Blending Tradition and Nature: Designing The Slope!

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.

Designing Our Farm House: From an A-Frame Dream to a Kerala Home

When we first imagined The Slope, our minds immediately went to something modern, minimal, and striking against the hills. The idea of an A-frame house on a slope felt perfect — simple geometry, large glass faces, and a structure that blended effortlessly with the terrain. It was romantic, bold, and very much a dream we carried for quite some time.

However, as with most real journeys, the land slowly started guiding us toward a different direction.

The A-Frame That Started It All

The A-frame design appealed to us for many reasons. It required less footprint on the sloped land, handled heavy rains well, and visually complemented the hills of Wayanad. For a while, this design felt like the heart of our farm stay dream.

But as we thought deeper about how The Slope would function day to day, new realities emerged.

Food, Hosting, and Everyday Practicality

We strongly felt that food should be an integral part of the farm stay experience — not just a service, but a shared moment. Preparing and serving meals for our guests required a functional kitchen, storage spaces, and comfortable dining areas.

The compact nature of an A-frame, though beautiful, began to feel limiting for this purpose. We wanted a space that could breathe, adapt, and grow — without compromising comfort.

That was the moment we paused and asked ourselves an important question:
Are we building a structure, or are we building a home?

Returning to a Typical Kerala Home

The answer led us back to something deeply familiar — the traditional Kerala house.

Sloping tiled roofs, open verandas, airy interiors, and a design that naturally works with the tropical climate. Kerala architecture is not just about aesthetics; it is the result of generations of living in harmony with rain, humidity, and heat.

Choosing this style felt less like a design decision and more like coming home.

Building with Organic and Natural Materials

Another principle that guided us strongly was our intention to use mostly organic and natural materials.

These materials not only age beautifully but also reduce the environmental footprint of the building. More importantly, they create spaces that feel warm, grounded, and alive.

Letting the Land Lead the Design

In the end, the farm house design at The Slope became less about trends and more about respecting the land, climate, and culture. The slope, the rain, the wind, and the soil all had a say in how the house would take shape.

What began as an A-frame dream evolved into a Kerala home — rooted, practical, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

From a Dream to the Hills: How The Slope Was Born!

As working professionals, nurturing a dream of life on a farm was never easy. Daily responsibilities, tight schedules, and the rhythm of city life kept pushing that dream deeper into our hearts rather than closer to reality. Still, it refused to fade.

One fine day, we took a decisive step—to search for a piece of land in the hills, a place that could hold our hopes and patience. During this journey, destiny introduced us to Shri Balakrishnettan—fondly known as Bhalu Bhai—and Sudha Chechi. Their warmth, wisdom, and deep-rooted connection with the land shaped our path in ways we had never imagined.

That meeting marked the beginning of The Slope—not just a farm stay, but a space where nature, simplicity, and slow living come together. What began as a distant dream is now steadily taking shape on a gentle slope in Wayanad.

 

We explored many parcels of land—some with Bhalu Bhai and some on our own. During this journey, we began to understand Wayanad more deeply. An increasing number of NRIs are returning only to leave again—selling their ancestral lands to settle abroad or in cities like Bengaluru. For many, these sales fund their children’s dreams overseas.

At the same time, we met people who are still hardcore farmers—men and women who find joy in the soil, the rain, and the slow rhythm of farming. When they asked us about our project, the sparkle in their eyes was unmistakable. Their curiosity and hope reassured us that we were thinking in the right direction.

By then, we were already clear about one thing: farming would always come before the stay. Our idea was never to create a place where people come only to relax and leave. Instead, we wanted a space where, if you are interested in farming, you are welcome to stay. A place where you include yourself in simple farm activities, understand the land, and experience the joy of working with nature.

Of course, we will provide a comfortable and thoughtfully designed stay. But our core intention goes beyond facilities. Our aim is to help people reconnect with the feeling of a real village—where people work in the fields, support one another, and share life with warmth and respect.

At The Slope, we do not call anyone a guest.
We see them as partners in farming.

Bhalu Bhai talks a lot—about everything. His conversations flow from his early life to his struggles, his way of living, and the many kinds of work he has taken up over the years. Listening to him feels less like a discussion and more like sitting through lived history.

He began travelling at a very young age and worked across different cities, including Mumbai and Chennai, taking on diverse roles and learning from every place he lived in. Originally from Calicut, he eventually chose to settle in Kenichira, Wayanad—where the land and life resonated deeply with him.

With his vast experience in both construction and farming, and his strong connections among the local community in Kenichira, Bhalu Bhai naturally became an irreplaceable part of our journey. More than just his skills, it is his understanding of people, land, and life that gave us confidence.

Choosing him was not a decision on paper.
It simply felt right.

Caretaker, manager, guide—whatever name one may use—Bhalu Bhai became the backbone of our dream project.

Sudha Chechi is a calm and quietly strong person, born and brought up in Wayanad. She carries within her the legacy of this land—where hard work, patience, and dignity are a way of life.

She may not speak much with strangers, but once you align with her, you become her own. That trust, once earned, is deep and genuine.

An exceptional cook and a dedicated homemaker, Sudha Chechi has a natural way of keeping everything around her clean, orderly, and welcoming. Her presence brings a sense of balance and warmth to the home—something that cannot be taught or planned.

In many ways, she represents the soul of the land we chose to build our dream on.