metis practice combines wooden shingles and copper for pali farmhouse's roofing in india

Basalt, Earth, and Timber compose Pali House in Maharashtra

Located on the edge of the Deccan Plateau in Maharashtra, India, the Pali House is a farmhouse designed as a consolidated volume integrating multipurpose spaces and a single attached bedroom. Developed by Metis Practice, the plan facilitates communal use and supports agricultural activities on site. The building is positioned within a chickoo grove, with a roof rising above the tree canopy. This orientation enables the structure to receive indirect northern light and respond to regional climatic conditions marked by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall. The central bay is framed by a deep north-facing veranda and a narrower south-side veranda that encloses a courtyard with a water feature, promoting cross ventilation and passive cooling.

The project was constructed with local materials by specialized craftspeople from different regions of India. The structural system includes a basalt foundation and plinth transitioning into a combination of basalt stone and rammed earth walls. A wooden framework is anchored onto these elements to form habitable spaces, integrating materials such as wooden decking, copper roof tiles, and wooden shingles. The architectural language maintains a low environmental impact and supports sustainable building principles. The material strategy emphasizes regional geology and vernacular construction methods.

all images by Vrinda Seksaria, Santosh Thorat, Nikita Mendonca

Metis Practice’s design responds to environmental conditions

The northern veranda serves multifunctional purposes related to farming and living. Its basalt stone flooring has a river-wash texture with a satin finish, extending into internal surfaces. The veranda roof is clad with wooden shingles and connects to the main copper-tiled roof. Clerestory windows and glass panels within the wooden frame admit indirect daylight, improving interior illumination and reducing heat gain. The primary pitched roof, oriented toward the south and southwest, intercepts the prevailing monsoon and directs breezes through the courtyard. Marble and glass infills within the wood structure offer varied lighting and privacy levels. The copper roof provides protection and shading. The central courtyard improves airflow, while the recessed water body beneath collects rainwater and facilitates evaporative cooling. During the monsoon, rainwater is channeled from the courtyard into this reservoir.

Basalt was sourced from road construction activities in the Deccan Traps and used for the foundation, plinth, and walls. The design team at Metis Practice opts for the use of basalt for its density and availability, employing it in structural and thermal applications. Soil excavated for the foundation was filtered and stabilized with lime and cement. Red oxide pigment was added before compacting it into formwork. Several prototypes were tested to refine the final mix. The resulting thick walls offer high thermal mass.

the structure rises above a chickoo grove, capturing indirect north light

Local artisans and craftsmen fabricate Pali house’s framework

Anjili wood, obtained from trees felled during road widening, was used for the superstructure, columns, beams, roof shingles, and internal framing. The roof is constructed using hand-formed 22-gauge copper tiles laid over wooden decking. Fastened with copper clips and stainless-steel screws, the copper finish is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and develops a self-protecting patina. It also provides fire and lightning resistance.

Artisans from the Beed district, known for heritage stonecraft, executed the basalt work, including foundations, walls, and column bases. Bengali Muslim masons were responsible for preparing and assembling the stabilized earth walls. Craftsmen from Kerala, traditionally involved in temple construction, fabricated the wooden structure using interlocking joinery. All components were pre-assembled offsite and installed onsite within 10 days. The same team collaborated with Metis Practice to produce and install the copper roof, including detailing for joints and terminations.

a deep north-facing veranda frames the central bay and enhances climate response

the building is constructed using basalt, rammed earth, and local wood

basalt foundations transition into rammed earth walls with thermal mass

the wooden framework supports copper roofing and integrates with stone walls

a glimpse of the water body and courtyard beyond the main space through reclaimed wooden doors

shaded overhangs and clerestory windows reduce solar gain indoors

craftspeople from Kerala used traditional joinery for the wooden structure

the copper lined gargoyle directs part of the water from the main roof out on both ends

copper tiles form a durable, fire-resistant roof with minimal maintenance needs

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timber construction and joinery

reclaimed doors and windows

material assembly

copper roofing work

rammed earth walls

basalt stone foundation

farmhouse amongst chickoo trees

site plan

elevation

section

project info:

name: Farmhouse at Pali
architect: Metis Practice | @metis.practice

location: Pali, District Raigad, Maharashtra, India

site area: 7 acres

built area: 2810 sqft

design team: Vrinda Seksaria, Santosh Thorat, Niti Gourisaria, Vishwa Undaviya, Nikita Mendonca, Hiren Patel, Jahnvi Patil, Ashmita Gupta

structural consultants: Suhas Chande, Mumbai

basalt stone work: Vidya Construction – Santosh Thosar & team, Pune

rammed earth walls: PYHT – Shahveer, Junaid & team, West Bengal

woodwork: Suthragrahyam – Vasantha Kumar & team, Kerala

copper roofing: Suthragrahyam – Vasantha Kumar & team, Kerala

electrical engineer: Ramesh Pimple & team, Mumbai

plumbing: Phoolchand Jadav & team, Mumbai

interior flooring & stone work: Girdharilal & Team, Rajasthan

photographers: Vrinda Seksaria, Santosh Thorat, Nikita Mendonca