architecture brio weaves retreat house over stream in india

architecture brio weaves retreat house over stream in india
all images courtesy of architecture brio

with a stream running through the middle of the house, the nature retreat by mumbai-based studio architecture brio is delicately woven into the landscape. located in alibag, india the spaces alternatively open and close to the different characteristics of the site. placed on the banks of the water, the building forms a sudden s-curve, enabling a short walk along the edge of the stream before entering. fostering a sense of anticipation, the limbs of the structure reach out into the landscape to make full use of its resources and surroundings. the volume itself is deformed, stretched and pushed in to dramatize specific moments – such as a tree or view of the mountain in the distance. the external concrete shell contracts and expands in plan and also in section, its orientation moving from high to low with the fluidity of the monolithic form.

the master bedroom is connected to the main house through a steel bridge

the house consists of two parts: the main daytime living areas are separated from the master bedroom by a bridge that spans across the stream – with a series a-symmetrical axis that help to create a path of discovery. the cantilevered ‘limbs’ of the living room and two bedrooms defy the heaviness of the concrete volumes, by not resting on the ground the relationship with the landscape is paradoxically strengthened.  

the living room veranda is lifted off the ground

the strong mass is contrasted by the lightness of the white washed walls and ceilings on the interior. at the heart of the house is the kitchen; a large, open-plan space that connects directly to the outside with a feature skylight that helps flood the volume with natural light. offering a panoramic view of the mountain range, the living room is lifted off the ground, while the layout’s main orientation is based on climatic considerations.  

the pavilion containing the master bedroom is approached from the pool’s pergola

cast in plank-finished concrete with a vertical grain, the exposed material in the humid indian climate attracts a patina, becoming visually richer over time. its grey, textured surface provides a neutral backdrop against the vibrant green surroundings. elegant timber screens further soften the exterior, not only forming a buffer between the outside and inside, but also creating an intensive play of shadow and light on the floors and walls.

the pool is aligned with the stream and shaded by existing trees

the open-plan dining room extends towards the courtyard and pool deck

the dining room connects directly with the outside

a skylight filters light through to the kitchen, opening to the surrounding rooms

view from the kitchen in the center of the house

the guest bedroom features waxed concrete surfaces

the master bedroom verandah is cantilevered over the stream

exploded axonometric of the house

project info:

location: alibaug, mumbai, india
size: 300 m2
design: architecture brio, robert verrijt + shefali balwani
structural design: vijay k. patil & associates
realization: september 2013
photographs: sebastian zachariah photographix

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