CASE STUDY

ON

ECO TOURISM JUNGLE

RESORT

BY - DEVIKA SINGH
 LOCATION :
ADDRESS –
BR Hills,
Opp. Yarakanagadde Colony,
Chamarajnagar Dist. Karnataka
INDIA
HOW TO REACH :
Nearest Railway Station –
• Chamarajanagar (27 kms),
• Mysore (86 kms), KARNATAKA (INDIA)
• Ramanagaram (128 kms) CHAMARAJNAGAR DIST.

Nearest Airport – GORUKANA RESORT

• Mysore (86 kms),
• Bangalore (180 kms),
• Coimbatore (180 kms)
PROJECT DETAILS :

DESIGNED IN – 2008

COMPLETED IN - 2010

COMPANY - Gayathri & Namith Associates

PROJECT TEAM -

 Namith Varma
 Sudhir.P.S
 Vinay.M.D
CONCEPT -
 The idea of accentuating the site features and
responding to the local context has been the
standpoint around which the whole design of
Gorukana has been developed.
 The most important challenge of this project
has been to create an attempt towards
empowering the local natives of the region.
The local produce, works of artisans and
craftsmen were in need of an effective medium
of marketing.
 Approach to design was based on the interplay
of outdoor and indoor spaces and use of
locally available and sustainable materials.
 Space was carefully designed to reduce the
impact of monolith built form while
maintaining the visual harmony with the
existing topography.
 SITE DETAILS:
 TECHNICAL DATA -
Site area: 9 acres
Built area: 18,000sq.ft
Project cost: 1 crore

 The most unique and important feature of B.R Hills it

provides daily proof that biodiversity and conservation
can go hand-in-hand with people and their livelihood
 The BR Hills play host to a stunning biodiversity,
courtesy their strategic location between the Western
& Eastern Ghats, and this can be easily seen in the
incredible variety of habitats, ranging from dry scrub to
broad-leaved deciduous forests. It’s an absolute
pleasure to wander here discovering the area’s natural
beauty, which changes character from the yellowish-
brown hues of the foothills, to the dark green sunlight-
dappled canopy of the higher elevations.
SITE PLAN:
PARKING ENTRANCE

TENT HOUSE MAIN BLOCK

AMPHITHEATRE

HERBAL GARDEN
COTTAGES
JOGGING TRACK

TREE HOUSE

SPA
ISLAND
 The masterplan clearly demonstrates this exercise of carefully understanding the importance of the
builtform not standing out but co-relating its existence with the surroundings.
 The conservation of the existing stream was an important challenge early on in the design
development stage. Enriching it into the most important feature in the site has not only resulted in
an excellent scenic point but also ecologically served the purpose of minimizing construction impact.
This has also served to retain ground water level.
 The careful investigation of this design exercise also reveals attention towards planning built forms
in the site.
 The segregation of the business, leisure spaces and accommodation areas in the masterplan helps
in reducing the scale of a single built form, maintaining the visual harmony of the topography.
 The proportions and scale modulations of the roof forms have been inspired by the abundant Silver
oak trees in the region. The coziness and the warmth in the interiors are highly appreciable. Each
individual unit has been strategically placed in the site to avoid visual obstructions.
 The OAT and the herbal garden near the entry have been the most important additions to the
landscape helping the resident to dissolve in the mystic beauty of nature. The OAT serves as an
important platform for exhibiting the cultural richness of local natives (Soliga tribals) to the outside
world.
ENTRANCE:

A narrow un-tarred road down the

main road leads to Gorukana
entrance.

AMPHITHEATRE :
There is a small amphitheater, with
enough sitting for the guests. There is
a stage across. In between, a
campfire is arranged every night. A
guy narrates the story of Gorukana,
it’s tribes and their traditions. Then,
tribal dance performance by elderly
and children follow.
 RECEPTION AREA
MAIN BLOCK:

DINING AREA
The restaurant of Gokarna has a decent sheltered seating. Nothing fancy about the
furnitures. But it is surrounded by green trees on three sides, and a kitchen on the
fourth. When it rains , roll down curtains made of natural material provide the much
needed protection.
 -The architectural grammar of the cottage units have been developed with consideration to
COTTAGES : its surroundings.
-There is a separate path to each passage. Thus, ensuring complete privacy of every family.
Each cottage is tastefully built with eco friendly material.
-The wall besides the double bed is complete glass. While the lower half has sliding doors
to the small balcony, the upper half serves as a high glass window. When one lies on the
bed, even with the curtains of the balcony door closed, still one can see through this
window.
-The balcony is small. It has a natural bench at one side for sitting. It is located towards the
slope of hills. Through this balcony, one can see the vast stretch of greenery, tall trees and
animals grazing through.
TREE HOUSE:

The tree house and its setting

reminisce one about the
old childhood days. The tree selected
for this block has been one of the
oldest in the site.
TENT HOUSE:

- The tent house on the other end of the establishment has been designed to get closer to the
wilderness.

- The presence of rocky terrain and the walk towards the tent house enrich this experience.
SPA: Spa block on the water body brings
out the spiritual qualities of nature.
This experience continues to the
private island at the end of the water
body.
 MATERIAL UTILITY :
 The use of locally available materials and
expertise in the construction right from
the stone, wood to the finer furnishings
(lantana) and ornamentation have helped
in minimizing the impact of construction
on the untouched topography.

 This has also helped in involving local

craftsmen and bringing down the costs of
construction.
The project has been a successful
attempt in bringing together a platform for
the conservation of the rich bio diversity
of life forms and enriching the lives of
local natives.
THINKS TO DO AT GORUKANA:
• Go for a jungle safari with Gorukana staff.
• Watch energizing tribal dance performance and listen to their interesting tales about Gorukana and its tribes.
• Visit the tribal museum .
• Do a short nature walk with Gorukana naturalist.
• Enjoy the bone fire at night.
• Enjoy indoor games at Gorukana premises .
• Drive to nearby lake where animals come to drink water by the evening.
• Visit B R Swamy temple.
• Spend a night in the tree house.Don’t do anything! Just relax at your cottage. Watch the natural world of birds
and animals go by while you relax.
• Understand and study the various species of trees and plants in Gorukana campus. Educate your kids on the
same.
THANK YOU