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
Editor’s Note: Some places feel rooted because they belong to their surroundings rather than trying to stand apart from them. Coffee Sangam in Andhra Pradesh takes this approach through a raw, tactile palette of brick, stone, teak, and mild steel. The random rubble compound wall extends the landscape into the architecture, while the Corten steel […]
Envisioned as a contemporary home rooted in Indian sensibilities, this residence sits on a south-facing urban plot. The design accommodates the evolving lifestyle of a multi-generational family. The project integrates architecture and interiors to create functional, climate-responsive, and emotionally connected spaces. Each level balances privacy with interaction. The design also allows flexibility for changing family […]
Editorial Note: Some homes are shaped by the memories, objects, and stories their residents carry with them. Ungana in Chennai, meaning “merge” in Swahili, brings together a well-travelled family’s collection of antiques and everyday rituals within a narrow urban plot. A double-height living space becomes the heart of the home, connecting the kitchen and dining […]
House of the Framed Atrium explores how a contemporary home can revolve around light, connection, and shared experiences. The design follows the ideas of a Living Atrium, Living with Nature, Framed Volumes, Vertical Living, and Timeless Materiality. The residence connects a sequence of interconnected spaces around a dramatic triple-height atrium. The atrium forms the heart […]
A Mock-up That Became a Home – For an architecture practice, a mock-up often helps test an idea before the team translates it into a larger project. It allows architects to work at full scale, examine materials and construction techniques, and understand their limitations. The process also gives them room to test different brick bonds and […]
The house began not with a formal brief, but with a conversation about the kind of life the clients hoped to build within it. Set between the denser urban fabric of Kannur and the quieter residential landscapes of North Kerala, the project responds to a desire for openness and connection. At the same time, the […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
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 […]