Farm House In Mumbai Responds To Its Context And Ecology | The Vrindavan Project
This building is a private residence at an organic farm located in rural Maharashtra, near the city of Mumbai. The site is eleven acres in size, undulating with steep contours and terraces. The lack of locally available skilled masons in the area posed quite a challenge. We responded to these circumstances by taking on the contractor’s role ourselves, working directly with villagers from the nearest settleent. To our delight the enthusiasm displayed by these locals was extraordinary.
Visit: The Vrindavan Project
In order to provide structural integrity, allowing for the building to be disaster resistant; this building’s rammed earth foundation is capped with a plinth beam, tying the whole base together. A water channel moat is integrated with the foundation to provide cooling, and insulate the home from infestations; while also serving as a beautiful water body.
All load bearing walls for the building are created using compressed earth, just as in the foundation. These walls are rammed by hand, in-situ using a shuttering assembly, which is easily assembled and dismantled. This shuttering is designed to create any size of wall using only a single apparatus, in turn minimizing equipment and thereby costs of construction related infrastructure. A wall panel of 8ft x 8ft and 9″ inches in thickness can be rammed into place in a single day. Since this entire operation requires only human energy, and basic raw materials, such a method is naturally low in carbon footprint, as well as economically feasible. The building is a load bearing structure and the entire roof of this home is supported by these earth walls alone.
Where concrete slabs are necessary in the roof, inverted terracotta pots have been cast into the slab. These create hollow fillers in a normal slab thickness, minimizing concrete content. These earthen pots are standard locally available sizes, which are retained in the ceiling, visible from below. This method creates a waffle effect in the slab that is aesthetically unique, and drastically reduces the dead load of the structure, as embodied concrete quantity is minimal.
The primary volume of this home has omitted the use of concrete altogether, by spanning a brick vault, which removes steel from the equation while reducing cement content to create a stable roof. Apart from the natural beauty of such a form, this vault provides for ventilation and illumination of the space. Owing to the large thickness of the vault’s section; contained spaces are naturally cooler, reducing electricity consumption over the building’s lifespan.
All doors, windows and load bearing columns are sourced as recycled materials, salvaged from demolished mansions at the Karaikkudi town of Tamil Nadu. Timber can be considered as one of the few truly renewable construction materials available, with the added benefit of carbon sequestration over the lifespan of said tree. Therefore, the incorporation re-used timber is a double bonus in terms of sustainability quotients and embodied energy efficiency of the building.
Integrated with other landscape elements, we decided to attempt an innovation of the region’s traditional roof form as well, using locally acquired timber with standard Mangalore tiles. Taking the form of a gazebo, designed as five interlocking pyramid structures. This well-ventilated outdoor space is open on all four sides. Providing ample recreation area, the feature serves as an extension of the home’s living area while providing much needed shade for swimming pool related activity.
The retaining wall built with random rubble stone masonry for this contoured site, is designed to double up as a seating and barbecue fire-place in some areas, or act as a serving counter and washing platform in other segments, and ultimately turning into an access staircase to the site. A swimming pool made primarily of local stone has been built with buttress walls, retaining water just as in vernacular step wells. The large surface area of the tank harvests vast amounts of rainfall, while serving as a farming water reservoir for dry spells. Overflow of this pool fills the house moat, and feeds plantations thereafter, using only gravity for circulation.
Fact File:
Design Firm’s Name: The Vrindavan Project
Project Name: Farm House, India
Architect: Ranjeet Mukherjee
Interior Designer: Shreenu Mukherjee
Client Name: Anil Bhatia
Project Type: Private, Residential, House, Weekend Retreat
Project Built-up Area: 2000 sq.ft
Project Completion: February 2014
Project Location: Ondhe, Thane, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Project Status: Completed
Photographer: Monika Sathe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The.Vrindavan.Project/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranjeetmukherjee/
https://www.instagram.com/shreenu.mukherjee/
Mango Tree House is an artfully designed personal residence that seamlessly integrates traditional architectural elements with the comforts of modern living, embodying the essence of traditional modern home design. Some houses are more than just structures; they hold stories, memories, and a deep connection to the land. Mango Tree House is one such space—one that […]
What if the home of the future didn’t have walls? Modern architecture homes aren’t just about aesthetics – it’s a rebellion. A conscious break from tradition. In a world obsessed with innovation, our homes are becoming laboratories of design, sustainability, and radical thought. Modern architecture homes are sharp-edged, glass-wrapped, tech-infused sanctuaries that defy the standard. […]
Located in the heart of Raipur, yet away from the chaos of the central market, is a refined 6200 sq. ft. residence built on a 4000 sq. ft. plot. Rightfully named the ‘House of Grace’, this Raipur home embodies simplicity, sophistication, and tailored luxury. Designed by Piyush and Sonal Agarwal, co-founders and principal architects of […]
When Design meets Excellence. A Luxurious Modern Sustainable Villa in SPA ECOCITY, house designed by Sbaspectra-Formations- a world-class vibrant community with refreshing greenery in Tamilnadu, India. A Sustainable Villa With Contemporary Minimalist Architecture | Sbaspectra-Formations Design Concept This villa is not just about looks; it invites people to relax and to enjoy its exceptional comfort […]
Nestled in the remote village of Chapar, Uttarakhand, a stunning mountain house design seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings while offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. Designed by Ātman Studio, this residence is a testament to thoughtful, context-driven architecture, where every element responds to the land, climate, and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. With […]
Imagine a cozy house design nestled in a serene and blissful environment. The site is uniquely positioned, with roads on two sides and a lush park filled with greenery at the rear. This thoughtful location offers a rare blend of convenience and tranquility, making the residence a perfect marriage of natural living and urban sophistication. […]
Designing a weekend house for a discerning client in Ahmedabad was an exciting challenge. The client, with a strong artistic inclination, sought a blend of a residential block, dining/gym area, entertainment block, and temple, while incorporating three existing structures. Through detailed discussions and site visits, we refined the entry layout, spatial arrangement, materials, lighting, and […]
The house is named “ADVAIT,” which means “UNIQUE” and a strong sense of spirituality. The brief was to design a contemporary design home for a family of six people and their support staff. The concept was based on mandala architecture, which represents the symbol of the universe, a cosmic diagram that functions as a powerful […]
Rasa’s landscape home design is rooted in the interplay of space and memory, fostering a profound connection with outdoor environments. Our approach embraces grandeur, enriched with meticulously designed focal points that evoke emotion and create lasting impressions. Through thoughtful craftsmanship, we shape outdoor spaces that are not only visually compelling but also deeply experiential. Editor’s […]
Duplex home design encompasses a world range of functional sophistication, luxurious aesthetics, and spatial innovations, laying out modern necessities amid a variety of styles and settings. Whether the intention is to plan a dream dwelling or just for inspiration for the next project, this list of stunning duplex homes shall awaken exciting ideas. Each showcased […]