The new resort project at Amghari near Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, is intended to be a high-end green development for tourists and will include cottages, guest rooms, restaurant and amenities such as a spa and swimming pool. The entire site area is about 5.88 acres with approximately 8% of the site area to be built-up area. As a model development for green resorts, the project seeks to preserve the sense of place, local culture and be environmentally sensitive. The project also seeks to attain a high environmental rating using the IGBC’s Green Homes Rating System.

The surrounding area is dominated by Sal and teak trees along with mango, bamboo and rosewood. Also there is a layer of shorter trees and evergreen shrubs. Being a moist deciduous forest the trees have the tendency to shed their leaves in dry seasons. Hence landscaping becomes a key factor of the project.

Being on the foothills also raises the issues of top soil erosion and water runoff. The design primarily aims to address these issues at site planning level in turn creating a micro climate for the users.

As a model development for green resorts, the project seeks to not only preserve but actively rejuvenate the ecology of the site while being sensitive to local culture and context. Ecological master planning followed a 3-step approach of Catchment Distribution, Contour Remediation and Biological Reclamation.

There are various active and passive systems employed for the conservation and reuse of natural resources.

First, suitable water catchment points were located on site. These were developed with peripheral reed-bed plantations and sedimentation tanks for greywater, runoff and harvested rainwater treatment.

Large scale plantation of native species is planned in order restore the natural flora and fauna of the site. Deciduous plantations are strategically located to enhance shade on paths and living units during the summer while ensuring penetration of the winter sun. A detailed plan has been developed for promoting undergrowth and aromatic plants and herbs to attract pollinating birds and insects.

The terraces of this erstwhile agricultural land are remediated through curving topographical manipulations so as to feed the catchment ponds and to drastically reduce the runoff velocity and erosion of topsoil. The design also ensures controllable intake and overflow into the two seasonal streams on site through check-dams and flues at various points on site.

Unit level
- The units are designed on the basic idea of creating personal envelops which not only provide a private space but also a sense of security.
- The units are further clustered to derive common open spaces for the users.
- The continuous green roof over the single rooms is designed to provide a larger multiutility space and a constant green skyline merging with the surrounding.

Rain catcher umbrellas are key elements of landscape.