Alaya is a picturesque rustic retreat located in the serene hills of Lavasa, Maharashtra. This charming property underwent an extensive renovation aimed at transforming it into a haven of comfort and simplicity. The primary goal of the farmhouse project was to create inviting spaces that feel cozy while adhering to environmentally conscious practices. By sourcing materials from within a 50-kilometer radius, the renovation minimizes the carbon footprint, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainability.
Editor’s Note: “At Alaya, where hills rise to the sky, a haven of comfort and simplicity mimics nature’s breath. Local stone from the countryside merges, minimalism and appeal artfully extend. Staircases rise through shade and illumination, warmth, and earth in a perfect harmony. Across all corners, nature’s character appears, its primitive beauty beckons the senses closer.” ~Baarat Krishna
This Rustic Retreat is Inviting, Cozy and Environmentally Conscious | Volume Design
Nestled on the edge of a steep slope, the farmhouse features a unique entrance on the first floor. It requires visitors to descend a central staircase to access the lower levels. The innovative layout allows for a deliberate division of spaces based on their intended use.
The arrangement of the public areas, such as the living room, dining room, kitchen, and guest bedrooms, are on the first floor to enhance social interaction. In contrast, more private spaces, including bedrooms and personal retreats, are on the lower levels, fostering tranquility and privacy for the occupants.
One of the standout design features of this rustic retreat is the reoriented entry point. Guests are invited to stroll through a beautifully landscaped garden, which creates a natural journey before arriving at the main door. Along the way, they encounter a stunning viewpoint that overlooks the majestic mountains, intentionally designed to evoke a sense of anticipation and connection to the surrounding landscape.
Upon entering the farmhouse, visitors are greeted by an impressive double-height space that flows between the living area and dining room, complete with an adjoining balcony that invites natural light and airiness into the home.
The central staircase, framed by a robust basalt stone wall, serves as a striking focal point within this space. Crowned by a custom-made chandelier, the scale of the entrance area creates a sense of visual drama and luxuries, making the house feel opulent while remaining warm and inviting.
Honesty of materials was a key factor in the design approach for Alaya. The architects prioritized the use of natural materials that possess inherent colors and textures, steering clear of synthetic alternatives. This focus on authenticity fosters a genuine connection between the interior spaces and the surrounding environment.
Furthermore, to enhance the experience, large openings were integrated throughout the house to facilitate the movement of air and natural light. Thanks to the site’s northern aspect, expansive windows, overhangs, and balconies were strategically positioned to draw in inspiring views of the hills while allowing soft, glare-free light to illuminate the interiors.
Additionally, the southern side of the property features a beautifully designed garden that provides shade, allowing for larger openings throughout the house without overheating during the summer months.
Overall, this careful consideration of orientation and landscaping ensures optimal comfort and facilitates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Understanding the clients’ desire for an entertaining space, additionally the design includes a flat lawn area perfect for gatherings. To achieve this, the natural angle of repose of the soil was strengthened through stone pitching. By seamlessly integrating these elements, the design creates a stunning and functional space for social events.
During the monsoon season, a serene waterfall cascades gracefully along the property’s boundary. To capitalize on this natural feature, a thoughtfully positioned swimming pool was created. From this vantage point, visitors not only enjoy the soothing sounds of the waterfall but also take in breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the mountains. Moreover, this thoughtful integration creates a harmonious blend of nature and luxury.
Alaya stands as a model of sustainable design, showcasing a seamless integration with nature, a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Through its enduring commitment to harmony with the environment, Alaya not only blends into its surroundings but also invites guests to experience the serenity and beauty of nature firsthand.
Fact File
Designed by: Volume Design
Project Type: Restoration/Renovation
Project Name: Alaya
Location: Lavasa, Maharashtra
Year Built: 2021
Duration of the project: June 2020- December 2021
Plot Area: 32000 Sq.ft
Project Size: 6000 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Harshad Bhagwat
Design Credits: Mahesh Yadav
Photograph Courtesy: hemant.patil.photographer
Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Asian Paints / Lighting – Hybec Lights / Doors and Partitions – Tostem / Sanitaryware – Jaquar / Windows – Tostem / Furniture – Furnitech / Kitchen – Hettich / Paint – Asian Paints / Hardware – Hettich
The Firm’s Website Link: Volume Design
Firm’s Instagram Link: Volume Design
Firm’s Facebook Link: Volume Design
For Similar Project >> This 1800 sqft House is Robust and Resilient
Located in the coastal village of Pererenan, Bali, House Terra is a contemporary response to tropical living, designed by Biombo Architects as a family retreat. The project balances built space and landscape, creating a strong connection between architecture and nature while offering shelter from the island’s monsoon climate. Editor’s Note: “House Terra, more than a […]
Located on a 15′ x 95′ ancestral plot in a pal village, Surat, India, this residence is designed for a multi-generational family of seven. This minimal home interior design solves light and space challenges within a narrow plot. The family wanted to stay connected with their community and preserve their cultural roots. The site has […]
“The sky’s ever-changing canvas, painted with hues of blues at dawn and greys and blacks at dusk, seamlessly weaves itself into the very fabric of this home’s architecture and interior.” Located in a comparatively narrow lane of bungalow plots, this modern exterior house design borrows its modern straight-line form and color from the sky. A […]
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 […]
The residence is sensitively designed and compatible with the neighborhood. Distinct from neighboring structures, the building creates a strong relationship to the streets by virtue of its large windows in facades. While there are dramatic and larger scale elements that define the building, it is also broken down into comprehensible human scale blocks with an […]
This contemporary residence, covering 7500 square feet, combines modern design with timeless elegance to create a peaceful and luxurious retreat within a busy urban environment. The home is built around large frames that open up to nature, blending the interior with its surroundings. The design focuses on craftsmanship and harmony, making the simple contemporary house […]
Imagine walking into a sunlit room with high ceilings, warm wooden floors, and a view of a leafy courtyard. How do you feel? Calm? Inspired? At ease? That’s not just your mood—it’s your brain responding to the space around you. Neuroarchitecture is an evolving domain that merges the understanding of neuroscience, psychology, and architecture to […]
Architecture is more than just the construction of buildings, it is a reflection of our values, art, culture, and society. It is a movement towards new, promising, and philosophical design strategies. One such movement that significantly influenced the architectural landscape is Postmodernism architecture. In this research article, readers will find a comprehensive guide for Postmodernism […]
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. […]