Being an architectural design project, the site and its context proved to be the major source of inspiration for ‘House by the Lake’. Recalling our very first site visit, we remember being entranced by the lake and the spectacle of nature in front of us, a vessel to view and re-unite with nature. This lake-touch parcel of land surrounded by lush greenery on three sides demanded the building of a series of ‘viewing galleries’ entrapped within the notion of a second home rather than the usual ‘off the mill’ bungalow – a captivating house with enchanting views of the lake and hills beyond.
A Captivating House with Enchanting Views Of The Lake And Hills Beyond | kaviar:collaborative
Visit : kaviar:collaborative
Editor’s note : Contextually driven, House by the Lake uses local materials and ingenuity to source its inspiration from its picturesque surrounding. Its large volumetric design uses fenestrations that frame the serene view of the lake outside, giving way to an expansive experience. The textured river-washed kota stone decorates the minimal muted interiors, fabricating spaces that foster a series of much-awaited contemplation by its users. ~ Venessa Thomas (Co-Editor)
Staying true to the intent of championing the ‘outdoors’, it was important to adopt a fairly minimal aesthetic for the ‘indoors’.
To make sure the lake & the ‘outside’ is the primary focus, a muted palette of earthy colors (greys, beiges, whites, and blacks) adorns the house rather than highly polished/glossy surfaces.
Textures of kota, local stone, concrete, and reclaimed wood add that much-needed tactile element that helps the occupant feel closer to the ‘Outside’. The texture of the river-washed kota stone beautifully mimics the ripples of the lake playing back to the notion of connecting the indoors and the outdoors.
The entrance foyer, in our opinion, is the standout feature of this home. As one enters the site, an attempt has been made to architecturally create a structure that purposely hides/blocks the visitor’s view of the lake beyond, only giving him/her small glimpses of the waterbody through minimal fenestrations and courtyards.
A 10 ft tall black door greets one at the entrance inhibiting views inside and beyond the house. Upon entering through the door, the visitor is greeted with a couple of steps leading to the entrance foyer and the vast spectacle of the lake and neighboring greens – a deliberate attempt to ‘stage’ the view; to create a theatrical first reveal.
Another stand-out feature in the entire project is the grand volume of the space. Designing a sloping roof volumetrically helps by subconsciously drawing the occupant’s vision gradually toward the lake. No matter where one stands in the bungalow, his/her eyes end up gazing at the lake and the ripples.
Architecturally, the whole house has been planned in a way to mimic a monolithic structure with minimal openings from the entrance side, and a completely open glass house structure from the lake side. The house also drips over the contours to only reveal a lower level below once the visitor enters the house.
The upper-level houses the living, dining, kitchen, and public areas along with two bedrooms, while the lower level caters to the more intimate games rooms, yoga room, and four bedrooms with access to the swimming pool, jacuzzi, and lawn.
Each of the six bedrooms and various living, dining, and recreational spaces open directly onto the lawn or decks overlooking the lake.
Lower Level Plan
Upper Level Plan
Fact File
Designed by : kaviar:collaborative
Project Type : Residential Architecture Design
Project Name : House By The Lake
Location : Kamshet, Maharashtra
Year Built : 2022
Project Size : 12000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects : Kasturi Wagh & Vineet Hingorani
Photograph Courtesy : Suryan // Dang
Source : Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link : kaviar:collaborative
Firm’s Instagram Link : kaviar:collaborative
Firm’s Facebook Link : kaviar:collaborative
For Similar Project >>> This Aesthetic Courtyard House With Lush Landscape Design Offers A Calm Aura To The Users
Editor’s Note: Some places feel rooted because they belong to their surroundings rather than trying to stand apart from them. Coffee Sangam in Andhra Pradesh takes this approach through a raw, tactile palette of brick, stone, teak, and mild steel. The random rubble compound wall extends the landscape into the architecture, while the Corten steel […]
Envisioned as a contemporary home rooted in Indian sensibilities, this residence sits on a south-facing urban plot. The design accommodates the evolving lifestyle of a multi-generational family. The project integrates architecture and interiors to create functional, climate-responsive, and emotionally connected spaces. Each level balances privacy with interaction. The design also allows flexibility for changing family […]
Editorial Note: Some homes are shaped by the memories, objects, and stories their residents carry with them. Ungana in Chennai, meaning “merge” in Swahili, brings together a well-travelled family’s collection of antiques and everyday rituals within a narrow urban plot. A double-height living space becomes the heart of the home, connecting the kitchen and dining […]
House of the Framed Atrium explores how a contemporary home can revolve around light, connection, and shared experiences. The design follows the ideas of a Living Atrium, Living with Nature, Framed Volumes, Vertical Living, and Timeless Materiality. The residence connects a sequence of interconnected spaces around a dramatic triple-height atrium. The atrium forms the heart […]
A Mock-up That Became a Home – For an architecture practice, a mock-up often helps test an idea before the team translates it into a larger project. It allows architects to work at full scale, examine materials and construction techniques, and understand their limitations. The process also gives them room to test different brick bonds and […]
The house began not with a formal brief, but with a conversation about the kind of life the clients hoped to build within it. Set between the denser urban fabric of Kannur and the quieter residential landscapes of North Kerala, the project responds to a desire for openness and connection. At the same time, the […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
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 […]