
The Tuskers Enclave
PROGRAM
TYPOLOGY
AREA
House
Residential Renovation
2400 SQ.FT
STATUS
SCOPE
TIMELINE
Completed
Architecture
2024
LOCATION
Gudalur, India
Brief
The Tuskers Enclave
Set in Gudalur, Tamil Nadu, this 2,400 sq. ft. single-storey residence is nestled at the edge of the forest where cultivated plantations meet untamed wilderness. The site is uniquely positioned on a natural elephant trail, demanding a design that is both humble and respectful of its ecological context.
The project involved a complete transformation of a 30-year-old home into a structure that blends with the geography rather than standing apart from it. The form is kept low and unobtrusive, with earthy finishes and natural tones allowing the house to recede into the landscape. Large openings frame views of the plantations on one side and the forest on the other, placing the dwelling in constant dialogue with its surroundings.
A key challenge lay in the construction process: heavy machinery was prohibited to protect wildlife movement along the trail. Every aspect of the build was carried out manually, with materials sourced locally to minimize disruption. The resulting home is not just a renovation, but a quiet statement of coexistence.