Vaansa Eco Resort

The project is located at the edge of the Jim Corbett National Park on the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttatrakhand, India. An eco-tourism destination, presently, every season more than 70,000 visitors come to the park from India and other countries. It is intended to be a high-end green development for tourists. The delicate warm temperate ecology of the region is threatened by two types of natural calamities-landslides and forest fires. Both these ravages are further exacerbated due to uncontrolled erosion during the wet seasons, seasonal denudation of foliage during the hot and dry seasons and anthropogenic deforestation and environmental degradation. As a model development for green resorts, the project makes use of various strategies for soil stabilization, waste and water management and bio-diversification like bioswales, etc. The ecological master planning followed a 3-step approach.

First, suitable water catchment points were located on site. These were developed with peripheral reed-bed plantations and sedimentation tanks for grey water, runoff and harvested rainwater treatment. Second, the terraces of this erstwhile agricultural land were 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. In third step, 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 dwelling units are designed on the basic idea of creating personal envelops which not only provide a private space but also a sense of security. A continuous green roof over the single rooms is designed to provide large multi utility space. The rainwater captured through the rain catcher umbrellas is stored and utilized for irrigation and as grey water in toilets.

Combinations of active and passive systems have been employed for the conservation and reuse of natural resources. Maximum use of solar powered equipments, coupled with insulating materials brings down the energy dependency of the structure while efficiently controlling the inside environments. They are further oriented intelligently so as to allow the pleasant morning and evening sun to enter the units while blocking the harsh afternoon sun. Also most of the construction materials have been procured from the near vicinity like wood that comes from the state forest department.

Furthermore, the key target issue for the project was the sustainable development of the overall village area and not just the site. For this, only local labor has been employed in construction and they have been educated in new techniques of construction. They are encouraged to grow vegetables and maintain dairy farms commercially. Most of it shall be directly consumed by the resort thus providing them with a captive market. On completion, the local people shall also be engaged in the functioning of the resort.