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.

  • Tiled roofing for thermal comfort and longevity

  • Terracotta bricks for walls, allowing the structure to breathe

  • Minimal concrete usage wherever possible

  • Designs that encourage natural light and cross-ventilation

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.