Almost everyone is seduced by the idea of a refuge in a natural setting on a mountain by a river. Idyllic locations where accessibility is hard, a small cabin in the form of a cocooning sanctuary adapting to the landscape, a respite from the daily chaos of urban living. Be it in a forest, a rural setting, on a mountain, or near water, being remote is of the essence. The monsoon cabin house is built in a carefully chosen location, which not only keeps away from farming land and woodland but also has limited access to transportation. The challenge of constructing and living remotely adds to the charm of this seemingly inaccessible space.
Editor’s Note: “Embodying the philosophy of ‘Dream Big, Build Small,’ the Monsoon Cabin, nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, is a sanctuary that merges into its remote and natural surroundings. Simple and functional, this cabin provides leafy shelter against rain and connects people back to nature. Minimal design, sustainable materials, and sensory goals create an open space to unwind and experience.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
This Cabin House Is a Sanctuary in a Remote Natural Setting | Studio Archohm
As the crow flies, 135 km from Mumbai and 54 km from Pune, the monsoon cabin sits on a virgin estate on the western ghats in the state of Maharashtra, India. Also known as the Sahyadris, older than the Himalayan range, the Ghats feature a unique biosphere and they influence the Indian monsoon weather pattern. These gentle green hills and low mountains run for more than 1,600 kilometers along India’s southwestern coast. The Ghats act as a key barrier, intercepting the rain-laden monsoon winds that sweep in from the south-west during late summer.
Located on the windward side of the range, the site moderates the tropical climate of the region and showcases one of the best examples of the monsoon system on the planet. Along the site, flows the holy Indrayani River originating from a village nearby in the Sahyadri mountains. Fed by rain, it flows east through Hindu pilgrimage centers making it one of the most sacred rivers of the state. Therefore the orographic monsoon rain and the river, form the primary design consideration of the cabin.
Rain is an incredible sensory experience. It’s relaxing to watch and hear raindrops fall in seemingly random patterns. The cabin embraces the rain while offering protection, all within its compact 140 sq. m. of space. Greens all around, in the hills and the ground form the visual melange of this object in space. The cabin features a modest single-storeyed structure with a stacked A-frame box on top, facing the riverview of the site. It is conscious of its footprint, building only what is necessary on this untouched terrain.
The ground floor features an open kitchen and living room with windows that frame panoramic views of the terrain. A guest room is at the entrance corner to afford a certain degree of privacy. The staircase in the middle anchors the living space, with a folded wooden staircase on one side acting like a mini seating and ascending into a half spiral metal stairway to access the master suite above. The Living room features fun furniture that adds a smile and lends a unique experience of viewing the scenery or reading a book. The kitchen is a single-wall cantilever feature with basic amenities curated into a single slab.
As one makes its way to the upper floor, a unique scale unfolds. A single-bedroom suite with a bed and bath that seamlessly opens up to alternate views of the meandering river. Skylights dot the sleeping space to not only bring sunlight into the interior but also allow a feast of stargazing at dusk. The space remains minimal and restrained, embracing an almost ascetic aesthetic. The cabin revolves around moments, choreographed to blend seamlessly with the scenic landscape outside. One can sit by oneself and enjoy the rain or can sit together and watch the rain. One can lounge, sleep, cook, eat, bathe, and be one with nature. The cabin affords all sensory experiences deprived in today’s modern urban life.
The cabin’s materiality holds functionality and maintenance at the core. The structure is made of steel with metal sheets cladding the insulated cement walls, for high durability against the challenging weather conditions of rain and winds. The interiors are fluidly blended in with the architectural ensemble. The metal sheet continues on the inside as a weathered choice for a rain-prone site. Part industrial, part rustic, the metal is in sharp contrast with the greens outside yet complemented by the neutrality of the matt black floor and light wooden ceilings and in-built furniture on the inside, which lift the mood of the space. During the day, no artificial light is needed due to the reflective interior surfaces. During nighttime, mindful lighting is uplifted by the mirrored metal.
Going off the grid is seemingly higher for creative professionals – designers, architects, photographers, filmmakers, and artists. Creative people often seek to “get away” for inspiration. The architecture of these spaces focuses on the surroundings—the landscapes they inhabit. Whether it’s the seaside jewels of Villa E1027 by Eileen Gray or the modest wooden cabana by Le Corbusier in South France, the design revolves around the environment. No matter the scale, one can make meaning of space. And in this case, even a cabin could become a world heritage site.
In 2022, on an annual architecture tour to Scandinavia, I saw a ‘tiny’ house read summer cabin – designed by BIG Architects (ironic) x LiveKlien at the Utzon Architecture Centre in Aalborg. The key takeaway was – “Dream big, Build Small”. this holds particularly true for building in remote locations, where people invest in large villas and farmhouses to capitalize on the retreat concept. If we continue building the way we do, we risk losing all sanctuaries to escape to. Why must we build more than necessary?
Fact File
Designed by: Studio Archohm
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: The Monsoon Cabin
Location: Kanhe, Maharashtra
Year Built: 2024
Project Size: 1400 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Sourabh Gupta
Photograph Courtesy: bizou.photos
Design: Mridu Sahai Patnaik, Partner
Detail Design And Execution: Rajdatta Dewang, Design Search Studio, Jay Mali & Prashant Komnak, Diosity
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: Studio Archohm
The Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio Archohm
Firm’s Facebook Link: Studio Archohm
For Similar Projects >> A Climate Responsive Courtyard House In Kerala With An Earthy Palette And Natural Materials
Nestled within Prakriti Farms, this residence epitomizes rustic farmhouse interior design charm and a deep connection with the natural world. Its elegance lies in its emphasis on elemental materials and its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. With three bedrooms and a spacious living area, the home was strategically designed in an L shape to […]
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]