Homes
Mirror House in Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru is a sustainable getaway by Okno Modhomes
SEP 10, 2024 | By Pooja Prabbhan Srijith
On a misty morning, you wake up to the caress of countryside winds cocooned inside an idyllic valley home, consciously flanked by dense forestry on either side. Aptly titled the Mirror House by Okno Modhomes is born out of a thoughtful design narrative. Offering surreal views of the verdure Chikkamagaluru—a hill station in Karnataka, which prides itself on being an untainted holiday-esque spot amidst nature, wildlife and cascading waterfalls.
“We built the house in Hyderabad using advanced techniques, then transported and manually assembled it in Chikkamagaluru, avoiding disturbance to the flora and fauna. The assembly was completed within ten days!” reveal Harshit Puram and Parikshit Linga, co-founders of Okno Modhomes, as they take us through the interiors of this glass door-esque abode, the interiors of which are bathed in soft natural light, natural wood finishes and subtle accents.
Smart sustainability
Mindfully designed to maximise the immersive experience of living amidst nature, a bucolic appeal is fused with a modernist flair into its elevated yet earthy interiors. “The use of natural wood, reflective performance glass and aluminium composite panels were all conscious choices that bore out of a need to keep the tone of the home as natural as possible,” the duo avers, adding that the homeowners’ brief came with a special request: “From the outset, the clients desired a home that would stand out amidst Chikkamagaluru’s traditional old homes.”
The distinctively contemporary cabin is strategically positioned to offer privacy and panoramic views, with outdoor spaces designed as tranquil sanctuaries for relaxation and contemplation. The open-plan layout features expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, allowing natural light to flood the interior and offering uninterrupted views of the valley.
Bed and views!
But, there’s another noteworthy highlight in this pad — a motorised sliding bed in one of the cabins, a structural innovation that elevates the experience of stargazing. “What we love about this space is the motorised sliding bed feature. It allows the inhabitants to slide the bed out onto the deck with just a touch of a button, offering a unique stargazing experience. Additionally, the reflective exterior often makes the cabin nearly invisible against the lush greenery, adding to its magical charm,” share the co-founders.
Clearly, there’s nothing prosaic about the Mirror House. The glass door adds whimsy to the rustic setting, while emulating the spirit and ethos of a cabin in the woods. What’s not to love, really?