search
  • This Indian Farmhouse is Retrieved from an Old Wada (Mansion) | Environ Planners

    The evolution of the first phase of this Indian farmhouse is retrieved from an old wada (mansion), set around a series of arches and preserved by the architect for over two decades.

    Editor’s Note: “The ruggedness of the stone, harmonized with the warmth of terracotta and wood, evokes a sense of comfort and serenity. Inspired by Nashik’s local architecture, this dwelling offers a truly refined escape. Embracing the 3Rs concept, the design masterfully balances traditional elements with modern necessities.” ~Simran Khare

    This Indian Farmhouse is Retrieved from an Old Wada (Mansion) | Environ Planners

    indian farmhouse

    Off the main city roads of Nashik, an inconspicuous little path branches off unexpectedly towards a dam and a dense clump of trees beyond. There is nothing to indicate to an average passerby what lies beyond this otherwise modest countryside.

    A Space For The Architect’s Family

    However, to those who know their way, this path only serves as a build up to the little hideout that lies beyond; a personal space for the architects’ family. For the first time visitor who trudges over the dam and makes way through the wooded surrounds, it is ambiguity at its best.

    Finally, the sloping stone walls of the Indian farmhouse emerge from the earth, beckoning the visitor inside.

    indian farmhouse

    Amidst Nature

    The sounds of chirping birds and humming bees, the slope of the sheltering roof and a touch of the cool terracotta floor under one’s feet create the perfect entrance transition and draw you into the courtyard at the heart of the space.

    The lotus court draws you in further with its tranquil aura. The court on either side craft a tapestry of light and shade. The utter simplicity of the plan doubles the impact.

    indian farmhouse

    The distinction generated by the roughness of the stones with the warmth of terracotta and wood, the sharp edges of gravel softened by the tenderness of natural leaves and the calmness of water; all add up to a innate sense of positivity and harmony.

    indian farmhouse

    The spaces framed by these arches are notable for the absence of formal walls, doors and windows, allowing for a seamless visual and physical connect between the covered and uncovered spaces.

    A Reflection Of Local Architecture

    Built on the principles of sustainable architecture and minimalist living, the design is a reflection of local architecture and conducive to the composite climate of the region.

    indian farmhouse

    A water harvesting pond connected to percolation pits and trenches in the bare ground helps recycle water on site. Solar panels finds its purpose in water heating and part of other electrical consumption.

    indian farmhouse

    Material Choice

    The stone used in the masonry work has been quarried from a well dug on the site itself. The otherwise arid and barren piece of land was transformed by planting a mixed culture of around 5000 medicinal, flowering and fruit bearing trees; giving life to a forest, creating a microcosm conducive to providing a home to birds and other organisms.

    indian farmhouse

    A building is like a growing organism. There is a constant growth; with time ideas and requirements evolve, which ultimately reflects in the architecture.

    A Weekend Getaway

    After nearly two decades, the farmhouse has transformed from a weekend getaway to a home for the architects’ family, with a new identity, a way of living closer to the nature – with trees, insects, snakes, dogs, cats and everything that comes along with it.

    indian farmhouse

    Luckily, around this period, the architect was able to procure the remains of another dilapidated Wada.

    The retrieved brackets, beams, columns, every piece of the wood were salvaged, assembled and reused while maintaining the design language of the original farmhouse.

    indian farmhouse

    To suffice the changing needs, there is an addition of modern touches with dressed basalt stone masonry and puff insulated sheet roofing laid over with PV cells.

    indian farmhouse

    The concept of 3R’s

    Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, formed the gist of this project while conserving and preserving materials from the two Wadas. A placid swimming pool rests outside, merging beautifully with the surroundings.

    indian farmhouse

    This farmhouse is symbolic of all the things the architects’ family loves and respects. The elements of nature – a piece of sky, touch of the earth, access to wind and the presence of water are all nurtured here.

    Functionally it is a multi-utility space, serving as a home to unwind and entertain. The space is designed to welcome all seasons and the bounties they bring.

    indian farmhouse

    Above all, it is a melting pot for different ideologies on art, architecture and life itself.

    Fact File

    Designed by: Environ Planners

    Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

    Project Name: A Farmhouse At Mahiravani

    Location: Nashik, Maharashtra, India

    Year Built: 2004 – 2021

    Project Size: 5920 Sq.ft

    Principal Architects: Ar. Sanjay Patil & Ar. Anagha Patil

    Team Design Credits: Ar. Jahnvi Sanap & Suyash Deshmukh

    Photograph Courtesy: Ar. Deepshika Jain, Ar. Atul Kanetkar, PHX India & Pritesh Patil

    Consultants for the Project: Structural consultants: Er. Jayant Bhinge, Er. Sanjay Ratnaparkhi and Er. Satish Patanka / Carpentry: Bhalerao, Rahul Kularia / Plumbing consultant: Er. Milind Shete / HVAC consultant: Er. Sachin Save / Site engineer: Er. Rajesh Patil, Er.  Rajesh Kadam

    Firm’s Website Link: Environ Planners

    Firm’s Instagram Link: Environ Planners

    For Similar Project >>> An Earthen House On A Forestry Farm In Coimbatore

    A Colonial House in Delhi Is Turning Heads For Its Country Style Grandeur | groupDCA

    Editors’ Note – This colonial house in Delhi carries an ambience of grandeur, infused with the elegance of Victorian-style colonialism. Expansive living, dining, and kitchen areas open into light-filled spaces framed by large glazing that connect seamlessly to the surrounding landscape. Inside, tropical interiors with bold geometry add a contemporary layer of comfort. The residence […]

    Read More

    This Hilltop House in Indore Is Redefining Aesthetically Refined Living | OutsideIn Consultants

    “Hilltop House” is envisioned as a contemporary yet context-sensitive residential project that harmonizes architecture and interior design to create a sanctuary perched on a scenic elevation. The design will respond directly to the topography, climate, and panoramic views, while delivering a highly functional, comfortable, and aesthetically refined living environment. This Hilltop House in Indore Is […]

    Read More

    This Sloping Roof House In Kerala Is A Sensitive Reinterpretation Of Memory & Material | PATH

    In the layered urban grain of Manjeri, the Timeless House reimagines a 1970s sloping roof residence through careful transformation. It’s a home that doesn’t shout for attention, but quietly repositions itself within its time and place, a sensitive reinterpretation of memory, material, and movement. Originally built in 1972, the house was structurally sound, featuring load-bearing […]

    Read More

    In This Rustic Farmhouse in Hyderabad, Time Pauses and Light Dances | Sona Reddy Studio

    Editor’s Note: There’s something truly special about homes crafted with thought and care—where every corner and detail speaks to its users, becoming part of their memories. For siblings Akhila and Kaushik, Sona Reddy Studio brought this vision to life in One Summer House, a rustic farmhouse tucked within the vibrant city of Hyderabad. Designed with […]

    Read More

    Golden Accents Stand Out in the Interiors of This Noida Bungalow | Axiom Design Studio

    This southwest-facing bungalow, with golden accents in its interiors, is a refined expression of contextual and climate-responsive modern architecture. The home embraces its orientation with an intelligent façade design that balances aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. With the sun’s harshest rays hitting the structure in the latter half of the day, the architects incorporated a […]

    Read More

    This North Facing House Exudes Gentle Luxury | VPA Architects

    This North Facing villa opens towards the East to always soak in the cool and diffused light. Its orientation is mindful of the adjoining clubhouse and its expansive garden. The planning allows the villa’s private lawn to visually merge with it, creating a larger and cohesive space. With a connection to the open space at […]

    Read More

    The Jaali Design in this Layered Home Exudes Earthiness | Pranav Patel Design Studio

    An Urban Sanctuary Woven with Craft, Warmth, and Light Explicitly tucked into a quiet residential pocket, this home with a jaali facade is a thoughtfully layered expression of calm, character, and craftsmanship. Every surface and corner is rooted in intention — where light, material, and memory meet. The Jaali Design in this Layered Home Exudes […]

    Read More

    This Residence Embraces Tradition with Stone Clad Walls | Gaurav Deore Architects

    Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]

    Read More

    Farmhouse Designs in India: 15 Inspiring Styles To Know

    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 […]

    Read More

    This Tropical Home Design Features A Striking Sloped Terracotta Roof In Kerala | Vriksha Architects

    Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]

    Read More
  • Our Sustainable Office Space Is A Reflection Of Our Studio’s Principles Of Reuse | Sampratyay 2.0

    Green Innovations: Using Green Floral Foam for Sustainable Arrangements