Reverse Urbanization: the desire to get away from the city explained by this heavenly lodge in Wayanad, India

What is Reverse Urbanization

Literally, it means 'return to nature and translates into the rediscovered need to establish an intimate connection with the environment.

In a nutshell, the will to live 'in peace', knowing that you have clean air, healthy water, simple and natural sounds such as the singing of birds or the possibility of tasting a self-produced fruit in the gold or in the garden of home.

It is a necessity that is also translating into a design trend: both in real estate and in architecture and furnishings, the desire to harmonize spaces with nature surrounding is predominant. A trend that also does good, playing as a good assist for more ecological consumer attitudes.

The Earthitects (from the name you can immediately guess) have for years described themselves as architects of the Earth, since through their buildings they are the spokesmen for an inclusive design approach for nature. Not only from a physical point of view (with houses full of openings and permeable spaces permeated by greenery) but also from an environmental point of view, making use of respectful materials and suppliers.

Summer Plavu: how dream villas nestled in the hills of southern India were born

Before delving into the way the interiors were designed, it should be specified that this residential complex was built in a hilly area with an interesting difference in height and developed in three different areas.

Instead of considering it a 'problem' to be solved, the team of architects took a cue from the lay of the land to design different luxury villas which - thanks to the three differences in height - do not disturb each other.

Each lodge lives on its own and is organized on two levels, the lower of which is dedicated to the infinity pool with a view, and is about 6 meters in height from the previous one. In this way, the view is not obstructed in any way and the sensation is that of being immersed in the landscape, among rocks and trees of extraordinary stature.

For interiors, sustainable choices with a breathtaking effect

The interiors of each villa have been designed in complete synergy with the existing nature: the living room and bedrooms, for example, have been created taking into account the important trees they border on. In the bathrooms, on the other hand, the brass bathroom fixtures with patinated finish enhance the charm of the ancient rustic stone wall.

The sleeping area positioned to the west in the second villa, is complete with a suggestive study corner that allows those who are working to immerse their gaze in the greenery.

Each lodge has been equipped with small internal courtyards to the mini buildings, designed to bring openness and natural light that is functional both for lighting the rooms and for encouraging and maintaining the microclimate of the villas.

The same concept was the source of the design of many balconies, always decorated with stone details or characteristic micro ponds complete with water lilies.

At Estate Plavu, wood and stone are the absolute protagonists, chosen both for the skeleton of the buildings and for the creation of accessories inspired by the exotic taste that characterizes the interior design project of the entire residential complex.

Rustic materials such as wooden floors and rough stone details that recall the thick walls of the walls are used in all the villas, in a material contrast and functional performance. The architects also opted for renewable materials such as clay tiles and eucalyptus poles (complete with their essential oil, which is also very useful for ensuring low maintenance) typical of Wayanadian architecture.

The idea is always to preserve nature.

The wood 'saved' in the primordial construction phase has been transformed into frames, knobs, skirting boards and hangers carefully designed and handcrafted by a team of expert local craftsmen to promote - once again - the principle of sustainability.

Were then integrated solar panels and LED lights, oriented to absorb heat during the day and release it at night.

For interiors, sustainable choices with a breathtaking effect

The interiors of each villa have been designed in complete synergy with the existing nature: the living room and bedrooms, for example, have been created taking into account the important trees they border on. In the bathrooms, on the other hand, the brass bathroom fixtures with patinated finish enhance the charm of the ancient rustic stone wall.

The sleeping area positioned to the west in the second villa, is complete with a suggestive study corner that allows those who are working to immerse their gaze in the greenery.

Each lodge has been equipped with small internal courtyards to the mini buildings, designed to bring openness and natural light that is functional both for lighting the rooms and for encouraging and maintaining the microclimate of the villas.

The same concept was the source of the design of many balconies, always decorated with stone details or characteristic micro ponds complete with water lilies.

At Estate Plavu, wood and stone are the absolute protagonists, chosen both for the skeleton of the buildings and for the creation of accessories inspired by the exotic taste that characterizes the interior design project of the entire residential complex.

Rustic materials such as wooden floors and rough stone details that recall the thick walls of the walls are used in all the villas, in a material contrast and functional performance. The architects also opted for renewable materials such as clay tiles and eucalyptus poles (complete with their essential oil, which is also very useful for ensuring low maintenance) typical of Wayanadian architecture.

The idea is always to preserve nature.

The wood 'saved' in the primordial construction phase has been transformed into frames, knobs, skirting boards and hangers carefully designed and handcrafted by a team of expert local craftsmen to promote - once again - the principle of sustainability.

Were then integrated solar panels and LED lights, oriented to absorb heat during the day and release it at night.

How to create a connection between the inhabitant and the surrounding nature

The relationship between nature and architecture is central to the Earthitects studio: interiors in harmony with the light of the early morning sun, thanks to the choice of natural materials that keep the impact on the planet to a minimum, and which, at the same time, favor a connection inside-outside.

"The effect is obtained above all when there is the presence of spaces such as balconies or verandas and by incorporating bodies of water in them, where possible" he tells INTERNI < strong>George E. Ramapuram, principal architect and managing director of Earthitects.

"By integrating elements such as wood, stone or bamboo, it is possible to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, creating a close connection with the natural world. Personally, I also recommend making the most of the opportunity to build mini -gardens where trees, plants and flowers can thrive: by carefully selecting vegetation that attracts insects and birds, you can invite the sights and sounds of nature into your living space, celebrating the idea of 'life in abundance'.

The implementation of these strategies not only optimizes the life experience inside the home, but transforms it into a real sanctuary where you can reconnect with yourself and with the world".

The future of Reverse Urbanization

Back in the limelight as a direct consequence of the months spent at home during the pandemic, one wonders if Reverse Urbanization is just a trend destined to disappear or a real return to a lifestyle established over time .

"Like all natural elements, the human body is integrally linked to the cyclical rhythms of day and night, of the different seasons and climates" says the architect.

"A simple example of this is the natural tendency that leads us to wake up when exposed to morning sunlight! Therefore, it is essential to allow the environments in which we live to respond to our natural rhythms.

And since this is an increasingly less satisfying necessity for most metropolitan cities, regardless of the pandemic, I believe that the 'return to nature' is something essential and not temporary".