At SHROFFLEoN, we embrace the synergy of materials and character, to adaptively reuse the Lonavala house. Rarely does one get a chance to redesign a house that has a recent memory of its past owners. More reason for the son to keep the homage alive and for us to do justice to the house restoration while keeping the essence alive. The conservationists within us felt a nudge. Adaptive reuse and conservation were the two keywords that came to us instinctively.

Editor’s Note: “An exemplification of adaptive reuse, spatial synergy, and material sensitivity, this Lonavala home not just preserves architecture, but also enriches the life around it. Rather than erasing the past, the home refines it, wrapping it in steel, wood, and warmth. Moreover, this house is a future-forward take on what homes can feel like.” ~ Anusha Sridhar

Adaptive Reuse and House Restoration Keeps The Essence of A Home Alive | SHROFFLEoN

The questions that arose and the ones we attempted to answer thereby:

How do we familiarise new into the existing structure while keeping its character alive?

How do we bring elements such as a greenhouse, a pool, an entrance porch and a semi-open verandah to enhance the experience?

And How do we make it our own?

Restoring Character

We found the building in a derelict state and the first instinct would have been to pull the structure down. However, we took a conscious call to keep the spatial setting as intact as possible while giving it a new character with contemporary materials and an aesthetically pleasing design. One with elements of surprise, richness of materials and an ambience that annotates warmth and a homely environment.

Brutalism and Modern Aesthetics

The functional spaces such as the living rooms, the bedrooms, the kitchen and washrooms stayed where they were however received a complete redesign, spatially and visually. The entire design, internal and external, has been thought through and designed on the lines of brutalist architecture combined with a modern aesthetic, one that is true to its materials, and elements that create a sense of order and cohesion. The design of the building emphasizes the structural and engineering features, rather than decorative design and pose a more functional and practical approach.

The design showcases a visible steel structure and raw stone-clad walls, combined with glass and black aluminium frames. These elements create full-height sliding windows and doors on the ground floor, along with balconies and terraces on the upper floors.

Crafting Coherence and Synergy in the Exterior

The details with which we have designed the skeleton – the frame and the stone wall with the steel structure have been critical in how the exterior appears. It allows the materials to coexist with coherence while giving each other space. These catalysts enhanced the solidness of the old structure, creating synergy and resonance – fragments contributing to the whole.

The design of the porch and verandah with the glass partition and walls allow the living room to be a part of the outside – and vice versa. Through the architectural design of this Lonavala house, we assigned more meaning to each element in the building, accrediting them with different materiality.

The windows jutting out is a classic language that expresses this feature. The walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors each have a unique character assigned with stone, wood, concrete, and steel. Moreover, these materials enhance the individuality of each element, creating a cohesive yet diverse design. Through these characteristics, we aimed to create individualism. At the same time, we ensured that they appeared as a part of the whole.

Refreshing Greenhouse Addition

The greenhouse was a refreshing addition to the rear end of the house that brings natural light into the home. The indirect light filters through the front of the house, warming it during the late evenings. Additionally, cool breezes flow in from the south-west direction, enhancing the atmosphere.

The dining area achieved a character that became fully apparent only after the house was built. It came in as a surprising delight. With the pool on one side and the greenhouse on the other, the dining area receives a tranquil character of charming connectedness and openness. One that every second home requires, aspires and must be endowed.

A Fusion of History, Materiality, and Modern Living

The Lonavala house was one in our portfolio that allowed us to work within the framework we were provided. Furthermore, it enabled us to demonstrate our expertise in the details, material synergies, and designing for modern living. The wall detail brings together the old and new, showcasing a unique implementation of materiality. Furthermore, this is accentuated by the brutalist style, creating a striking contrast. The house has been a refreshing improvement in the before and after. Over the years, we hope it attains more character as the materials age, ultimately embodying a legacy that resonates with both its history and its future.

Fact File

Designed by: SHROFFLEoN

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: House of Material and Character

Location: Outskirts of Mumbai

Year Built: 2024

Duration of the project: 18 Months

Plot Area: 20,000 Sq.ft

Built-up Area: 7000 Sq.ft

Principal Architects: Ar. Kayzad Shroff & Ar. Maria Leon

Team Design Credits: Neviya Kadu & Subhash Solanki

Photograph Courtesy: Ishi Sitwala

Structure Engineers: Devang Sutaria

Landscape Architects: Grade Landscape

Civil: Impex

Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – Rawsteen / Construction Materials – Metal + Concrete / Lighting – NM Illume / Sanitaryware – Grohe / Windows – Porta Fenestra / Furniture – Sarita Handa / Flooring – Rawsteen / Paint – EastWest Painting

Firm’s Website Link: SHROFFLEoN

Firm’s Instagram Link: SHROFFLEoN

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