The planning follows the existing contours of the hill. There was very little cut/ fill carried out, and the road gradients were also created by mapping the contours of the existing hill terraces.
The building is laid out to receive maximum south facing sun, and all guest room windows are designed at very specific angles, to receive sunlight from early morning to sunset time. The windows also allow local ventilation of each room, so comfort conditions inside the rooms can be maintained with very little electro-mechanical energy.
Building planning has been done to have protected entrances and exit points, so there is minimum loss of conditioned air from either guest areas or service areas.
Low maintenance plant species have been planted.
The civil construction material, except steel, was procured from within 150 km radius of the site.
Enthalpy control units have been installed in banquet halls, to utilize maximum natural air.
The electrical system has been designed to plug in to roof top solar at later date.
All electric motors are on VFD to allow minimizing of Electrical consumption.
Intelligent controls in elevators to maximize movement efficiency.
Low energy LED lights in all areas.
Low-E glass and highly insulting windows have been used.
All water pipelines are insulated, to avoid temperature fluctuations.
Low flow fittings are used in all toilets and bathrooms.
All grey water is treated on site, and used for horticulture.
The external façade does not utilize any high VOC or high energy material.
Naldehra, Himachal Pradesh, India