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project::forest hut
Forest Hut, our farm, was the first property that we designed using permaculture design principles. The implementation of the design is an iterative and ongoing process.
This post offers an overview of the design and development progress of Forest Hut farm, highlighting its key elements and implementation updates.
location::velvandi valley, northern western ghats
area::4.25 acres
When we purchased the property back in 2017, it was exploited and degraded. But we loved it – its orientation and location suited our needs. Also, we wanted to take on a property that needed healing to make the journey fulfilling.
This place was destined to be our future abode. It was absolutely crucial for our family to possess clarity regarding the manner in which we would embrace this fresh chapter of our lives. Such clarity was meticulously curated through the establishment of SMART objectives.
The site analysis and assessment exercise provides data points such as contours, macro and micro climate, existing features, access, soil properties, energy (sun, water, wind) flows, views to preserve, high flood lines, forest fires, etc.
The combination of objectives, site analysis, and assessment resulted in the creation of a zone layout, which serves as a macro design.
Once we know how the energies are entering our property, we can place elements to harvest those energies to our advantage.
Post zoning, two concept design options were created. We decided to go with the following one.
The concept design had various elements. We created element-specific designs wherever appropriate. For example, we created a detailed plant map for Zone 4/5. Similarly, we had a very innovative design for our kitchen garden beds.
Implementation Updates
The first year, 2017-18, we did earthworks for terracing, secured the river bank with vetiver, and had a couple of green manure cycles with jute and legumes to build soil organic matter.
In the 2018 monsoon, we began planting native saplings. In zone 4/5, we planted saplings of over 100 native species, totaling at over 3,000 in number. I’m pleased that we started the plantation early in the game.
Post-monsoon, we started building our kitchen garden and food forest.
During the rainy season, we keep planting more trees to create a favorable environment for the growth of new ones.
Also, some plants have started fruiting and playing a key role in spreading biodiversity.
And we also introduced new elements as we felt appropriate – working on a cob oven, cob house, and a bamboo veranda has been specifically fulfilling.
Here is the most recent one.
Forest Hut farm photos
27 responses to “project::forest hut”
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Me and my friend got the opportunity to visit the farm and meet Maulik sir.
The efforts, planning and execution is wonderful and we were amazed to see the outcome of a Permaculture farm.-
Thank you for your kind words, Sudhir.
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I consider myself fortunate that I had the privilege of witnessing this transformative work on an ongoing basis! This has been trully inspiring and fulfilling experience. As a bordering farmer i have all the benefits from sharing moments of joy and uncertainties, besides fruits and vegetables! Dhruv, Shree, Nishita and Maulik are undoubtedly my best buddies .. a gift of life! Cheers to their efforts and salute to their dreams! Amen!
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Thank you for your support through the process, Tai.
The “gift of life” feeling is mutual.
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Thank you Seematai, for these beautiful words. They mean a lot to us.
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Hi
I had learnt about your project from Seematai. My wife Archana visited it yesterday. I find this very interesting. Would love to visit you soon.
Best wishes.-
Sure, Bhagwatji. Will love to have you at our farm.
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I have had the privilege of seeing and being at your space transforming, regenerating, living, breathing and smiling…making of your home and the natural environment nishita, dhruv, shree and Maulik. I wish I could spend more time with you all..thank you seema for your home next door as and for the friendship…thank all of you for how you nurture and share.
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Thank you AK. Glad to have a friend like you.
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This is superb. The way you guys have visualised and designed the entire farm/forest is commendable. Your passion clearly reflects through your hardwork and dedication in crafting the entire property. Will certainly come to visit once
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Thank you, Kedarbhai. Looking forward.
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This looks mindblowing.
Kudos to you sir for all the hardwork done for this. Best of luck for your future endeavours.-
Thank you, Raj.
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Excellent thought and execution Maulik sir, we would be meeting very soon at your place.
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Thank you.
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Great work Maulik and Nishita and the efforts you have taken to reach here are unimaginable.. very soon we will visit your place… God bless you.
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Thank you, Sachin. Looking forward to catch up with the gang.
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This place is amazing sir…As I know it from beginning, Every time I visited here it looks different with some added greenery. This place is very close to nature. I can imagine the efforts you and your family taken to develop such a beautiful property. See you soon sir !!!
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Thank you, Sudhir.
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We have been to Maulik’s house twice, amount of hard work & dedication they as a family put, just unbelievable. Love to visit again. True nature lover.
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Thank you for your kind words, Ashwinbhai.
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It’s a master work by Maulikkumar and family….its inspiring to live with the nature and creator’s world instead of living in our own…..thanks for sharing the journey..would love to visit and feel the nature. Once again great work✨️👏👏👏🙏
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Thank you for your kind words, Umeshkaka 🙏
Looking forward to have you all soon.
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Thanks Maulik dada for sharing your beautiful journey! I’m privileged to witness minute level preparation and spend some time with you all! It’s your hard work, commitment and dedication! Its inspiring! Love to be at your place! Always! 💚
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Thank you for your encouraging words, Sangram. 🙏
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That looks very good!
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Thank you, Kristijan.
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