Located on one of the highest hills of the Valley, the site commands a magnificent view of the Himalayan range. As a part of a bigger hospitality development, the Leaf includes 20 branded villas that will be managed by an international operator. Concealed within a dense forest, the arrangements of buildings are placed strategically to reduce environmental impacts while maximizing the views, privacy and sunlight. The main drive meanders through the site, providing access to individual buildings and finally culminating at the clubhouse located at the highest point. The central landscape area in the middle channels the rain water towards the stormwater pond (at the bottom of the bigger site) and then subsequently filtered for re-use.

Responding to the environmental sensitivity of the site, the footprint of villas is minimized by stacking floor areas vertically. The narrow building footprint also maximizes daylighting and cross-ventilation during summer, and optimizes solar exposure during winter – all aiding in the reduction of energy consumption. The finishes and fittings are derived from local materials and craftsmanship, making the development intrinsic to the local climate, economy and ecology.

Design Director: Kiran Mathema

Project Team: Ajaya Mathema, Dipesh Shrestha, Santosh Pradhan, Himal Pun, Vikas Thapa, Niranjan Bharati, Dinesh Bhatarai, Bipin Niraula, Parmila Maharjan, Manohar Raj Bhndari, Umesh Agrawal, Hitesh Golchha