Concrete house in the Himalayas Designed by Rajiv Saini & Associates.
Description from Rajiv Saini & Associates
We were approached by clients (who were more friends by now, having worked on multiple projects together over the years) to build for them a holiday house they could enjoy with friends over long weekends, away from Delhi, where they lived. The site is a privately owned hill, located amidst the Himalayan ranges near the cantonment town of Kasauli, which is a two hour drive from the northern city of Chandigarh (designed by Corbusier).
The hill is a narrow linear stretch of land (measuring around 5 acres) running north to south, with a road winding around its foot on three sides. Not wanting to see the sight of a fleet of cars (that would normally accompany the holidaying entourage) around the house, we took a motorable road up the hill to about three fourths the ascents, where we tucked a cave like car park into the hill. From here one can either take the timber stairs, or the open hydraulic platform lift ( a concession for the elderly parents who equally use the house in Delhi’s harsh summers) that takes one to the wooden cantilevered walkway bridge leading to the front door.
In the lower western volume are located 2 bedrooms, a Multimedia room, stores and a small massage and steam room. Bedrooms and bathrooms in each wing are arranged as a series of independent volumes cantilevering out from the hill slope, with all of them opening out onto wooden decks.
Teak timber has been used for floors throughout the rooms while local Indian grey slate lines the surfaces of the interstitial circulatory corridors, continuing the grey of the exposed concrete ceilings and walls. A free-standing centrally located fire place with a copper chimney delineates the living from the dining area. Similar copper pipes have also been used to channel rainwater elsewhere, when negative ceiling slopes cause water to collect in central areas.
A large cantilevered wooden viewing deck, a couple steps higher than the house, offering stunning views of the snow capped peaks has been created on the northernmost tip of the hill.
SOURCE
© Photographix | Sebastian Zachariah
The Sanctum in Amritsar, designed by Renesa Architecture Design Interiors Studio, stands as a rare architectural experiment in India. It is an attempt to reinvent the domestic typology through geometry, material, and spatial narrative. Spread over 12,000 sq ft on a generous 3 acres plot, the house positions itself as a contemporary meditation on permanence and […]
Mishti’s House by KD ASSOCIATE is a striking example of contemporary residential architecture that blends modern aesthetics with mindful design. The facade features a harmonious mix of exposed red brick, smooth white plaster, and wooden-toned vertical fins, creating depth and visual balance. A unique geometric lattice screen with a Buddha motif serves as both a […]
Our urban landscapes are undergoing a rapid transformation, pressured by burgeoning populations and increasing demands on city infrastructure. To address these escalating challenges, urban planners continually revise zoning regulations. In Delhi, for instance, a significant regulatory change introduced mandatory stilt parking on small urban lots with four habitable floors above. Gurugram, a satellite city, subsequently adopted […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]