This modern house by the lake is inspired by traditional Wada architecture while incorporating contemporary aesthetics and functionality. Embracing nature, the architectural design reflects cultural heritage, technological advancements, and natural surroundings. With its exposed brick exterior, central courtyard, landscaping, a swimming pool by the lake, and a narrow alley entrance reminiscent of old Wadas, this residence harmonises historical architecture with modern living.
Editor’s Note: “Emerging from the bank of the lake, this house by Studio Prakriya is inspired by traditional Wada Architecture. Serenity flows throughout the house with its harmonious blend of cultural, technological, and nature-inspired design. By incorporating earthy hues in and out, the design slowly merges back into the surrounding nature, creating a placid personal sanctuary.” ~ Rajvi Dedakiya
This house by the lake is Inspired by Wada Architecture | Studio Prakriya
Wada houses, traditional in Maharashtra, India, are also known for their robust construction and inward-facing design centered around a courtyard, fostering social interaction and climate protection. Moreover, adapting this classic design for a modern residence involved retaining the Wada’s essence while addressing contemporary needs.
The client’s deep connection to his ancestral Wada, now demolished, brings emotional depth to the design process. Additionally, it was crucial to evoke nostalgia and honor his heritage.
The house features a substantial façade of exposed brick, providing visual continuity with traditional Wadas and utilizing locally sourced materials. This choice offers thermal mass for regulating internal temperatures.
The exterior’s fortress-like appearance contrasts with the openness of the interior, characteristic of modern design. Entering through a narrow alley, visitors experience an intimate transition from the outside. Inside, open spaces with large glass walls and folding doors connect the indoors to the lake.
The central courtyard serves as a focal point while allowing natural light to flood the home and enhancing the connection to nature. The design carefully considers human scale, ensuring functional and comfortable spaces.
Elements like doorways and ceiling heights create intimacy, reflecting the human-centric approach of traditional Wada architecture.
Two landscaped courts separate bedrooms from living areas, acting as natural buffers. These spaces integrate seamlessly with the architecture, enhancing tranquillity. Mature trees provide privacy and shade, enriching the home’s environmental quality.
The design thoughtfully integrates the house with its lakeside setting. Large windows and terraces offer unobstructed views, creating a dialogue between indoor and outdoor spaces. The combination of robust exposed brick with light, reflective interiors maximizes natural light while providing lake views.
A small swimming pool at the lake’s edge not only adds modern luxury but also maintains harmony with the environment, offering a relaxing space for family enjoyment.
Incorporating modern sustainability practices while honoring traditional roots, the house features a rainwater collection system for efficient water management. Moreover, advanced insulation and smart climate control systems enhance natural ventilation and passive cooling.
This modern lakeside house transcends mere residential structure; it reinterprets traditional Wada architecture, blending historical reverence with contemporary innovation. The exposed brick, central courtyard, and landscaped courts reflect a balance between past and present.
Thus by integrating natural elements with sustainable practices, the house pays homage to its roots while addressing modern living demands, serving as a heartfelt tribute to the client’s cherished ancestral Wada memories.
Fact File
Designed by: Studio Prakriya
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Habitat by The Lake
Location: Satara, Maharashtra
Year Built: 2024
Project Size: 5000 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Pratik Devi
Design Team: Pratik Devi, Swanand Kulkarni, Karan Ahire, Vedant Kadam, Tejas Joshi & Isha Pattewar
Photograph Courtesy: Pranit Bora & Manthan Yadav
Manufacturers: Tata Steel
Landscape Architecture: Studio 23N|72E
Structural Engineer: Vijay Devi
Technical Team: Narendra Pansare, Tejas Joshi
Landscape Architects: Dhara and Nishant Mittal
Source: ArchDaily
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio Prakriya
For Similar Project>> This Six Bedroom House Design Offers an Experience That is Refined
Layers don’t just sit here; they breathe, shift, and whisper through light. The Screen, set in the sun-drenched fabric of Solapur, Maharashtra, isn’t trying to scream luxury. It doesn’t need to. It moves quieter than that, more composed, more intentional, like a pause button carved into the chaos of the city. Spread across 4,125 sq. […]
This project is located in Ben Tre, Vietnam, and was completed in 2021. With a total area of 430m2, the project set within concrete vaults includes 3 bedrooms and one living room, each with a view of the nearby river. Concrete Vaults Form The Main Identity Of This Vietnamese Home | VTN Architects The ground […]
We conceive EMA not as a conventional architectural object, but as a living continuum of memory, ecology, and craft. Located in Malappuram, Kerala, the 1,700 sq. ft. residence, designed with thermal comfort draws from vernacular wisdom and the philosophy of the Kaavu—the sacred grove—where humans, nature, and other living beings coexist without hierarchy. Within this […]
Set within the lush landscapes of Bharanikavu in Kollam, Arcade – a single storey residence that blends tropical modern architecture with colonial and traditional elements. Designed for a businessman, his wife (a teacher) and their two daughters, this house showcases a shared interest for elegance rooted in familiarity. This Single Storey Home Sits Amidst Lush […]
Noah’s Ark is a contemporary residence designed as a calm and welcoming home with a clear planning. The client’s brief was to create a home that felt simple, warm, and timeless without becoming overly minimal or impersonal. Noah’s Ark responds by blending clear planning, honest materials, and personal elements, resulting in a house that is […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
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 […]