Luxury Redefined: How This Firm Is Blending Opulence With Nature

The world is embarking on a new way of living and working that is kinder to the planet and all life on it. This extends to how we design and construct buildings. Bengaluru-based design firm Earthitects was founded in 2021 to embody an ecologically-conscious design philosophy centred on respecting the land upon which they build. Helmed by George E. Ramapuram, the company’s principal architect and managing director, they approach each project with a view to prioritising environmental sustainability and harmony with nature. This means working with the natural environment, considering the impact of design choices on ecosystems, and using sustainable and age-appropriate materials.

According to a United Nations (UN) report, two out of every three people are likely to be living in cities or other urban centres by 2050. Owing to both demographic shifts and overall population growth, this would mean around 2.5 billion people moving into urban areas by the middle of the century. The same report estimates that in the next four years New Delhi is projected to become the most populous city on the planet. Currently, Tokyo is the world’s largest with 37 million inhabitants.

With an increase in population comes a greater strain on public goods and services. More buildings, more demand for electricity, gas and water, and more land encroachment. Despite being India’s “Garden City”, Bengaluru’s green cover has decreased from 68 per cent in 1973 to less than 3 per cent in 2023, according to the Bangalore Urban Information Centre.

Earthitects' vision is emblematic of what Ramapuram calls “reverse urbanisation.” It’s a return to nature which emphasises the creation of green spaces, the incorporation of natural light and the use of eco-friendly materials to enhance the quality of urban life. By reconnecting people with nature, reverse urbanisation aims to improve mental health, reduce environmental impact, and create more sustainable and liveable environments.

Their 13 stone lodges on a 13-acre hillside in Wayanad are built from more than 70 per cent of natural materials such as random rubble walls, unfinished eucalyptus log rafters, wooden flooring, cobblestone pathways and clay roof tiles. They also utilise upcycled wood from construction work to craft fittings and furnishings while maintaining the organic shape of the material. Their constructions exude opulence and tranquility but are luxury residences and living in accordance with the natural world at odds with one another?

“An evolving world constantly improvises on the definition of ‘luxury.’ The deafening noise of city life drowns out a simple birdsong, making even the gentlest breeze a rarity amidst the cacophony of car honks and construction work,” says Ramapuram.

“In today’s urban context, the simple pleasure of witnessing a sparrow in one's window or a butterfly fluttering among shrubs becomes a luxurious experience. In cities where every pavement and flat earth is concretised, seeing an abundance of lush greenery or watching flowers bloom is certainly extravagant. Sensitivity to nature, therefore, emerges as a pivotal factor in the design of spaces that embody true luxury.”

To reduce the impact of construction work on the local ecosystem, Earthitects integrates the unique characteristics of each region's microclimate into their design processes. For instance, rather than clearing the existing rocks, trees and site contours when they started building Estate Plavu on the mountainside of Wayanad, they strategically built individual villas around them. This philosophy of building “around” nature rather than on it influenced the overall form of the space, according to Ramapuram.

“Our design approach carefully considers the existing landscape when positioning key elements such as the entrance portico, living rooms and bedrooms,” he says. “For instance, in the second lodge, we reworked the layout of the west bedroom to accommodate existing trees, allowing us to incorporate a study that overlooked them. Similarly, we accommodated a large tree in the entrance porch area by puncturing the roof above to let its branches through. By integrating the natural landscape we minimised the impact of building on the ecosystem while creating harmonious and sustainable structures that blended seamlessly with their surroundings.”

Earthitects’ clients are typically nature, wellness and lifestyle enthusiasts seeking a retreat from urban life and a place where they can enjoy quality time. They also have deep pockets as the starting price for a night at the company's sprawling Wayanad estate is INR 54,600.

Ramapuram however, is not a lone actor in pushing for sustainable design processes in his field. He has received appreciation and interest from his colleagues on incorporating similar ideologies and strategies in their own work. Its part of a larger shift in India where the adoption of sustainable design practices has spread across various sectors like architecture, interior design and product design.

“Some [of my peers] have asked for advice on practices and techniques, which I'm always eager to share. It's gratifying to witness the ripple effect of this type of architecture spreading within the architectural community. I believe we're collectively contributing to a better, greener, more sustainable future and leaving the Earth better than we found it,” he says. “Overall, while sustainability in design was once considered a trend, it has now become a fundamental principle guiding design decisions.”

In a world grappling with climate breakdown, Ramapuram says the future of architecture lies in its ability to harmonise with nature by offering sustainable solutions that mitigate environmental impact. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for humans to reconnect with the natural world and seek ways to live in balance with it.

“Homes designed for natural living prioritise sustainability, incorporating features like existing natural landscapes, native vegetation, organic gardens and habitats for endangered species. By embracing these principles, architecture can contribute positively to the environment, creating spaces that benefit occupants and give back to the planet,” Ramapuram concludes.

Tips On Living Sustainably By George E. Ramapuram

#1. Add Natural Elements Such As Indoor Plants And Natural Light

Plants improve air quality by filtering out pollutants and increasing oxygen levels. Natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting, saves energy and reduces a space's carbon footprint.

#2. Choose Eco-Friendly Materials For Construction And Furnishings

These would be items like reclaimed wood, bamboo or recycled materials. These materials are often more durable, energy-efficient and have less environmental impact than traditional materials.

#3. Employ Sustainable Design Practices

Incorporate rainwater harvesting, composting and energy-efficient appliances to further reduce a dwelling's ecological footprint.