A Monsoon Retreat designed in response to site conditions: evergreen courtyards, skylights blur the indoor-outdoor boundaries.
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Set in the picturesque valleys of Khandala, nestled between Mumbai and Pune, this Monsoon Retreat is a spacious villa with a private swimming pool and evergreen gardens.
The design of the villa was formulated on the seemingly antonymous concepts of privacy and openness. The orientation of the villa ensures total privacy while maximizing existing views, creating a sense of openness and belonging to nature. The tree-lined road leading up to the villa introduces the built mass as a solid core; it is only upon entering the premises that one suddenly experiences the expanse of double-height volume and the indoor-outdoor feel.
The fluidity of Spaces
The living room was conceived as an “outdoor space” with abundant light and natural ventilation. It opens onto decks and gardens on either side, in keeping with the concept. A continuous wall serves as a textured backdrop to the living room and continues onto the deck, lending it a rustic feel. The cantilevered wood and steel staircase connecting the two floors is set against imposing double-height windows; it is bathed in light, allowing luxuriant indoor plants to thrive. The indoor courtyard pathway continues from the staircase area towards the garden. Showers of light are suspended from the ceiling creating a serene ambiance.
The open floor plan makes the Living – Dining – Swimming Pool and Deck areas feel like an expansive lounge.
The Dining Room suspends over the private pool, giving the room an island-like feel; the tree in the dining area adds an element of surprise. The Dining island becomes an exotic “outdoor” space where one can enjoy the breeze, the proximity to the water and to the greenery.
Three bedrooms are situated on the first floor. The primary bedroom is separated from the other two bedrooms via a bridge that spans across the double-height space of the living room. The Primary Bedroom is a complete suite by itself, made up of a large bedroom looking onto a private terrace, a primary bathroom, and a walk-in wardrobe. Wooden rafters span the entire Primary Suite ceiling, giving it an earthy, out-of-town feel. The bedroom’s wooden flooring brings in beauty and warmth. A walk-on skylight is a unique feature between the bedroom and the terrace overlooking the garden.
One with nature
The villa is designed in response to site conditions. Sloping roofs have been designed to withstand the extreme monsoons rains experienced in the area. This house allows one to experience nature. The indoor/outdoor boundaries disappear as every room opens up to a private outdoor space (terrace or garden). Outdoor decks and landscaped gardens serve as expansive entertaining areas with artful illumination and mood lighting. Indoor courtyards, skylights, double-height sliding-folding windows add to the outdoor feel. Light and shadow add warmth & texture. The carefully chosen, limited palette of materials ensures consistency in design, minimizes maintenance and encourages sustainability.
Sustainability
Spaces created to harmonize with their surroundings and encourage sustainability by using “green” materials that accentuate warmth & transparency, whilst aging beautifully: natural sandstone & engineered wooden flooring, large sliding and openable double–glazed windows, which cut down on solar radiation and air conditioning load, allowing for uninterrupted views and access to landscaped areas; automation & LED lights to reduce electrical consumption. Cross ventilation ensures minimum use of the AC.
The Villa showcases Five Bedrooms (optional Media Room) with attached Bathrooms and balconies. In addition, there is a Staff Room, a Kitchen, and a Powder Room.
Landscape and lighting design plays an essential role in the project: outdoor areas and even indoor courtyards, namely the staircase and dining courtyards are abound with greenery. Earth was mounded up, boulders & exotic plants were added to create an interesting entrance. The parking area was paved using green paver blocks which allow grass to grow
Location: Khandala, India
Project Completion Year: October 2013
Project Area: 777.71 sqm
Architects: Abraham John Architects
Design Team: Abraham John, Alan Abraham, Anca Florescu, Bhavika Chauhan, Niranjan Fulsundar, Amey Mhatre
Photography: All Photographs © Alan Abraham