The way we design spaces that people inhabit goes beyond mere functionality. It requires an intentional sensitivity to how each detail shapes the overall experience and interaction with the surrounding ecological context. Nestled in the suburban periphery of Nashik, the project occupies a 3700 sq. ft. plot located at the dead-end of a street, adjacent to a public open space. Before any construction began, the first step was to transform the degraded landscape to the east of the site into a thriving forest, using native plant species and adopting a multilayered planting approach. Drawing inspiration from traditional Maharashtrian houses, the design centers around a carefully planned courtyard.
Editor’s Note: “Rooted in soil and soul, this Nashik home is a quiet dialogue between climate and culture. Rooted in traditional Maharashtrian houses, it weaves together wind, water, and warmth. More than architecture, it is an evolving landscape, where nature is not outside the window but within every wall.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
This Dwelling Is A Contemporary Take On Traditional Maharashtrian Houses | RM+H Architects
Grown from the earth and heritage, this home showcases the essence of Maharashtrian heritage. Strategically placed at the western rear end of the site, the courtyard maximizes wind capture.
A small water body within the courtyard enhances evaporative cooling, improving the thermal comfort of the structure. The courtyard also acts as a large rainwater harvesting tank, channeling water towards the borewell to recharge the groundwater.
The primary habitable spaces are buffered by transitional areas that serve as overlaps between public and private zones.
Thoughtfully designed verandas provide thermal buffering, preventing direct sunlight from reaching the living spaces.
The ground floor prioritizes accessibility, with a bedroom for grandparents located on this level. The living area incorporates a double-height space to allow hot air to escape, while also establishing a visual connection between the two floors.
The floor plan avoids unnecessary programmatic segregation. The living, dining, and kitchen areas are interconnected and oriented toward the central courtyard.
Bedrooms are placed at the periphery to take advantage of natural light and views, while maintaining privacy. Service areas are compactly organized to minimize movement and streamline plumbing runs, ensuring efficiency throughout the home.
The first-floor features high ceilings to facilitate natural ventilation, with intentional gaps between the roof and walls to allow hot air to rise and escape. A library shelf on the western wall of the first floor incorporates a thicker wall to mitigate the harsh western sun. The covered terrace on the first floor is positioned at the eastern end, benefiting from the adjacent open space and the softer eastern sun.
The house features a raw finish in the flooring, using cement oxide mixed with titanium dioxide for a natural yet durable surface. The masonry construction employs a rat-trap bond, which not only conserves brick usage but also creates a cavity in the walls, improving insulation.
Landscaping plays a vital role, with permeable ground surfaces that aid in groundwater recharge. The planting strategy minimizes the need for maintenance and irrigation. The team trains climbers and creepers on structural elements, especially on the southern façade, to reduce surface temperatures.
The structure, along with its design, places a strong emphasis on enhancing thermal comfort while minimizing reliance on mechanical and electronic ventilation systems. By prioritizing natural ventilation and passive cooling strategies, the design fosters a comfortable and sustainable living environment. It also responds to the surrounding climate without excessive energy consumption.
Fact File
Designed by: RM+H Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: RMH House & Studio
Location: Nashik, Maharashtra
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 2020-2023
Project Size: 3400 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. Ritwik Butte, Ar. Hemant Butte & Ar. Megha Butte
Photograph Courtesy: Vikrant Dashputre Photography
Structure Engineers: Deltacom Pvt. Ltd.
Contractors: Mr. Santosh Beldar
Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Lime Plaster / Construction Materials – Brick / Sanitaryware – Jaguar / Windows – Teak Wood / Furniture – Teak Wood / Flooring – Cement Oxide Flooring
Firm’s Website Link: RM+H Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link: RM+H Architects
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