for integrating past legacies with modern living needs.