Raw, earthy and rooted in nature, the Sienna House is a weekend home that draws inspiration from its surrounding. Located 90 km from Mumbai in Khopoli, Maharashtra, the house is perched on a tableland, 1200 ft above sea level, against the backdrop of the Western Ghats. One of the first houses in the upcoming Serenity Villas and Farms development, this house by SAGI Architects is designed to set the architectural character for the rest of the plots. The visual and spatial characteristics of the weekend home creates a sense of openness and transparency that allow its inhabitants to connect with nature.
Editor’s note: Smeared in the colors of its native soil, Sienna House is a treat to all the senses. It receives a constant dose of affection from the astounding nature around it, the vast and deep blue sky, and the grasslands. The through-and-through openness of the spaces makes it taste the flavor of absolute freedom. Immersed in local everything, the design inculcations are physical personifications of a country themed song. ~ Nishal Sevak
The Visual and Spatial Characteristics of the Weekend Home Creates a Sense of Openness | Sagi Architects
The house sits on a portion of land carved out on the 1.5-acre plot – creating a defined, intimate space for the family. A 4 ft-high wall made from the local laterite stones defines the boundary of this ‘plot within a plot.’
Three rectangular masses are arranged on the inner plot to develop a simple layout of three bedrooms, a living area, and a kitchen along with expansive open spaces.
With warm, muted walls and reddish-brown Mangalore tiles, the Sienna House blends effortlessly into its backdrop.
A driveway from the road on the south leads to the entrance of the home, which extends into an expansive 375 sq. ft-pavilion.
This layout is the largest possible configuration of the modular plan. The grid-based layout allows for a similar arrangement that can be replicated on other plots in the development. By eliminating a block or two, the house can be easily configured to design a studio, one- or two-bedroom home.
On the east-west axis of the house are the most intimate spaces – the swimming pool and the deck that tie the rest of the areas together.
To create this modular grid, the house is a composite of pre-fabricated structural steel and load-bearing walls, cutting down on construction costs and time. Built by local villagers, the Sienna House uses locally-sourced materials and construction techniques, providing avenues of work for the locals.
The design uses simple geometry and expansive open spaces to reimagine a pavilion-style home that responds to the climate and site conditions.
The house is envisioned as an inward-looking sanctuary for a family that loves spending time with each other as much as hosting their loved ones. The design strikes a balance between the natural and built spaces.
Flanked by the living room, bedrooms and kitchen – the pavilion houses the dining area and overlooks the pool which doubles as a space for parties and private music events. The staff quarters are located outside the inner plot boundary, ensuring privacy yet proximity to the house.
Bringing the earthy and raw colours and textures indoors, the interiors are furnished with warm hues of yellow, grey and blue. The living room and bedrooms are clutter-free, focusing on the biophilic design elements to foster a connection with nature.
The minimal, English-style furniture is made of natural pinewood as an expression of the client’s fondness for classic pieces. Nature makes its way into every corner of the home.
Full-height windows towards the north and lofty ceilings fill the house with natural light while minimising heat gain and promoting cross-ventilation. Each bathroom extends to a semi-open alley, offering an experience that the city typically does not.
The landscape undertakes a sustainable approach, minimising the need for excessive gardening in a region with a low groundwater table. Local, indigenous shrubs and palms are a part of the inner plot, enveloping the house in greens.
Over a period of time, either natural vegetation or fruit orchards and vegetable gardens will make up the landscape of the rest of the plot. Boulders from a nearby excavation are brought to the site to add to the rustic and raw charm of the house. The Sienna House is an honest manifestation of a weekend retreat that provides open spaces to its inhabitants and a connection to nature.
Fact File
Designed by: Sagi Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Sienna House
Location: Khopoli, Maharashtra
Year Built: August 2022
Duration of the project: January 2021 to August 2022
Plot Area: 1.5 Acres (Approx. 65500 Sq.ft)
Built-up Area: 2500 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Akash Dudhe
Team Design Credits: Ar. Milan Jain & Ar. Ashish Gavand
Photograph Courtesy: Ruhma Ukaye (Instagram)
Photograph Courtesy: Ruhma Ukaye (Website)
Products / Materials / Vendors: Lighting – True Light / Sanitaryware – Hindware, Jaguar/ Furniture – Indoor – Custom Made and Ikea, Outdoor – Higold / Flooring – Stone Casa / Paint – Asian Paints / Artefacts – Golden Triangle
Firm’s Website Link: Sagi Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link: Sagi Architects
Firm’s Facebook Link: Sagi Architects
For Similar Projects >> A House Where Design Can Bring in Lots of Sunshine
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 […]