Bhimtal, Uttarakhand · 2019 · Farmstay
Avocado BNB by IDIEQ is a dual-purpose residence and bed-and-breakfast set on a compact 900 sqft former horse stable site in Bhimtal, framed by an avocado tree to the east, a kiwi garden to the west, and views of Bhimtal Lake to the south. The design reinterprets the traditional A-frame by fusing colonial-style window mullions with the steeply pitched rooflines of central Himalayan vernacular architecture. The structure is entirely prefabricated and dismantlable in under a week, using no concrete — a critical consideration in the region's earthquake Zone 4 context. The north and south sides are left open, allowing unobstructed cross-ventilation and seamless visual connection to the landscape. A long skylight at the ridge bathes the interior in natural light, while east and west elevations are fully glazed. Materials are honest and local — existing site stone forms the partitions and fireplace, pinewood lines the floors, and wooden carvings salvaged from the old stable are upcycled into interior elements. Copper switches, prefab joinery, and upcycled furniture complete an interior that is tactile, warm, and entirely free of excess.