Nestled in the upscale Brooklands neighbourhood of Upper Coonoor, KMA 6 offers an elegant retreat in the heart of the Nilgiris. Designed by architect Kaushik Mukherjee with interiors done by AD-100 designer Soumya Keshavan of Souk Studio, these cosy 3-bedroom row houses are designed for individuals seeking a stylish and easy-to-manage home close to the vibrancy of the town centre. The bungalows, thoughtfully built into the hilly terrain, are the product of a sensitive approach to the natural landscape, using the site’s contours to create an unobtrusive and gently sloping form. This is not just an ecologically responsible decision; it also contributes to residents’ experience of inhabiting that space, as it allows for various levels that ensure privacy in combination with spectacular and unobstructed views.
The design responds to the need for high-end, compact residences, introducing a model that efficiently uses vertical space across three levels. By adapting to the natural slope of the land, the bungalows maximise the site’s potential without the need for excessive earthwork, preserving the landscape’s integrity while offering residents contemporary and functional living spaces.
The house is entered through a spectacular double-height living room. Enormous windows on three sides of this space create a striking space with views over not just the surrounding neighbourhood but extend all the way across the valley to facing hills. A few shallow steps connect this space to the integrated kitchen and dining area, which creates a degree of separation without impeding easy access. This space also opens onto two separate balconies, one of which is a landscaped kitchen garden, while the other is a large terrace space that combines a sit-out with a screened and sheltered utility area.
The upper floors house the three bedrooms, ensuring privacy and seclusion. Each bedroom enjoys its own private balcony, allowing for unobstructed views of the landscape. This was a deliberate decision in order to ensure that one is never more than a few steps away from the outdoors and can make the most of the wonderful climate and views. This ensures that these houses will never be short on light or ventilation and are compact but feel expansive. These villas require minimal maintenance and are built such that they remain cool in the summers and store heat in the winters. Passive heating and cooling principles have been employed to make sure that the house has a very small carbon footprint.
The interiors of the KMA 6 Bungalows have been conceptualised with a view to clients looking for refined yet intimate luxury. Upholstered sofas in contemporary silhouettes are offset by pieces with slightly more classical proportions. The clean lines ensure the spaces are not overwhelmed, while soft finishes create a sense of warmth. The colour palette is comprised of a mix of warm, earthy tones and crisp whites, collectively helping create a space that is both snug and fresh. Each piece of furniture has been individually sourced for the space from well-known and sought-after labels, including Gulmohar Lane, Souk, and Vincent Roy (Woodndesign). These are high-quality pieces designed to last a lifetime and to age gracefully. What they have in common is a commitment to fine craftsmanship, refined proportions, and an aesthetic that is understated rather than loud.
These villas are for those who reject the rigid and artificial dichotomies of traditional vs. modern. The design of both the house and its interiors are rooted in the context of the Nilgiris but influenced by contemporary trends. They are designed for those who seek compact spaces that are easy to maintain but feel spacious rather than cramped – it’s no accident that each of the three compact bedrooms opens onto large private balconies with dazzling views of Upper Coonoor and the surrounding hills. Ultimately, these are villas for individuals for whom luxury refers primarily to one’s quality of life rather than to materials or objects tailored towards conspicuous consumption.