The Eco lodge in Peermade. : A Sustainable Retreat amidst Nature's Beauty

Site Location: Peermade, Idukki.
9.5783° N, 77.0154° E
Site area : 5 acres (20234.3 m2)
Building plinth area: 638.5 m2

Nestled in the picturesque hill station of Peermade, Idukki, Eco Lodge offers a truly unique experience for nature enthusiasts. Located at an altitude of 915 meters (3,002 feet) above sea level in the enchanting Western Ghats, this 5-acre (20,234.3 square meters) retreat combines sustainable design with breathtaking surroundings.

Climate Analysis :Embracing Nature's Elements

Peermade enjoys a comparatively cooler climate than other parts of Kerala at lower altitude. During the peak summer month of April, temperatures rise up to 33°C (91.4°F) in the afternoons. However, for the majority of the year, the temperature remains comfortable. In December, January, and February, the temperature drops to a cool 5-10°C (41-50°F), creating a refreshing ambiance.

Figure 1: Dry Bulb Temperature

One of the primary concerns for ensuring thermal comfort for the users, is managing the high humidity levels. With 8 out of 12 months experiencing muggy conditions, passive strategies such as providing ample ventilation through sufficient openings, play a crucial role in addressing the challenge. The goal was to reduce the dependency on mechanical systems for thermal comfort.

Figure 2: Relative Humidity plot

The Sky cover graph shows the amount of clouds in the sky at particular months. This is a location where precipitation is very high, hence sloping roofs would be ideal to drain off water. The abundant cloud cover during summer months mitigates the intensity of solar radiation, further maintaining lower temperatures

Figure 3: Sky cover graph

Understanding the wind patterns is essential for ensuring proper air circulation throughout the lodge. The wind rose diagram reveals that the prevailing wind direction is from the WSW side, with speeds reaching up to 28 m/s (62.6 mph). The secondary wind flow occurs from the NE direction, also at a similar intensity. Leveraging these predominant winds becomes crucial for facilitating fresh air movement within the building.

Figure 4: Wind rose diagram

The sunpath diagram shows that in the summer months, sun is inclined towards north, and the altitude angles are higher than in the winter months.  If the cloud cover is also considered along with this, it can be understood that in the summer months due to the presence of clouds the intensity of sun is less and hence the temperature does not increase beyond 30 -35 oC.

Figure 5: 3D sun path diagram

The sun path was not a major design influencer. Figure 6 shows the site plan and the orientation of the structure. The structure was oriented towards NW considering the predominant wind direction. The NW orientation would let in the SW and NE winds diagonally, through the corridors and courtyards.

Figure 6: Site plan

Integrating Design and Nature: The Eco Lodge Experience

The design of the eco lodge had to embrace the beauty of the site. The design featured courtyards that connected units to the exterior. Connected double rooms shared courtyards as a common recreational space and single rooms featured a private courtyard. The reception area seamlessly connects to the dining space through a semi-open path, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural environment during their stay. These courtyards also facilitate the release of excess heat through stack effect, drawing in air from other openings into the rooms

Figure 7: Stack effect from courtyards

Figure 8: Passage from corridor connecting rooms to Dining

Sustainable Solutions for Nature's Challenges

During the heavy rainfall experienced in August 2018, which resulted in the devastating Kerala Floods, measures were taken to protect the gable side of the roof. Understanding the high-altitude location and the angle of rainfall caused by strong winds, a minor extension was made to shield the gable side (Figure 9,10).

Figure 9: Roof extended for protection from rain

Ample daylight floods the interior spaces of the Eco Lodge, enhancing the visual comfort of guests. Louvers and glass elements were strategically incorporated to invite natural light while promoting natural ventilation. These design details became distinctive architectural features of the project. Pivoting glass doors in each unit offer access to the courtyard, ensuring that even when closed, daylight illuminates the indoors.

Figure 10: Roof extension for protection against high intensity rain

Sustainable Superstructure: Embracing Timber

Timber was the primary building material used for the superstructure construction. Timber helps reduce energy consumption across the lifecycle of growth, harvest, transport, manufacture and construction compared to other structural building products. Wood can improve energy efficiency since it is an excellent insulator- wood has a cellular structure that allows for air pockets, helping to slow the conductivity of heat.

Figure 11: Teak wood walls at the Eco Lodge

Figure 12 : Corridor connecting rooms and passage connecting living and dining - Two major axis

Figure 13: Corridor connecting rooms

Step into the Eco Lodge's corridors, which serve as the connecting pathways between rooms and as passages between the living and dining areas. These architectural elements facilitate movement while providing an immersive experience in the surrounding natural beauty.