Building renovation or space remodeling is an artwork of innovating and bringing new architectural ideas to life. This old apartment building which was constructed in 1980s is located in Ooty along the beautiful Lake with the breathtaking views of the tranquil waters and lush greenery. Surprisingly the building was beautifully made in the old 80s with lots of effort. Demolishing that building which held so many emotions and hard work of the people was not ethical.
Editor’s Note: Restoration of old structures is like revisiting the past. Samara Homes by Higher Dimensions, a renovated apartment building in the dense and tranquil hills of Ooty from the 1980s, evokes emotions from the past. This apartment emphasizes originality and memories by conceptualizing a blend of spatial comfort, sustainability, and the essence of nature. ~ Anusha Sridhar
The Renovation of this Apartment Building In Ooty Retains Old Memories | Higher Dimensions
Located on the picturesque banks of Ooty Lake, this apartment building renovation promises an unparalleled living experience in one of India’s most sought-after hill stations. Ooty is a place where we enjoy natural views of the dense mountains and experience cold weather. The design incorporates large windows to preserve the views and maximize natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
The Shahs apartment, originally constructed in 1980’s, has long been a symbol of Landmark located opposite to Honeymoon Boathouse, Ooty. However, years of neglect and severe structural damage led to its condemnation.
Determined to preserve this building, a coalition of architects, engineers, and also community members embarked on an ambitious restoration project. Considering the client needs, and studying the building made a realization of retaining most of the spaces and structures as it was and renovating the most damaged spaces and additionally, giving the spaces a new emotion.
Samara Homes (Previously addressed as Shah’s Apartments) nestles amidst the serene beauty of the Nilgiri Hills. This exclusive apartment’s building renovation offers a harmonious blend of luxury, comfort, and nature.
The spatial planning of the building is more important as it gives experience to the person who lives there. The design enlarges the living area to allow for relaxation and enjoyment of the calm, peaceful views of the misty lake.
The design integrates the dining and living areas to connect seamlessly with nature, minimizing the use of walls. Pastel-colored furniture lightens the space, while minimal lighting adds warmth to each area. Contemporary interiors enhance the space with elegance and luxury.
This helps in connecting with the nature from inside the space. Using pale walls to allow the natural green mountain views to dominate the interior space.
To attract attention and refresh the structure, we introduced a new element and look, as people have been familiar with the building since the 80s. In Ooty, where stone is a common local material, we incorporated stonework on the facade to align with the area’s local context. Ooty is more prone to heavy rainfall.
Considering that fact, surrounded sunshades are done to avoid rainwater from entering the spaces. Local tropical plantations are done around the building to connect with the nature.
Stone paving are done at the entrance as it was the locally available material there and to seamlessly blend with the beautiful, context, Climate and local building typologies. Colour pallet in the exterior is monotony to blend with the natural context. Blending with the local context and nature was the key to design the beautiful spaces inside this building.
The renovation of the Shah’s Apartment employed Advanced engineering techniques and practices to address the extensive damage. We have meticulously restored the building’s original façade. This blend of old and new ensures that the Samara homes will continue to serve our community for generations to come.
Fact File
Designed By: Higher Dimensions
Project Type: Hospitality- Home Stay Architecture, Interior & Landscape Design
Project Name: Samara Homes
Location: Honeymoon Boathouse, Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Year Built: 2024
Project Duration: 12 Months
Project Size: 6400 Sq.ft
Principal Designer: N. Mohammed Aashik
Team Design Credits: Akhshay George Ninan, Ayesha Afrin, P.R. Siddharthan & M. Manibharathi
Photograph Courtesy: hansoga_photography
Firm’s Instagram Link: Higher Dimensions
For Similar Project>> This Aesthetic Courtyard House With Lush Landscape Design Offers A Calm Aura To The Users
Editor’s Note: Some places feel rooted because they belong to their surroundings rather than trying to stand apart from them. Coffee Sangam in Andhra Pradesh takes this approach through a raw, tactile palette of brick, stone, teak, and mild steel. The random rubble compound wall extends the landscape into the architecture, while the Corten steel […]
Envisioned as a contemporary home rooted in Indian sensibilities, this residence sits on a south-facing urban plot. The design accommodates the evolving lifestyle of a multi-generational family. The project integrates architecture and interiors to create functional, climate-responsive, and emotionally connected spaces. Each level balances privacy with interaction. The design also allows flexibility for changing family […]
Editorial Note: Some homes are shaped by the memories, objects, and stories their residents carry with them. Ungana in Chennai, meaning “merge” in Swahili, brings together a well-travelled family’s collection of antiques and everyday rituals within a narrow urban plot. A double-height living space becomes the heart of the home, connecting the kitchen and dining […]
House of the Framed Atrium explores how a contemporary home can revolve around light, connection, and shared experiences. The design follows the ideas of a Living Atrium, Living with Nature, Framed Volumes, Vertical Living, and Timeless Materiality. The residence connects a sequence of interconnected spaces around a dramatic triple-height atrium. The atrium forms the heart […]
A Mock-up That Became a Home – For an architecture practice, a mock-up often helps test an idea before the team translates it into a larger project. It allows architects to work at full scale, examine materials and construction techniques, and understand their limitations. The process also gives them room to test different brick bonds and […]
The house began not with a formal brief, but with a conversation about the kind of life the clients hoped to build within it. Set between the denser urban fabric of Kannur and the quieter residential landscapes of North Kerala, the project responds to a desire for openness and connection. At the same time, the […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]