Maativan is a serene haven constructed from mud, harmoniously blending with the surrounding forest. This exquisite farmhouse, located on the outskirts of Wada’s protected Tansa forest region near Mumbai, India, serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment towards environmental design and consciousness. It achieves this through the seamless integration of a diverse material palette, biophilic design elements, passive design climatology principles, and innovative construction technology.
Editor’s Note: The biophilic design concept of Maativan embraces the allure of natural beauty and blends seamlessly into the panorama around. Organic curves and enchanting bamboo walkways connect all the spaces of the farmhouse together. The earthy tones stand tall amidst the green backdrop, tantalising the user to explore more of this haven.~ Simran Khare
A Testament To Unwavering Commitment To Environmental Design | Blurring Boundaries
The Maativan project showcases the seamless integration of nature into the building structure by carefully considering the layout of spaces around the existing trees and preserving the natural vegetation.
The architectural design adheres to the principles of biophilic architecture, drawing inspiration from organic shapes found in nature and the ethereal nature of natural light.
The main objective was to create an immersive and atmospheric experience that evokes the sensation of being in a forest, surrounded by a lush outdoor environment covered by a dense natural canopy.
The incorporation of organic forms that blend harmoniously with the surroundings takes inspiration from the works and philosophy of architects Nari Gandhi and Javier Senosiain.
Situated at the boundary of the Tansa reserved forests of Wada, Maativan is a permaculture inspired agro tourism getaway that embraces its natural surroundings.
The design of Maativan is centered around the existing trees, incorporating organic and curved walls that seamlessly blend with the forest area.
As you enter Maativan, you are greeted by an open courtyard bathed in natural light, surrounded by a dance of stones that guide you towards the interconnected living and dining areas.
The local landscaped areas receive the waste basin, bath, and kitchen water, while the solid waste is transported to a central pit. This pit consists of 9″ soil layers sandwiched between broken clay tiles, aiding in the decomposition process with the assistance of organic decomposers. Composting pits are utilized for the kitchen waste, benefiting the local herb and vegetable garden.
The use of earthy colors creates a lively atmosphere, contrasting with the lush greens of the forest.
To meet the energy needs of the structure and equipment, solar panels, inverters, and a battery system are predominantly employed, as the energy requirement is not demanding.
Within Maativan, you will find four bedrooms, courtyards, and communal spaces, each showcasing distinct natural materials and recycled elements like wheels and glass bottles, adding an artistic touch to the environment.
The interplay of light and shadow further enhances the ethereal ambiance. The four bedrooms are strategically positioned to offer privacy and breathtaking views of the expansive forest.
These spaces are infused with vibrant hues and natural light, harmoniously blending with the architectural narrative of Maativan.
Maativan’s design is driven by climatology, ensuring that natural light and ventilation are prioritized to create a comfortable built environment. To reduce heat gain, mud walls are strategically placed towards the south, while the roof’s slope towards the north minimizes exposure to the south, thus preserving the surrounding ecology. The courtyards surrounding the existing trees within the built spaces and passages also play a crucial role in creating a naturally lit and well-ventilated space.
By strategically positioning openings, prevailing cross ventilation patterns are harnessed, and a low-energy mechanical ventilation technology, inspired by local polyhouse farm practices, is utilized. Additionally, a low energy cooling system is planned for all living spaces, which draws in cooled air through wet cellulose pads with the assistance of an exhaust. This effectively cools the ambient temperature within the spaces.
Maativan’s dedication to sustainability is evident in their reliance on natural materials and utilization of traditional methods, which avoids energy-intensive manufacturing processes. This thoughtful selection of materials not only aligns with environmental principles but also provides effective insulation, ensuring comfort regardless of the changing seasons.
The architectural structure, comprising of mud walls, stone walls, bamboo and wood roofs, lime plasters, and the use of recycled materials, showcases a strong connection to local traditions and a commitment to minimizing environmental impact.
The involvement of local labor and artisans, along with the incorporation of vernacular ancient Indian construction techniques, further enhances the project’s cultural authenticity. The architectural ethos of Maativan also embraces a conscientious approach to recycling, ingeniously integrating discarded tires, glass bottles, waste reinforcement, waste glass, and terracotta into the framework. By adhering to principles of recycling, reusing, and upcycling, Maativan not only reduces waste but also transforms it into integral, artistic, and functional components.
The natural building’s material palette consists of locally sourced materials and low embodied energy natural building materials. The structural building elements are made of wood, soil, and stone, all harvested from the site. The main structural members and roof are constructed using wood and structural bamboo. Load bearing walls are made of cob walls with locally available additives and basalt stone random rubble walls.
The cob walls are carefully composed of a blend of soil, rice husk, hirda (myrobalan seeds) water, neem water, and starch water. Kota stone is utilized to create decorative patterns in the partitions between spaces, allowing for visual or physical separations based on spatial requirements. Lime plaster, consisting of lime, fly ash, surkhi (burnt brick powder), sand, and linseed oil with colored stainers, adds a vibrant color palette to the space. The flooring is the traditional IPS flooring with unique colored pigments that has been used for a long time. Built-in furniture in this uniquely curved structure is made of locally sourced bamboo mixed with mud and lime, using the wattle and daub technique.
The combination of these materials not only enhances the strength of the walls but also plays a significant role in promoting a more sustainable indoor environment, in line with modern principles of sustainability.
Maativan stands as a prime illustration of contemporary sustainable construction, embodying the principles of conscientious architectural evolution. This is achieved through the clever combination of local materials, innovative recycling methods, and the careful utilization of region-specific construction techniques.
The design of the structure incorporates passive energy conservation techniques, as well as active water management, solid waste management, and solar technologies.
The washrooms are designed with open courts or overlooking the natural landscape, creating a barrier between the outside world and the serene atmosphere within.
Maativan’s biophilic design goes beyond architectural limits, showcasing a seamless fusion of innovation, cultural awareness, and environmental responsibility.
Fact FileDesigned by: Blurring Boundaries
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Maativan
Location: Mumbai, India
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 6000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Shriya Parasrampuria & Prashant Dupare
Junior Architects: Viral Gala
Photograph Courtesy: Inclined Studio
Firm’s Website Link: Blurring Boundaries
Firm’s Instagram Link: Blurring Boundaries
Firm’s Facebook Link: Blurring Boundaries
For Similar Project >>> Wood, Greige, and Beige Subtly Dominate this Residence in Bangalore
“Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]
In Tiruppur’s industrial heartland, where the rhythm of textile mills sets the tone, the layered architecture in this Villa offers a quiet counterpoint. Shaped by stillness, proportion, and cultural memory, the home reflects the clients’ vision for a contemplative retreat. Set on a square plot within a gridded residential layout, the residence embraces architectural restraint […]
Nestled in what was once a coconut orchard, Sanctum serves as a sanctuary for a retired couple. Their daughter & a feline companion join them to offer a tranquil environment for everyday goings-on. The site is a 60’ x 90’ portion of land with six coconut trees. Two teak wood & silver oak trees, each […]
Tucked into the calm, tree-lined lanes of Nagarbhavi in Bangalore, Avani Residence rises as a poetic response to the chaos of the city, a vertical sanctuary where light dances, materials breathe, and space unfolds in gentle rhythms. Designed by Archemist Architects for a family of four, the residence is a nuanced interplay between constraint and […]
The designers envision Asterix Café as a flagship destination that challenges café design conventions. While coffee culture often associates with warm, pastel tones, Asterix dares to be different by embracing darkness as its defining aesthetic. Designed by UrbanNest Design Studio, the bespoke cafe is a bold experiment in creating a multi-functional, community centric space where […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
Situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Anandvan residence beautifully embodies biophilic design, fostering a deep connection with nature through its thoughtful integration of outdoor and indoor spaces through open courtyards. Open Courtyards And A Biophilic Design Connect The Outdoors With The Indoors | R+R Architects Location The location and surroundings played a significant role in determining the […]
What if the simplest object in your home could turn into a design icon? Tectona Grandis Furniture and The Architects’ Diary come together to introduce the Chair Affair. This is India’s first-of-its-kind furniture design competition that dares architects and designers across India to rethink the most essential piece of furniture – the Chair. Beyond function, […]
In a calm and serene residential area of Mysore, a 10,000 sq. ft. site with mature mango and coconut trees set the stage for Eden Kindergarten school. One half of the land was already occupied by an existing block, while the other half was shaded by the canopy of old trees. Instead of altering this […]
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 […]