Bungalow in Somawathi
Living among elephants
Set deep within the wilderness, where herds of elephants often roam freely, this bungalow was designed to coexist with its majestic neighbors. Raised elegantly on black columns, the structure allows elephants to pass undisturbed beneath it, while offering the residents a rare opportunity to watch them safely from above—at close quarters yet with complete respect for their freedom.
The design embraces the raw beauty of its setting through rustic materials and a natural palette. Unplastered brick walls and timber finishes blend with the earth.
The dark vertical columns echo the strong legs of the elephants, supporting a solid form above that stands as majestically as the creatures themselves.
In contrast to its bold exterior presence, the interiors provide a warm and intimate retreat, offering comfort and calm from which to take in the untamed beauty outside. To the elephants, this structure appears as a familiar form; to its human inhabitants, it is a unique sanctuary that balances strength, simplicity, and harmony with nature.
