The state of karnataka has a long history with Jainism. The religion enjoyed patronage under many historic kingdoms. This is evident in the architecture of many Jain temple complexes that are inspired by local dravidian temple architecture as well the philosophical and theistic concepts of the religion. The project brief for Jirawala trust was to build a temple resort complex amidst the western ghats in the Coorg district. The site is located on a heavily forested ridge sloping towards the harangi river. The parcel is an extremely dense overgrown plantation. Our approach was to preserve as much of the existing context and embed spiritual programs as part of the hiking experience.

The concepts of ascetic living is imbibed in the masterplanning through minimal use of resources, local materials, waste as a resource etc. To achieve these site development goals a framework for low impact development that promotes sustainable living and ecological rejuvenation is envisioned through a spiritual user based zoning of the site. The site was divided into three distinct zones of exploration, engagement and enlightenment. The explore zone locates hospitality programs and promotes ecotourism activities to explore the religion.The engage zone houses interpretation activities and communal spaces for engaging and learning about the religion. The enlighten zone is preserved for monks, preaching and is characterised with less built form and outdoor programmes.

The three zones are sequenced one after the other with increasing elevation profile. The gradient of development and density decreases into the depth of the site. The circulation has been designed keeping in mind the different user types. This framework is supported by water management, resource efficiency through self financed phasing and circular economic strategies for sustainable and economic growth. The architectural built form of the individual programmes use materials sourced locally. The built character animates ascetic living through detailed finishes that are minimal and set gracefully in the rich landscape of the ghats.