Dreams remain beautiful until the first stone is placed on the ground.
After months of discussions, sketches, and imagining spaces inside our minds, the construction of The Slope finally began. What existed only as an idea inspired by traditional Kerala homes slowly started becoming part of the hillside itself.
Unlike building on flat land, construction on a slope demands patience. Every step needed planning. The terrain decided many things for us — where the pathways would go, how rainwater would flow during monsoon, where the foundation could safely rest, and how the structure could blend naturally with the land instead of disturbing it.
One thing we were certain about from the beginning was that the house should feel warm, simple, and rooted in Kerala’s traditional architectural character. Sloping tiled roofs, exposed rafters, open spaces, natural airflow, and a strong connection with the surrounding greenery became the guiding principles of the design.
The first days of construction were filled with both excitement and uncertainty. Clearing portions of the land, marking the layout, transporting materials through uneven terrain, and working around changing weather conditions reminded us that nature always has the final say in the hills.
Instead of rushing the process, we decided to build slowly and carefully. Every wall, every pillar, and every roof line was planned to respect the landscape around it.
This was no longer just a dream on paper.
The Slope had finally started rising from the earth.
Building with Local Knowledge
From the very beginning, we always tried our level best to include local people in this journey. We strongly believed that a project like The Slope should grow along with the people and knowledge rooted in the land itself.
While searching for someone who could understand both our vision and the practical realities of construction in Wayanad, we approached many people in the field. Finally, through Shri. Arun, who hails from Wayanad, we were introduced to Shri. Pramod.
Shri. Pramod is highly experienced in the construction field, particularly in the terrain and climatic conditions of Wayanad. His practical understanding of hillside construction, rainfall patterns, traditional roofing methods, and local building practices brought confidence to our plans.
More than just technical expertise, it was important for us to work with people who understood the spirit of the project — building something simple, natural, and connected to the landscape of Wayanad.
The Plan Begins to Take Shape
From the very first discussion itself, we gained complete confidence in him. He clearly understood our vision for The Slope and the kind of atmosphere we wanted to create through the construction.
Within a week, Shri. Pramod submitted the first draft of the plan. Seeing our ideas slowly taking shape on paper was an exciting moment in the journey. The design beautifully reflected the traditional Kerala architectural elements we had imagined, while also adapting naturally to the sloping terrain of the land.
Over the following weeks, we conducted three more rounds of discussions and reviews. Small changes were made carefully, considering ventilation, views, accessibility, roofing style, rain protection, and how the structure would sit within the landscape.
After those detailed discussions and refinements, we finally locked the plan of The Slope.
Spaces Designed Around Life
Swati always wished to have bay windows in the bedroom — a space where one could simply sit back, relax, and feel connected to the mist, rain, and greenery outside. At the same time, Tumbi wanted a quiet corner to read peacefully without disturbances, surrounded by nature and silence.
Understanding these emotions behind the design, Shri. Pramod proposed a plan that beautifully incorporated both ideas. The design included comfortable bay windows, a dedicated reading space, and a sit-out overlooking the coffee plantations and the sunrise. The thought of watching the early morning light slowly spread across the hills from the sit-out itself made the design feel even more special.
Another major attraction in the plan was the open kitchen concept. Rather than keeping the kitchen completely separated, we wanted it to become a warm and interactive space within the stay. The idea was to welcome guests not just as visitors, but as part of the experience — allowing them to join in the kitchen, share their recipes, cooking styles, and stories from different places.
More than just a house, the plan slowly started becoming a space meant for conversations, experiences, and togetherness.
Designing for Wayanad’s Rain
The plan included two bedrooms, each designed with two separate doors — one opening towards the common living area and the other towards the sit-out. At first glance, this arrangement may feel slightly unusual, but it was a very practical decision shaped by the climate and lifestyle of Wayanad.
Heavy rain is a normal part of life in Wayanad, especially during the monsoon season. We did not want guests to walk through the open exterior spaces to reach the dining area or kitchen during rainy days. The dual-access design therefore ensured smooth movement within the house while still maintaining a strong connection with the outdoor sit-out and surrounding landscape.
This balance between openness and practicality became one of the key ideas behind the planning of The Slope.
Comfort Matters Too
As we did not want to compromise on comfort, special attention was given to the washrooms during the planning stage. The final design included two attached bathrooms along with one common non-attached bathroom, ensuring convenience for both guests and common areas of the stay.
While the overall concept of The Slope was inspired by simplicity and traditional Kerala architecture, we also wanted to make sure that modern comfort remained an important part of the experience. Spacious and well-ventilated washrooms therefore became an essential part of the final plan.
The journey of The Slope was slowly moving from imagination into reality — one thoughtful decision at a time.