The Kumaon Hotel with Himalayan Views

A small 1,160 square meter hotel designed by Zowa Architects, located at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level in the village of Kaser Devi near Almora, India.

The building features 10 rooms, a living room and dining hall, a library, a spa salon, and technical rooms. Architects designed the rooms in pairs, one above the other, placed on different levels. The lower chalet is built from local stone, while the upper one is constructed from ash bricks and clad with bamboo poles.

The main structure occupies the highest point of the plot. On its first floor, apart from the entrance area, you can find the living room, library, toilet, and service rooms. On the upper level of the house is the dining hall with a magnificent view of the second-highest mountain peak in India. The dining room's roof serves as a terrace for outdoor meals and yoga sessions. Additionally, three sides of the dining hall are covered with bamboo poles, reducing the visual impact of the bulky steel frame.

Spruce forests in the region were widely used for floor coverings, doors, and windows. Furniture is also designed and made on-site. Local craftsmen have demonstrated their skill in making copper and stone utensils for the chalet. Almora has a rich tradition of weaving, and all woolen textiles for bedding and furniture were specially made for the hotel.

Patios and balconies are paved with 'kota', a popular and affordable Indian granite that resembles smooth cement. Rainwater harvesting is done through a special drainage system into a large reservoir at the bottom of the plot. The hotel plans to cultivate seasonal crops and use grown produce in its own kitchen.

Photos: Akshay Sharma