The way we design spaces that people inhabit goes beyond mere functionality. It requires an intentional sensitivity to how each detail shapes the overall experience and interaction with the surrounding ecological context. Nestled in the suburban periphery of Nashik, the project occupies a 3700 sq. ft. plot located at the dead-end of a street, adjacent to a public open space. Before any construction began, the first step was to transform the degraded landscape to the east of the site into a thriving forest, using native plant species and adopting a multilayered planting approach. Drawing inspiration from traditional Maharashtrian houses, the design centers around a carefully planned courtyard.
This Dwelling Is A Contemporary Take On Traditional Maharashtrian Houses | RM+H Architects
Grown from the earth and heritage, this home showcases the essence of Maharashtrian heritage. Strategically placed at the western rear end of the site, the courtyard maximizes wind capture.
A small water body within the courtyard enhances evaporative cooling, improving the thermal comfort of the structure. The courtyard also acts as a large rainwater harvesting tank, channeling water towards the borewell to recharge the groundwater.
The primary habitable spaces are buffered by transitional areas that serve as overlaps between public and private zones.
Thoughtfully designed verandas provide thermal buffering, preventing direct sunlight from reaching the living spaces.
The ground floor prioritizes accessibility, with a bedroom for grandparents located on this level. The living area incorporates a double-height space to allow hot air to escape, while also establishing a visual connection between the two floors.
The floor plan avoids unnecessary programmatic segregation. The living, dining, and kitchen areas are interconnected and oriented toward the central courtyard.
Bedrooms are placed at the periphery to take advantage of natural light and views, while maintaining privacy. Service areas are compactly organized to minimize movement and streamline plumbing runs, ensuring efficiency throughout the home.
The first-floor features high ceilings to facilitate natural ventilation, with intentional gaps between the roof and walls to allow hot air to rise and escape. A library shelf on the western wall of the first floor incorporates a thicker wall to mitigate the harsh western sun. The covered terrace on the first floor is positioned at the eastern end, benefiting from the adjacent open space and the softer eastern sun.
The house features a raw finish in the flooring, using cement oxide mixed with titanium dioxide for a natural yet durable surface. The masonry construction employs a rat-trap bond, which not only conserves brick usage but also creates a cavity in the walls, improving insulation.
Landscaping plays a vital role, with permeable ground surfaces that aid in groundwater recharge. The planting strategy minimizes the need for maintenance and irrigation. The team trains climbers and creepers on structural elements, especially on the southern façade, to reduce surface temperatures.
The structure, along with its design, places a strong emphasis on enhancing thermal comfort while minimizing reliance on mechanical and electronic ventilation systems. By prioritizing natural ventilation and passive cooling strategies, the design fosters a comfortable and sustainable living environment. It also responds to the surrounding climate without excessive energy consumption.
Fact File
Designed by: RM+H Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: RMH House & Studio
Location: Nashik, Maharashtra
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 2020-2023
Project Size: 3400 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. Ritwik Butte, Ar. Hemant Butte & Ar. Megha Butte
Photograph Courtesy: Vikrant Dashputre Photography
Structure Engineers: Deltacom Pvt. Ltd.
Contractors: Mr. Santosh Beldar
Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Lime Plaster / Construction Materials – Brick / Sanitaryware – Jaguar / Windows – Teak Wood / Furniture – Teak Wood / Flooring – Cement Oxide Flooring
Firm’s Website Link: RM+H Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link: RM+H Architects
For Similar Project>>> This Aesthetic Courtyard House With Lush Landscape Design Offers A Calm Aura To The Users
The way we design spaces that people inhabit goes beyond mere functionality. It requires an intentional sensitivity to how each detail shapes the overall experience and interaction with the surrounding ecological context. Nestled in the suburban periphery of Nashik, the project occupies a 3700 sq. ft. plot located at the dead-end of a street, adjacent […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
In a time when design is often reduced to trends, Yaahvi’s light design stands as a reminder of tactility, tradition, and craftsmanship. Founded by Nikita Bansal, who journeyed from Assam to the global design stage, champions a philosophy where contemporary aesthetics meet age-old Indian craftsmanship. In this exclusive interview, Nikita reflects on her early influences, […]
India, a nation bustling with innovation and a constant drive for progress, is increasingly embracing an unconventional yet incredibly promising architectural trend: container architecture. We are witnessing a fascinating transformation, as discarded shipping containers, once traversing the high seas laden with goods, now find new life as dynamic, sustainable, and surprisingly sophisticated living and working […]
This bungalow style house influences the site context and can be visualised in multiple facades of sharp edges & cuboidal form. Her,e salient features like U-Projection are an expression of the bench on a level one. The house divides itself into three bays. On the ground floor, where first bay acquire all public activities like […]
Imagine yourself on the terrace of your hidden mountain retreat, drinking a fresh cup of coffee as you admire the sunrise emerging from behind the rolling hills across the valley. This serene atmosphere is exactly what Hello Wood’s latest project, the Console House, is designed to offer. The Console House showcases modern architecture design while […]
As cities continue to grow and evolve, there is a growing desire to incorporate elements of rural living into urban design. By embracing rural living principles, cities can create more eco-friendly and sustainable spaces. Rural living is not just about wide-open spaces and rolling hills. It’s also about community, sustainability, and a connection to nature. […]
Located in the thriving city of Ichalkaranji, this is an example of luxury residences is a seamless blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. The striking exterior, adorned with brick and natural stone cladding, exudes warmth, character, and permanence. These rich textures create a visually captivating façade, harmonizing tradition with contemporary design while making a […]
Throughout history, stone has embodied permanence, artistry, and raw beauty in architecture. From the grandeur of Roman amphitheaters to the earthy elegance of modern villas, stone remains a beloved material for its strength, sustainability, and aesthetic richness. As design trends evolve toward natural materials, eco-conscious decisions, and biophilic design, stone has found new expressions — […]
The space adopts a biophilic office design and climate-responsive approach, creating a workspace that reimagines urban interiors by deeply embedding them with nature. The style is earthy, minimal, and modern with a strong contextual sensitivity to its location. Also, a lush canopy surrounds the bare-shell site on the first floor, allowing for abundant daylight and […]